As the proud owner of an English Springer Spaniel named Molly, I often get asked a common question: “Do Springer Spaniels bark a lot?”
The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think—it depends on the individual dog’s personality, training, and environment.
In this blog post, I’ll share my experience with Molly, insights about this breed’s barking habits, and tips for managing excessive barking.
Our Experience with Molly’s Barking
Since we brought Molly home over two years ago, I’ve noticed her barking is situational rather than constant. Here’s what I’ve observed:
On Walks: Managing Molly’s Barking Outdoors
When we’re out walking, Molly is generally quiet and well-behaved.
She loves exploring, sniffing, and enjoying the outdoors, but she does have some quirks. Molly is shy and submissive, and she’s not particularly fond of people, although she’s fine with other dogs.
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Molly’s Different Dog Promotional Code
She may bark at people passing by, especially if they’re alone and don’t have a dog with them. This behaviour is most common when we’re walking on sidewalks on the way to the fields or woods.
To manage this, we’ve been training her daily with commands like “No Barking.” With consistent practice, she’s learned to stay quiet most of the time when we pass someone, making our walks much more pleasant.
Molly’s unique personality and special needs require patience and understanding, but it’s rewarding to see her confidence grow over time.
At Home: Molly’s Barking Triggers Inside
At home, Molly’s barking tends to be more situational. Her main trigger is strangers knocking on the door, where her protective instincts kick in.
She also likes to perch on the backrest of our living room recliner chair, which faces a large floor-to-ceiling window. From her favourite spot, she keeps a watchful eye on the world outside.
If someone walks behind our front garden fence, she might bark or growl quietly as her way of announcing their presence. While it’s her natural reaction, we’re working on reducing this behaviour by reinforcing calmness with positive training methods.
If you’re thinking of switching your dogs food please make sure to check out Different Dog via our link below. It will make a world of difference to us. We’re not running ads on this blog so you can enjoy an uninterrupted read, but if you use our promotional link to subscribe, you’ll get 50% off your first box and 10% off the next two. We’ll get £10 off our next box. So, it’s a win-win for both of us. Thank you!
Molly’s Different Dog Promotional Code
Managing Molly’s barking, both at home and on walks, has been a journey of patience and consistent training. With time, she’s learned to balance her instincts and respond to commands, making her a quieter and more confident companion.
Why Do Springer Spaniels Bark?
Their History Plays a Role
English Springer Spaniels were originally bred as hunting dogs to flush out game birds for their owners.
Part of their job involved vocalising to alert hunters, which contributes to their natural tendency to bark.
While this trait made them excellent working dogs, it can translate into more vocal behaviour in a home environment.
What Influences Barking?
A Springer Spaniel’s barking habits can vary greatly depending on several factors:
- Environment:
Frequent exposure to triggers like loud noises, strangers, or passing animals can increase barking. - Socialisation:
Dogs that are well-socialised and accustomed to different people, places, and situations tend to bark less out of fear or anxiety. - Training:
Consistent training is key to managing barking. With proper reinforcement, Springer Spaniels can learn to vocalise only when appropriate.
How to Manage Excessive Barking in Springer Spaniels
If your English Springer Spaniel barks a lot, don’t worry—there are effective strategies to reduce the behaviour. Here’s what worked for Molly:
- Positive Reinforcement:
Rewarding Molly for staying quiet has been a game changer in managing her barking. For instance, when someone knocks at the door, I try to wait for a brief pause in her barking to reward her with treats and praise. However, this isn’t always practical—if I wait too long, the person knocking might leave, or the situation could escalate, making it harder to calm Molly down. To work around this, I’ve started keeping treats nearby and rewarding her as soon as she pauses, even if it’s just for a moment, to reinforce the desired behaviour quickly and effectively. - Exercise and Mental Stimulation:
Springer Spaniels are high-energy dogs, and keeping them physically and mentally active is essential. With Molly, we make sure she gets plenty of exercise—we walk her three times a day, totalling around 2.5 to 3 hours or 6 to 10 miles daily. In addition to walks, we engage her with games of fetch and interactive toys to keep her stimulated. This routine helps burn off her energy and significantly reduces her tendency to bark out of boredom or frustration. A tired Springer is definitely a happier, quieter one! - Reducing Triggers:
Identifying Molly’s triggers and addressing them has been essential in managing her barking. One of her main triggers is the sound of knocking. To help her stay calm, we’ve practised desensitising her by simulating real-life scenarios. For example, one of us sneaks outside and knocks on the door, pretending to be a stranger, while the other stays inside to reward Molly for remaining calm. This hands-on practice helps her associate knocking with positive experiences and reduces her barking over time. - The “Quiet” Command:
Teaching Molly the “quiet” command has been a fun and somewhat effective tool—but we’ve never fully succeeded with it! 😊 When she starts barking, I calmly say “quiet” and reward her with a treat when she pauses. While this approach has helped reduce her barking, Molly often responds with a funny, quiet growl instead, as if she’s trying to hold back her bark but can’t quite resist making a little noise. It’s not perfect, but it’s endearing and a reminder that training is a work in progress!
Understanding and Addressing Barking Triggers
Molly’s main barking trigger is strangers knocking on the door—a behaviour rooted in her instinct to protect her territory.
While it’s a natural reaction for many dogs, we’ve taken steps to manage it effectively. Here’s what we’ve tried:
- Desensitisation and Counterconditioning:
We’ve practised with Molly by recreating real-life scenarios. One of us sneaks outside and knocks on the door, pretending to be a stranger, while the other stays inside to reward her for remaining calm. Although this hasn’t completely eliminated her barking, it has helped her react less intensely. These training sessions have been a good start, even if she still growls quietly at times in her uniquely “Molly” way! 😊
- Socialisation:
Walking Molly three times a day (covering 6 to 10 miles or around 2.5 to 3 hours) has not only kept her physically fit but also exposed her to a variety of people, places, and situations. This regular interaction with the outside world has made her more confident and less anxious, reducing the likelihood of excessive barking in unfamiliar scenarios.
While her barking isn’t completely resolved, understanding her triggers and taking a proactive approach has made a noticeable difference.
If you’re thinking of switching your dogs food please make sure to check out Different Dog via our link below. It will make a world of difference to us. We’re not running ads on this blog so you can enjoy an uninterrupted read, but if you use our promotional link to subscribe, you’ll get 50% off your first box and 10% off the next two. We’ll get £10 off our next box. So, it’s a win-win for both of us. Thank you!
Molly’s Different Dog Promotional Code
Molly’s quirky personality shines through even in her quiet growls, reminding us that progress is all about patience and consistency.
Maintaining Progress with Molly’s Barking
Managing barking is an ongoing process, especially with an energetic and spirited dog like Molly.
Regular training and a consistent approach are essential to ensure she continues to improve—particularly during those challenging teenage months when it feels like your dog suddenly forgets everything they’ve learned! 😊 Here’s what we focus on:
- Regular Training Sessions:
Training is a big part of Molly’s daily routine. We practise simple commands like “sit,” “lie down,” “stay,” and “quiet” to keep her focused and well-behaved. We’ve also added fun tricks like “turn around” and weaving through our legs in a zigzag, which help tire her out and make learning enjoyable. Repeating these commands every day helps Molly remember them better. When Molly went through her “teenage” phase and started ignoring us or getting cheeky, daily training became even more important. Keeping this routine has made a big difference in her behaviour and helps her stay calm and happy. It’s also a great way for us to bond! - Monitoring Changes:
If Molly’s barking habits suddenly change, I look for underlying causes, such as stress, health issues, or changes in her environment. Addressing these quickly helps keep her on track. - Patience and Positivity:
Training takes time, so I stay calm and consistent, rewarding progress and recognising that setbacks are part of the process. Molly’s funny growls and unique personality remind me to enjoy the journey. - Seeking Professional Help:
When needed, I wouldn’t hesitate to consult a professional dog trainer. They can offer tailored strategies to tackle specific challenges and make training more effective.
Are Springer Spaniels Right for You?
English Springer Spaniels are friendly, intelligent, and full of energy. They thrive in active homes where they’re loved, exercised, and made to feel like part of the family.
While they can be vocal at times, their barking is usually manageable with proper training and socialisation.
If you’re considering this breed, it’s worth exploring whether a Springer Spaniel fits your lifestyle. In fact, I’ve written a detailed guide to help you decide—Springer Spaniels: Yay or Nay? highlights the pros and cons of owning one of these incredible dogs.
Molly is a perfect example of what makes this breed so special. Based on our (very biased!) opinion, she’s the best dog in the world. She’s playful, loving, and her unique personality keeps us smiling every day.
If you’re thinking of switching your dogs food please make sure to check out Different Dog via our link below. It will make a world of difference to us. We’re not running ads on this blog so you can enjoy an uninterrupted read, but if you use our promotional link to subscribe, you’ll get 50% off your first box and 10% off the next two. We’ll get £10 off our next box. So, it’s a win-win for both of us. Thank you!
Molly’s Different Dog Promotional Code
While she occasionally barks, it’s manageable, and we’ve learned to embrace her quirks.
If you’re ready to bring a Springer Spaniel into your life, be prepared to invest time, patience, and love.
With consistent training and socialisation, they’ll reward you with loyalty, affection, and endless fun, becoming a treasured member of the family.
