Introduction
The American Water Spaniel is a competent retriever that also doubles as a flushing spaniel. Like many of the spaniel breeds, it hunts both feather and fur, and even fish, with equal enthusiasm. This dog is very soft-mouthed but can be trained to play tug-of-war.
Temperament
Friendly, intelligent, and willing to please, they are also very protective of their owner. It will be very attached to the alpha of the house and think of children as kennel mates until they grow up. In old age the dog may become temperamental.
American Water Spaniels do not have to hunt to be happy. They make fine companion animals and, because of their size, they fit well in cramped quarters. However, the breed does need exercise and training. To avoid possessiveness, excessive barking, and a willingness to take over the household, novice owners should attend a local obedience class and set aside daily play time.
Trainability
The American Water Spaniel typically thrives with an owner who is dedicated to teaching the dog just what is expected of it. The breed takes well to training and excels at training that offers some variety. Harsh training techniques often do not work for AWS. Such techniques often cause a dog to become shy or even bite out of fear.