Clumber Spaniel Puppy Checklist

Before Puppy Comes Home

Preparing for Your Clumber Spaniel Puppy

• Large crate (42 inches): Select for adult Clumber size. The crate serves as both a training tool and a safe resting space. Line with an orthopedic or supportive bed — joint support matters for this heavy-set breed from puppyhood.
• Orthopedic dog bed: Place in the crate and in the dog's primary rest area. The Clumber's heavy build puts significant load on joints; supportive bedding reduces stress on hips and elbows.
• Ear cleaning supplies: Veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner and cotton balls. Purchase before the puppy comes home. Ask your vet at the first appointment to demonstrate cleaning technique and recommend a specific product. Establish the weekly cleaning routine in the first week — chronic ear infections are one of the Clumber's most common and preventable problems.
• Fold cleaning supplies: Unscented baby wipes or soft cloths for daily jowl wiping and weekly facial fold cleaning. Skin fold dermatitis develops where moisture and food debris accumulate — preventive cleaning from the first week establishes good habits.
• Whitening shampoo: Purchase a dog-safe whitening shampoo before the puppy arrives. The predominantly white coat requires a specialized shampoo to manage grass and saliva staining. Have it on hand for the first bath.
• Slow-feeder bowl: The Clumber's deep chest increases bloat risk. A slow-feeder bowl reduces the rate of food intake, which is a modifiable bloat risk factor.
• Non-slip flooring: Clumber puppies are heavy for their age and prone to slipping on smooth floors. Rubber-backed area rugs in hallways and main living areas protect developing joints and hips.
• Pet insurance enrollment: Enroll before the first vet visit. Coverage should include orthopedic conditions (hip dysplasia is high-prevalence), ophthalmic conditions (ectropion, entropion), neurological conditions (IVDD), and ear infections.

First Week Setup

First Week: Vet Visit Priorities

• OFA hip and elbow screening plan: Discuss with your vet when preliminary screening is appropriate. Formal OFA evaluations occur at 24 months, but preliminary radiographs at 12–18 months give early insight into joint development. The Clumber has high hip dysplasia rates — this conversation belongs at the first appointment.
• CAER eye examination plan: Ask your vet about scheduling an eye examination with a veterinary ophthalmologist. Ectropion (drooping lower eyelids) and entropion are common in the breed. Early identification allows for intervention before the condition causes chronic eye irritation.
• Ear cleaning technique: Ask your vet to demonstrate the proper ear cleaning technique for this breed. The large, heavy Clumber ears require specific attention. Establish weekly cleaning from this week.
• Exercise restriction guidance: The Clumber's heavy build combined with its growth plate development makes exercise restriction especially important in puppyhood. Stairs, jumping, and sustained running before growth plates close (12–18+ months in a heavier breed) risk lasting orthopedic damage. Ask your vet for specific puppy exercise guidelines.
• Bloat risk discussion: Ask about appropriate feeding protocols for a deep-chested breed. Two meals daily, rest after eating, and using a slow-feeder bowl are standard recommendations. Discuss whether prophylactic gastropexy is appropriate to consider for this dog.
• Complete puppy vaccination series: Core vaccines at 8, 12, and 16 weeks. Confirm schedule.
• Microchipping: Essential — microchip at or before the first appointment.

Training

Starting Training Right

The Clumber Spaniel is a gentle, willing, and affectionate dog — responsive to positive training but not as driven or quick as more athletic sporting breeds. The training approach that works best is patient, reward-based, and consistent. This breed is not suited to harsh corrections or high-pressure training methods.

Start basic commands early. Sit, stay, come, and down can begin at 8 weeks with short, positive sessions. The Clumber is food-motivated and responds well to treat rewards. Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes for a puppy) and end on a successful note.

Leash training from the first walks. A Clumber puppy that learns to pull becomes a 70+ lb adult that is very hard to manage. Begin loose-leash walking with treats from the start. A front-clip harness provides additional management while training is in progress.

Handle ears and folds from day one. Build positive associations with ear cleaning and fold wiping through treats during the first handling sessions. A dog that accepts these procedures willingly is far easier to maintain long-term — and far less likely to develop undetected infections.

Crate training builds security. A Clumber with a positive crate association is comfortable during alone time and rests calmly between exercise sessions. Build crate comfort gradually with meals and treats placed inside, increasing duration slowly.

Exercise is moderate. The Clumber is not a high-intensity exercise breed — moderate daily walks and playtime are sufficient. The heavier build and orthopedic health concerns mean exercise should not be forced or high-impact during growth. A relaxed daily walk establishes good habits without overloading developing joints.