Personality
Because of the medium size and the cute appearance, some people will choose to get a "Kooikerhondje" for a house pet. However, this decision needs to be made carefully, especially for a first time dog owner. The Kooikerhondjes are highly intelligent and can sometimes be stubborn, yet also sensitive. Firm but gentle handling is necessary. A "Kooikerhondje" needs to have a master. They are natural hunters and workers, thus need a fair amount of exercise.
As soon as a puppy is acquired, the owner should manifest a strong leadership role. The dog has the tendency to dominate and allowing the dog to be his own master can lead to disaster. It is necessary to show the puppy who the master is. However, training must be done in a firm but gentle manner as heavy handed training can have detrimental effects to this sensitive dog. Once these dogs are trained owners will be rewarded with undying love and loyalty.
Kooikerhondjes are very friendly, that is if the dog knows you well. These are affectionate dogs. They would appreciate all the love an affection you can dish out. They make ideal house pets as they are gentle with kids, but must get to know them first. They make very good watch dogs as well. Kooikerhondjes are naturally reserved and suspicious of strangers. They have an inherent trait to protect their territories and their masters.
Kooikerhondjes have a low tolerance to pain and are startled easily by loud noises.
Training Kooikerhondjes can sometimes be a challenge because of the dog’s inherent attitude to favor some people and animals. As mentioned before, these dogs are sensitive. Shouting and reprimands can do more harm than good. Speak firmly to the dog whenever it has done something wrong and reward every good behavior. Kooikerhondjes are highly energetic dogs and your rewards could take the form of learning activities and exercises. Avoid food rewards as these dogs are notorious eaters. They gain weight easily if their diet is not properly regulated.
Kooikerhondjes would do well in apartments as long as they are given sufficient exercise to burn their excess energies. These dogs are naturally inquisitive and would appreciate a home with a fenced in yard where they would have the opportunity to run and to check everything that caught their fancy. These dogs love the great outdoors. When they are not tolling ducks they are hunting mice and rats. Therefore, owners have to ensure that the mind of the dog is stimulated through play and obedience training as otherwise the dogs may become bored. Needless to say, nobody would appreciate the “handiwork” of a bored dog. They love agility, lure coursing, nose work, and can even be trained as therapy or rescue dogs.
Kooikerhondjes love water. They will play and swim until they cannot move anymore. They are great pets for dock diving, air dogs and other water games and competitions. If you have a pond and are missing your Kooikerhondje, look in the pond, it will be there.
Because of the medium size and the cute appearance, some people will choose to get a "Kooikerhondje" for a house pet. However, this decision needs to be made carefully, especially for a first time dog owner. The Kooikerhondjes are highly intelligent and can sometimes be stubborn, yet also sensitive. Firm but gentle handling is necessary. A "Kooikerhondje" needs to have a master. They are natural hunters and workers, thus need a fair amount of exercise.
As soon as a puppy is acquired, the owner should manifest a strong leadership role. The dog has the tendency to dominate and allowing the dog to be his own master can lead to disaster. It is necessary to show the puppy who the master is. However, training must be done in a firm but gentle manner as heavy handed training can have detrimental effects to this sensitive dog. Once these dogs are trained owners will be rewarded with undying love and loyalty.
Kooikerhondjes are very friendly, that is if the dog knows you well. These are affectionate dogs. They would appreciate all the love an affection you can dish out. They make ideal house pets as they are gentle with kids, but must get to know them first. They make very good watch dogs as well. Kooikerhondjes are naturally reserved and suspicious of strangers. They have an inherent trait to protect their territories and their masters.
Kooikerhondjes have a low tolerance to pain and are startled easily by loud noises.
Training Kooikerhondjes can sometimes be a challenge because of the dog’s inherent attitude to favor some people and animals. As mentioned before, these dogs are sensitive. Shouting and reprimands can do more harm than good. Speak firmly to the dog whenever it has done something wrong and reward every good behavior. Kooikerhondjes are highly energetic dogs and your rewards could take the form of learning activities and exercises. Avoid food rewards as these dogs are notorious eaters. They gain weight easily if their diet is not properly regulated.
Kooikerhondjes would do well in apartments as long as they are given sufficient exercise to burn their excess energies. These dogs are naturally inquisitive and would appreciate a home with a fenced in yard where they would have the opportunity to run and to check everything that caught their fancy. These dogs love the great outdoors. When they are not tolling ducks they are hunting mice and rats. Therefore, owners have to ensure that the mind of the dog is stimulated through play and obedience training as otherwise the dogs may become bored. Needless to say, nobody would appreciate the “handiwork” of a bored dog. They love agility, lure coursing, nose work, and can even be trained as therapy or rescue dogs.
Kooikerhondjes love water. They will play and swim until they cannot move anymore. They are great pets for dock diving, air dogs and other water games and competitions. If you have a pond and are missing your Kooikerhondje, look in the pond, it will be there.
Temperament
The Kooikerhondjes are a cheerful, good natured, friendly, quiet, well-behaved, and alert dog. These are terms that are best used to describe a Kooiker. Depending on its domestic environment, it is a kind, happy and lively dog. Kooikerhondjes are very intelligent, attentive and more than willing to please their owners. The Kooikerhondje adapts to situations rather quickly, changing his behavior from quiet to lively when the situation allows him to be. Kooikerhondjes will not always immediately like strangers, instead choosing to retreat and watch carefully how the situation develops. But as soon as they warm up to someone, the trust will be there for the rest of his life. He has a high energy level, yet is usually quiet when indoors.
The Kooikerhondjes are a cheerful, good natured, friendly, quiet, well-behaved, and alert dog. These are terms that are best used to describe a Kooiker. Depending on its domestic environment, it is a kind, happy and lively dog. Kooikerhondjes are very intelligent, attentive and more than willing to please their owners. The Kooikerhondje adapts to situations rather quickly, changing his behavior from quiet to lively when the situation allows him to be. Kooikerhondjes will not always immediately like strangers, instead choosing to retreat and watch carefully how the situation develops. But as soon as they warm up to someone, the trust will be there for the rest of his life. He has a high energy level, yet is usually quiet when indoors.