What approach should I take to training?

These are bright dogs and do enjoy working. Patience, and a firm but gentle hand is needed to train the Irish setter. Discipline coupled with a sense of humour makes most Irish setters into well-behaved family members. They hate to be told off and physical reprimands (such as a smack on the nose) will scare and demotivate your dog. Many Irish setters compete in dog sports, and they do particularly well in obedience and hunt tests.