I am a new Brittany mother. I just adopted a Brittany spaniel, he's 11 mos. but very mild and well mannered. We've already grown close and he's proven his intelligence when it comes to training with the basics. However he is very unresponsive when called, I've tried clicks, whistles and kissy noises. He's not completely used to his name yet, and I'm scared to let him off his leash at the dog park, fearing he won't return to me or recall if he tries to jump on someone. I know his breed needs lots of running room and I desperately want to give that to him. Any advice?

I'd keep working on the recall around the house - calling him for his meal times, calling him away from somebody whose playing with him (they should stop playing when you start calling) and giving him a small but high value (to a dog) food reward. NEVER call him to do anything unpleasant (for him) such as bath time or nail clipping.  When he's used to his name around the house and garden, you can start to let him have some freedom by using a long line ( a horses lunge line is a good idea) on a harness - then you can use this to reinforce the recall.  Recall in a variety of places and watch for giving him clues by the place or your body language that the fun is about to end - the number of dogs I've seen who have a brilliant recall except for that last one of the walk - when the owner is standing there with the lead in their hand instead of round their necks.....

Ask yourself - If I was a dog - what would bring me running?..........

Thanks Digger, that sounds like a great way to get him to catch on! This is just a side note but....being that I got Sergio from the Humane Society, I just assumed he was a mix of a bunch of things, I slowly came to the conclusion that he was a Brittany, however I was just looking at some sites on that breed and supposedly he's supposed to be a medium sized, compact dog......ummm, he looks full blooded Brit, but he's taller than most labs and his paws are still huge...meaning he's gonna grow into them! can't figure it out, his structure says Brit but his height says horse! I'm assuming it's still a hunting breed he's mixed with, he was raised in the HS so he has no previous training but he's already pointing on his own and he's treed a few small animals (including my very own cat)! those are some strong instincts! My next quest: find out what he's mixed with that would make him so much larger than the typical Brit!

Wow, he sounds like quite a dog!  I've not had much contact with Brittany's - Springers are my breed, the ones I have met have all been smaller than the majority of Springers -  but maybe there's some red and white setter or hound in there too?

I'd just enjoy him for what he is, if there is hound in his parentage, training could be a challenge, but I'm sure you'll be up to it :)

I was wondering about hounds when I heard his first bark, it sounded so melancholy though his tail was wagging! My last baby was a rescued pit bull, you want to talk about training challenges! But with in a matter of the first few weeks she was nothing less than perfect, and stayed that way till the day she died. I'm looking forward to the time spent training, I like the connection made when you identify yourself as the one who will make the calls but most of all the one to love and understand the fun of being a dog! I'm up to it more than you could know! Thanks again!

Hi Britsmom. I take it you are in North America. (I'm assuming this because of the 'mom' and the fact you got your dog from the Humane Society ;) ) Have you googled for the North American Hunting Dogs websites? They will have people who would be able to help you better than us. Most of us are in the UK so wouldn't be able to help track down the 'cross' hound. Brittanies are a member of the Hunt, Point, Retrieve (HPR) gundog subgroup. As such they are bred to hunt, point, flush and retrieve the game (obviously :D ) so are very active and intelligent. Too intelligent sometimes ;) I don't own a Brittany, but 3 Large Munsterlanders, and I am having a problem just now with recall with my youngest (15 months old). She has been quite good until this week when she has decided to become 'deaf'. I've had to go back to basics with her, and a 20' Long Lead. She isn't too happy about it, but until I can trust her again then she is going to have to put up with it :) I have found that they want to test you every so often, just to make sure that you are still in charge. Good luck in your training.