Grooming
Compared to other types of dogs, your Boykin Spaniel won’t require too much grooming. They shed moderately year-round and a bit more heavily in the fall and spring. Here are some grooming tips for your Boykin:
Brushing: Brushing their medium-length coat once a week is usually enough to curb their shedding, but it’s OK to brush your pup daily if you’d like. If your Boykin dog has a long coat, a set of combs and brushes will help you keep them looking gorgeous and mat-free. Invest in a stripping comb and a bristle brush, plus a steel comb for the coat on their ears. If they have a short coat, a bristle brush will do the trick, and a slicker brush will help remove mats and snarls from their coat.
Bathing: Too much bathing can dry out your Boykin’s skin, so once every couple of weeks should be enough—unless they’ve been rolling around in the mud or splashing in a lake! If your pup’s outdoorsy nature has been running wild, then it’s bath time as soon as you get home.
Dental care: It’s recommended by vets to brush your Boykin’s teeth daily. Your vet can teach you how to brush your Boykin’s pearly whites, and they should also give your pup an annual professional teeth cleaning.
Nail trimming: Nail trimming is also essential to keep your dog healthy and happy. (Hello, mani-pedi! Or is it pedi-pedi?) Your Boykin Spaniel’s nails shouldn’t touch the floor, so if you hear them clicking against it like they’re the world’s tiniest tap dancers, it’s time for a trim. While some nails grow faster than others, trimming them once a month will usually be enough for Boykin Spaniels.
Ear cleaning: The main thing you need to look out for? Boykin Spaniels’ long ears tend to hold heat, making them prime real estate for nasty stuff like yeast and bacteria. Check their ears for debris and any redness or swelling. If you notice anything, speak to your vet. If your vet recommends at-home cleaning, follow this step-by-step guide on how to clean dog ears.
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Training
Boykin Spaniels have amazing qualities and traits that make them highly trainable: They’re smart, quick learners and eager to please their pet parents. That said, new puppies need a lot of supervision, so raising a Boykin Spaniel will definitely keep you on your toes. They can be very energetic, so don’t be surprised to find they’ve chewed your new shoes when your back was turned. (If they suddenly become suspiciously quiet, that’s a sign they might be getting into trouble.)
Boykins are sensitive, so training that uses positive reinforcement (treats and praise as rewards for positive behavior) and is consistent and even-handed is the best way for them to learn. When working with Boykin puppies, it’s important to make sure that both their minds and bodies are stimulated so they don’t get distracted by things like, well, your new shoes. Get your Boykin something to chew on that’s digestible, like Best Bully Sticks or other training treats. Avoid plush toys, which they could easily destroy and/or eat. When training a Boykin, it’s often important to work on alone time so they can learn to be by themselves. You may find crate training helpful in teaching this.
Boykin Spaniels are generally outgoing and not shy if properly socialized, so make sure you expose them to all kinds of people, furry friends and situations. Puppy school is a good place to start. It teaches your pup how to play nicely with other puppies—and their pet parents, too.
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Diet
The Boykin Spaniel typically does well on high-quality commercial dog food. Be sure to factor in your dog’s age and choose a formula that fits their stage in life (puppy, adult, senior).
Your vet can help you nail down a feeding chart to guide you on how much and how often to feed your dog based on their specific diet. Allergies to foods like wheat can crop up in them, too, so check with your vet if you have questions about food sensitivities.
When it comes to specific nutritional needs, due to their active lifestyles, Boykin Spaniels may benefit from high-protein dog food. But again, consult with your veterinarian, as they are in the best position to help you pick the right food for your dog based on their individual needs. Always check with your vet before you share any people food with your pooch, too.
Treats can help with training, but keep calories in mind, too. Obesity can lead to health issues like heart disease, so factor treat calories into their overall diet plan to keep your pup from gaining extra weight.
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Exercise
Boykin Spaniels love to exercise, from going on long walks and hikes to playing fetch, swimming and hunting. (Remember, they were bred to retrieve, so they’ll excel at activities where they can do that!) They enjoy the water and would thrive in a home with a pool or a pond—just make sure they’re properly taught how to get out of the pool, especially if there are no steps, and always supervise them when they’re swimming.
How much daily activity is best for these high-energy pups? They’ll thrive with vigorous exercise three times a day, for 10-15 minutes at a time. You should wait until they’re about 9 months to a 1 old, though, before you take them running or jogging with you; strenuous activities before that time can damage their growing joints. You can also find a local agility course or hunt test club to put your pooch through their paces like a real pro. You might even find that you enjoy it as much as they do!
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Environment
Most Boykin Spaniels get along well with other animals when they’ve been properly socialized, although some have more of a prey drive than others. The larger their area is to run and play, the happier they’ll be. A small home or an apartment are OK, as long as you’re able to give them the exercise and outdoor activity they need.
They’re a good choice for pet parents who’ve had previous experience with high-energy dogs and who can keep up with their exercise needs. You like exploring the great outdoors every chance you get? Perfect, so do they! So get ready to lace up those hiking boots and hit the trails or hop in a boat and play fetch in the water with your Boykin companion!
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