The Training of Springer Spaniels. What Every Owner Needs to Know
- Paws Academy
- Jun 23
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 27
The Springer Spaniel is a dog built to move. Originally bred as a gun dog, this breed is wired for action, scent work and human connection. Known for their eager eyes and relentless energy, they are not a quiet or passive companion. They are bold, smart and always ready for the next task.
Springers do not just want a job. They need one. These dogs thrive when their lives have structure, movement and regular training. They are affectionate and highly responsive but are not low maintenance.
In this Breed Brief, we are diving into the real experience of training and living with a Springer Spaniel. We will explore behaviour, energy needs, common challenges and what type of home suits this breed best.
What a Springer Spaniel Brings to the Table
Springers are medium-sized, lean and muscular. They are quick on their feet and even quicker to pick up new scents or movements. You will rarely find one sitting still for long without direction.
They were bred to flush and retrieve game in the field. These working instincts remain strong, whether or not they come from working lines. If you do not provide a channel for that drive, they will find their own way to express it — often through barking, chasing or never-ending movement.
They are bright, biddable and human-focused. They are also excitable and tend to be high energy in new environments. You will need to build calm deliberately. It does not come as standard.
Working Line vs Show Line
There are two general types of Springer Spaniel, a working line and a show line.
Working line Springers are bred for stamina, drive and field work. They are more intense, higher energy and more sensitive to sound and movement. If you are getting a dog from a working line, expect to commit to a more structured lifestyle.
Show line Springers are bred for appearance and show ring success. They are often calmer, more relaxed and physically a little heavier. However, they are still intelligent and active dogs. They may be easier in certain home environments, but they are not low effort.
The type you choose matters. Always ask your breeder or rescue what type of background the dog comes from, especially if you are a first-time owner or live in a quieter setting.
Training the Springer Spaniel
Training is not optional with this breed. It is central to your success.
Start early and stay consistent. Springers pick things up quickly but can lose focus just as fast. They are not trying to be difficult, but they are easily distracted, especially by smells, birds or anything that moves.
Recall, lead walking, place training and focus games should be part of your daily routine. Use long lines to build outdoor reliability. Avoid overwhelming them with long commands. Keep things short, sharp and clear.
Avoid overuse of excitement. Many owners accidentally teach their Springer to live in a constant state of high arousal. Work on stillness, calm handling and impulse control from the beginning.
Reward-based training works very well with this breed. Use food, scent games or light tug if they enjoy it. Keep your energy calm. Excitement is not something they lack. What they need is calm, clear guidance.
Exercise and Enrichment
A Springer Spaniel needs more than just a walk. They need variety, purpose and freedom to explore in a controlled way.
Plan for at least two outings a day, with time off lead in secure areas where possible. Use this time not just to move, but to train and build engagement.
Scent work is ideal for Springers. Their noses are exceptional and giving them permission to use them can reduce stress and improve focus.
Mental work matters as much as physical. Short challenges, food puzzles, indoor search games or trick training all give them structure and confidence.
Without this outlet, Springers often become vocal, mouthy or show unwanted chasing behaviour. None of this means they are bad dogs. It just means they are underused.
Grooming and Coat Care
Springers have a medium-length coat with feathering on the legs, ears and belly. This coat needs weekly brushing to avoid tangles and matting, particularly around the ears and legs.
They are not heavy shedders, but the coat does hold onto dirt and moisture. Expect to clean them after muddy walks or forest adventures.
Professional grooming every couple of months is helpful, especially if you want to keep the feathering tidy.
Ears should be cleaned regularly. The long, floppy ears are prone to holding moisture and developing infections. This is a common issue and easy to manage with regular checks.
Common Behaviour Challenges
This breed is not known for aggression, but they can become frantic, noisy or destructive if not given clear structure.
The most common behaviour concerns include:
Lead pulling
Overexcitement and jumping
Poor impulse control
Difficulty settling indoors
Chasing behaviour, especially birds or cyclists
Lack of recall around distractions
All of these can be improved with the right kind of training. Focus on calm behaviour in the house, controlled movement on walks and a balance of structure and freedom.
If things feel chaotic, it is not too late. But a plan, and often professional input, will make a huge difference.
Family Life and Suitability
Springer Spaniels can make brilliant family dogs. They are gentle, playful and usually great with children. But they do need support and consistent expectations from everyone in the home.
Children should be taught how to give the dog space, avoid rough handling and support calm interaction. Springers love to be part of the family, but they are not a toy or entertainment piece.
They suit active households who enjoy time outdoors, regular routines and engagement. If you are out of the house for long hours or prefer a very calm lifestyle, this may not be the right fit.
Summary. Is the Springer Spaniel Right for You?
Springer Spaniels are full of heart, drive and intelligence. They are dogs who want to work, engage and move. If you meet those needs, you will have a loyal, brilliant companion.
But they are not plug and play. They require training, time and a realistic understanding of their instincts.
If you are ready to lead with calm energy, structure your days and build a real partnership, the Springer will give you everything they have.
At Paws Academy, we support Springer Spaniels and their owners with practical, dog-specific training, online or in person. Whether it is recall, focus or just learning how to settle, we are here to help.
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