Owning a Setter

Your Role as an Owner

We do everything we can to send home a healthy, well-started puppy. From there, a great setter is a partnership between you, your dog, and us.

Day to Day

What Setter Ownership Looks Like

➤Exercise

Setters were bred to cover ground all day. Plan on daily exercise beyond a walk around the block: off-leash running in a safe area, hikes, fetch, or dog sports. A tired setter is a happy (and well-behaved) setter.

⚑A Secure Yard & Recall

That famous nose can lead a setter far from home. A securely fenced yard and lots of recall practice are a must, and most setters shouldn't be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas until their recall is rock solid.

♨Nutrition

Feed a high-quality diet suited to your dog's age and activity level. Growing puppies have special needs, so we'll share what your puppy has been eating and how to transition.

⚖Healthy Weight

Keeping your setter lean protects growing joints and adds years to their life. You should be able to feel the ribs easily under that beautiful coat.

⚠Bloat Precautions

Setters are deep-chested and can be prone to bloat (GDV). Feeding two or more smaller meals a day and avoiding hard exercise right before and after eating are common precautions. Learn the warning signs and ask your vet about prevention.

★Training

Setters are smart and sensitive. They respond best to positive, patient, consistent training. Puppy classes are a great start and help build a strong bond.

☯Socialization

Safely introduce your puppy to new people, places, sounds, and surfaces during the first months. Good early experiences grow into a confident adult dog.

✿Grooming

Brush several times a week to keep feathering free of tangles, check and clean those long ears regularly, and keep nails trimmed. A tidy-up trim keeps them looking their best.

☤Veterinary Care

Keep up with vaccines, parasite prevention, and annual checkups, and find a vet you trust. Catching problems early makes all the difference.

Irish Setter relaxing on the patio with its owner

A Lifelong Relationship

Stay in Touch

We love hearing how our puppies are doing. Send photos, share milestones, and reach out with questions at any age. We're always happy to help.

If life ever changes and you can no longer keep your Tenacity setter, please contact us first. We want to help make sure every one of our dogs is always safe and loved.