As a proud Springer Spaniel owner, I know first-hand how energetic and intelligent this breed is.
Our Springer, Molly, is always on the go. She loves chasing a ball, exploring new paths, and sniffing out her next big discovery.
But physical exercise alone isn’t enough for this breed—they need mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved. If you’re wondering how to tire out a Springer Spaniel or keep their sharp minds engaged, this guide is for you.
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Let’s explore brain games, toys for Springer Spaniels, and the best ways to meet their high activity level.
Why Mental Stimulation is Crucial for Springer Spaniels
Springer Spaniels are working dogs by nature, bred to flush and retrieve game in the field. Their natural Springer Spaniel intelligence means they need both physical exercise and mental challenges to thrive.
Without adequate mental stimulation for spaniels, they can become restless, destructive, or even anxious. Providing regular mental stimulation not only keeps their minds sharp but also contributes to their overall well-being.
It helps prevent unwanted behaviours like chewing, barking, or digging, which often stem from boredom or excess energy. By engaging your Springer Spaniel’s brain, you’re helping them stay calm, balanced, and fulfilled, both physically and mentally.
For Molly, a long walk is fantastic, but if her mind isn’t engaged, she comes home with just as much energy.
That’s where brain games for Springer Spaniels come in handy to tire her out both mentally and physically. The goal isn’t to exhaust them completely but to keep them happily fulfilled. It’s about fulfilling their needs for mental stimulation.
It’s natural for them to sleep for long hours after a stimulating activity, but once they’re up, the games can start all over again.
Brain Games for Springer Spaniels
Interactive games are perfect for tapping into your Springer’s natural intelligence and energy.
Our Favourite Brain Games:
- Egg Carton Game: Take three empty egg cartons, place treats in one, and shuffle their positions. Molly uses her nose to find the right one—it’s a fun game that combines focus, patience, and sniffing skills.
- Hide and Seek with Treats: This is one of Molly’s favourite brain games. I ask her to wait in the kitchen while I hide treats all over the living room. She absolutely loves searching for them, but you need to keep changing the hiding spots because Springer Spaniel intelligence means they remember quickly!
- Toilet Paper Tube Puzzles: Fill empty toilet paper tubes with treats, fold both ends, and let your dog figure out how to get them out. It’s an easy and cost-effective puzzle.
- Find the Treat with Cups: Place treats under cups and shuffle them—similar to the egg carton game but perfect if you don’t have boxes handy.
These games keep Molly engaged, calm, and mentally satisfied—key for how to calm a Springer Spaniel after an active day.
Now let’s look at the toys that can help achieve this balance.
Dog Toys for Springer Spaniels
The right English Springer Spaniel toys provide both physical and mental stimulation.
Toys We Use for Molly:
- Snuffle Mats: My wife made Molly’s snuffle mat from an old cloth and a bath anti-slip mat. It’s larger than most you can buy and perfect for hiding treats. Molly uses her brain and nose to hunt for treats, and it tires her out quickly.
- Treat Dispensing Balls: These balls release treats as they roll, keeping Molly entertained and engaged for ages.
- Chews (Cow Ears and Antlers): Molly loves chewing on antlers and cow ears, but she gets bored quickly. We hide them for extended periods and bring them out occasionally to keep them exciting.
Toys for Springer Spaniels should challenge their problem-solving skills.
Avoid overpriced and made out of questionable materials options like KONG toys—we’ve found other puzzles are more engaging and better value.
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!
Springer Spaniel Exercise Needs
Meeting your English Springer Spaniel exercise needs means balancing physical activity with mental stimulation.
How to Tire Out a Springer Spaniel:
- Adventurous Walks: Change your usual routes and explore new trails. Download the AllTrails app to find hidden paths near you. Venture off the beaten paths, into woods and brambles—Springer Spaniel activity levels thrive in environments where they can sniff and explore.
- Fetch with Rules: Add structure to fetch by asking for a “sit” and “stay” before throwing the ball.
- Off-Lead Exploring: Molly loves off-lead time, but always make sure the area is safe first. Judge the space carefully before letting your Springer off-lead.
- Swimming: Springer Spaniels are obsessed with water! Molly loves splashing in the River Thames, but we’ve taught her not to enter water when it’s too cold or unsafe, like in winter.
Balancing structured activities with exploration meets the Springer Spaniel exercise five top tips: variety, mental work, safety, control, and fun.
Training and Teaching New Tricks
A great source of information on how to train your dog, including the tricks I’ve mentioned, is Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution YouTube channel.
We’ve been following it since before we even had Molly, and it’s been incredibly helpful!
Tricks to Teach:
- Wait at Junctions: This is a great exercise to teach your Springer Spaniel when walking on paths. Often, dogs can get overly excited and might head down the wrong path ahead of you. We taught Molly to stop and wait for us at every junction until we give her the “OK” to proceed on the correct path. It’s an excellent way to improve focus and control while walking.
- Zig-Zag Between the Legs: Molly absolutely loves this exercise! In the living room or kitchen, I ask her to wait at one end, then call her to me on one side. As I start walking with big steps, I encourage her to weave between my legs from one side to the other. Holding a treat in both hands helps to guide and reward her, especially at the beginning. It’s a fun way to combine movement and mental focus.
- Sit: Teaching your dog to sit is one of the most basic and essential commands. With Molly, we started by holding a treat above her head and slowly moving it back until she naturally sat. A reward and plenty of praise reinforced the behaviour. This was much easier to teach her than it sounds, and she picked it up quickly!
- Stay: Once Molly mastered “sit,” we moved on to “stay.” I would ask her to sit, then take a step back while holding my hand out like a stop signal. Gradually increasing the distance and time helped her learn to stay in place until released with a cue.
- Recall: Teaching recall ensures your dog comes back to you when called, which is especially useful for off-lead exploring. We started in a quiet space, using treats and excitement to encourage Molly to return when we said her name or used the word “come.” Consistency and rewards made her quick to respond.
- Spin and Play Dead: Molly spins on command and plays dead by flipping onto her back with paws up—a fun and entertaining way to keep her brain working.
- Tidy Up Toys: With a Springer Spaniel, toys are everywhere. I taught Molly to pick up her toys and put them in a basket. It’s both practical and mentally stimulating.
These short sessions are ideal because Springer Spaniels get mentally tired after 15-20 minutes, making training an efficient way to keep them calm and engaged.
Training is one of the best ways to provide mental stimulation for spaniels and improve obedience.
Calming a Springer Spaniel with Chews and Quiet Activities
Sometimes, knowing how to calm a Springer Spaniel means encouraging calm, focused activities like chewing.
Calming Activities:
- Teach Your Dog to Relax: We taught Molly to relax by sitting or lying down next to us, especially during walks or when we stop for a coffee at a stall or a bench. She patiently lays down, observes the area, and waits for us to continue the walk after a relaxing break. This is a great way to help calm a Springer Spaniel and teach them to settle during outings.
- Chews: Cow ears, antlers, and bully sticks help Molly relax and wind down. This is usually after a mental exercise, as she tends to need some calm time following stimulating activities. It’s a great way to help her settle and recharge before we start playing again later.
- Lick Mats: These were great when she was a puppy, but now Molly prefers more challenging puzzles.
Quiet activities are perfect after a stimulating day and help balance out their high Springer Spaniel activity levels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much mental stimulation does a Springer Spaniel need?
Springer Spaniels thrive on both mental and physical exercise. Aim for at least 20-30 minutes of mental stimulation daily through training, brain games, or interactive play.
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!
This is not necessarily a requirement, but with Molly, we do additional mental games after the last evening walk. We also try to include these games or exercises into the walk itself, making it even more engaging and productive for her.
What activities are best for a hyperactive Springer Spaniel?
Brain games, scent work, interactive toys, and adventurous walks with off-lead exploring are great for calming and tiring out hyperactive Springer Spaniels.
How can I mentally tire out my Springer Spaniel?
You can mentally tire out your Springer Spaniel by playing hide and seek with treats, teaching new tricks, using puzzle toys, and engaging in scent-based activities.
Is mental stimulation more important than physical exercise for Springer Spaniels?
Both are equally important. Physical exercise meets their energy needs, while mental stimulation keeps their sharp minds engaged and prevents behavioural problems.
How do I know if my Springer Spaniel is getting enough mental stimulation?
A well-stimulated Springer Spaniel will appear calm, content, and less likely to engage in destructive behaviours like chewing or excessive barking.
Molly often lets us know when she has had enough by going into her bed or settling in her favourite spot—on the backrest of the reclining chair, looking through the window into the front garden and keeping an eye on passers-by.
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!
How much exercise does a Springer Spaniel need daily?
Springer Spaniels typically need at least 2-3 hours of exercise every day, which includes a mix of physical activity and mental stimulation.
A good balance could be 1.5-2.5 hours of walking, running, or playing fetch combined with 20-30 minutes of brain games or training sessions. Incorporating activities like hide and seek, puzzle toys, or scent-based games during walks can make it even more engaging and fulfilling for your Springer.
For a detailed guide on meeting English Springer Spaniel exercise needs, including tips and real-life experiences, read my article on My Experience Keeping My Springer Spaniel Active.
What are the best brain games for Springer Spaniels?
Brain games like hide and seek with treats, puzzle toys, and the egg carton game are great for keeping Springer Spaniels engaged.
They challenge your dog’s intelligence and help tire them out mentally.
How can I calm my Springer Spaniel?
Providing calming chews, encouraging your dog to relax during breaks, and teaching them to settle next to you are great ways to calm an active Springer Spaniel.
Another effective way is introducing a daily fur brushing routine. Molly loves these breaks, and she calms down very quickly when it’s time for a brush. Mental stimulation also helps prevent restlessness.
Do Springer Spaniels calm down as they get older?
Yes, Springer Spaniels tend to calm down as they mature, usually around 2-3 years of age.
However, they will always need regular mental and physical exercise to remain happy and well-behaved.
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!
Although Molly is now over two years old, there are no signs of her slowing down :-). She still thrives on plenty of mental stimulation and exercise every day.
What are the best toys for Springer Spaniels?
Toys that encourage problem-solving, like snuffle mats, treat-dispensing balls, and chew toys like cow ears or antlers, are ideal. DIY toys like toilet paper tube puzzles also work well.
Final Thoughts: Mental Stimulation for Springer Spaniels Keeps Them Happy
Meeting the Springer Spaniel exercise needs and providing mental stimulation for is the key to a happy, well-behaved dog.
Whether it’s through brain games, interactive toys, or adventurous walks, keeping your Springer’s mind and body engaged prevents boredom and destructive behaviours.
For more tips on Springer Spaniel care, exercise ideas, and training techniques, check out my article on My Experience Keeping My Springer Spaniel Active for practical advice and real-life examples to keep your pup happy and engaged.
