This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, December 2013 issue.
The Spanish Water Dog is a medium-sized, non-shedding, high-energy dog suited to an active lifestyle. They can be clownish and quirky, with some having a stubborn streak. This breed thrives on human contact and typically forms a strong bond with one person in the family. Often called “Velcro® dogs,” they love participating in family activities and, with proper training, this involvement can be positive and constructive. With vigorous daily exercise, they develop a good “on/off” switch, content to relax. Their temperament is typical of herding breeds, with strong guarding instincts that can be challenging to manage. They may try to control movement and have a high prey drive, requiring careful supervision. Spaniards say these dogs are so dedicated to one owner and flock that they generally won’t work for others, unlike some other herding breeds.
Their loyalty and protective instincts make them wary of strangers extremely intelligent and eager, they can be sound-sensitive, inventive problem solvers, strong-willed, and territorial. Mental stimulation is as important as exercise, and the Spanish Water Dog should be provided with tasks and new learning experiences to prevent it from becoming bored. It is also vitally important that the breeder formulates a strong program for socializing their puppies, and socialization then needs to be continued throughout the entire life of the dog. A Spanish Water Dog may not be the best choice of breed for a first-time or inexperienced dog owner.
Training a Spanish Water Dog
The versatility described in the history of this breed extends to the choices of activities in which Spanish Water Dogs thrive. By nature extremely loyal, intelligent, and athletic, they excel as working and performance dogs and can be found participating with great success in many venues including Herding, Agility, Obedience, Dock Diving, Rally O, and Search and Rescue. While there will, of course, be variation between individuals, SWDs are typically a fairly soft breed best managed through positive training methods. Harsh corrective methods may lead to reactivity and/or task avoidance. Reward and praise-based training will enhance the exceptionally strong natural bond that exists between these dogs and their owners and help to continually build the dog’s self-confidence.
Probably of greatest importance in the early work and training with a Spanish Water Dog puppy is the need for ongoing opportunities for socialization and acclimatization with new people and situations. From an early age and continuing into adulthood, ongoing exposure to many different people and settings is needed to help these dogs develop comfort in being approached and handled by strangers, as well as feeling at ease in unfamiliar surroundings.
Photo by “Paws on the Run Photography.” There are many excellent books and other training resources available describing Clicker Training and other reward-based methods. Foundation work can begin as early as a few weeks of age, but owners are cautioned not to put too much pressure on young puppies. In the early months, focus on interactive play and a positive relationship that will support the more formal training that can begin around six months of age. As they mature, Spanish Water Dogs are highly focused on their owner-handlers and are quick and willing learners.
Training for herding is quite specialized, and owners who wish to pursue this with their dogs are encouraged to find an experienced trainer with a strong reputation for working successfully with diverse herding breeds. Spanish Water Dogs typically herd with an upright and loose-eyed style, and their historical work on small holdings in Spain has resulted in a very capable farm dog.
