Springer Spaniels are bursting with energy and enthusiasm, making them one of the most active dog breeds out there. Exercise isn’t just a fun activity for them—it’s essential for their physical health and mental well-being.
Without enough movement and stimulation, they can quickly become restless, leading to boredom-driven behaviours like excessive barking, chewing, or digging.
These intelligent dogs need more than just a quick run around the park. Alongside physical exercise, mental stimulation plays a crucial role in keeping them happy and engaged.
Activities like scent work, problem-solving games, and obedience training help prevent boredom while strengthening their natural instincts.
From my experience with Molly, maintaining a structured exercise routine has been a game-changer. We walk her three times a day, each session lasting at least an hour—sometimes longer if we have the time.
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But it’s not just about the physical exercise; we also incorporate plenty of mental challenges, both indoors and outdoors, to keep her sharp and satisfied.
This balance has helped Molly stay happy, healthy, and full of life, making our adventures together all the more rewarding.
Prioritise Daily Walks and Outdoor Adventures
Long Walks Matter
Springer Spaniels thrive on regular exercise, and daily walks are the foundation of their well-being. These high-energy dogs aren’t suited to short strolls around the block—they need proper outdoor adventures to burn off their endless enthusiasm.
From my experience with Molly, we stick to a routine of three walks a day, each lasting at least an hour.
Yes, you read that correctly—three hours a day is what we aim for. Of course, we’re not always able to achieve this, and sometimes she’ll have a shorter walk, while other times it will be much longer. But three hours a day is the sweet spot for her.
This consistency keeps her physically fit, mentally stimulated, and, most importantly, happy.
Vary the Routes
Just like humans, dogs can get bored with the same routine. Mixing up the walking routes keeps things fresh and exciting for your Springer Spaniel.
Whether it’s a woodland trail, an open field, or a beachside stroll, changing the scenery gives them new scents to explore and different terrain to navigate.
Molly loves discovering new places, and we’ve found that introducing variety helps keep her engaged while preventing any repetitive behaviours caused by boredom.
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Of course, both my wife and I work, and changing the route during the week can be challenging, so most of our adventures take place at the weekend.
Luckily, we live close to the River Thames, which we visit very often—especially during the summer, when Molly can swim and enjoy the water.
Off-Leash Time (If Safe)
Springer Spaniels have a natural instinct to explore, and allowing them off-leash in a secure environment can be incredibly rewarding.
If recall training is solid and the area is safe, giving your Springer the freedom to roam allows them to burn off extra energy while indulging in their natural curiosity.
Molly enjoys off-lead time in enclosed fields and forest paths where she can sniff, run, and fully enjoy her surroundings.
However, we always ensure she’s in a safe space, away from busy roads or distractions that might trigger her strong prey drive.
Daily walks and outdoor adventures aren’t just about exercise—they’re opportunities for bonding, exploration, and giving your Springer Spaniel the active lifestyle they need to truly thrive.
In our experience, Molly is much better behaved off-lead than on the lead. To be honest, despite all the training, books, and effort we’ve put into teaching her to walk nicely on the lead, she’s still much better off-lead.
She stays close to us, explores the area, and regularly checks where we are in relation to her.
Incorporate Playtime for Extra Activity
Daily walks are essential, but structured playtime adds another layer of excitement and exercise for a Springer Spaniel.
These energetic dogs love interactive games that challenge both their body and mind, making play an excellent way to burn off energy while strengthening your bond.
Fetch and Tug-of-War
Simple but effective, fetch and tug-of-war are two of Molly’s favourite games. Fetch is fantastic for tapping into her natural retrieving instincts while giving her an intense cardio workout.
Whether it’s a tennis ball, a frisbee, or a durable toy, she never tires of chasing and bringing it back for another round.
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!
Tug-of-war, on the other hand, is a great way to engage in controlled, high-energy play. It helps build strength, reinforces training cues like “drop it,” and strengthens our bond.
Molly loves playing fetch with her ball at home.
We usually play in our living room, throwing the ball through the kitchen door, where it bounces off and lands in the kitchen.
She loves running after it, grabbing it, and fetching it back for me to throw again. She could do this literally for hours, but I like to mix up the game with some mental stimulation exercises to keep things interesting.
Springers Love Water
Many Springer Spaniels, including Molly, absolutely love water!
Whether it’s a lake, a river, or even a kiddie pool in the garden, swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise that’s gentle on the joints while still providing a full-body workout.
On warmer days, a swim is a great way for Molly to cool off while getting in some extra exercise. If you have access to safe water spots, introducing your Springer to swimming can be an incredibly fun and beneficial activity.
Luckily, we live close to the River Thames, and with spring approaching, I can’t wait to take Molly there.
She is absolutely obsessed with swimming and could stay in the water all day if I didn’t drag her out to warm up and dry off every now and then!
Interactive Outdoor Games
Adding variety to playtime keeps things engaging, and Springer Spaniels thrive on games that challenge their intelligence. A few of Molly’s favourites include:
- Hide-and-seek – Hiding and calling her name encourages recall training while making exercise fun. If you run out of places to hide in your home, use a blanket to cover yourself. Molly goes wild trying to figure out who’s under the blanket, and once she finds me, she’s absolutely thrilled! 🙂
- Ball Throwing – A more challenging version of fetch that encourages jumping and agility. However, it’s important to keep sessions short to minimise the impact on your dog’s knees and joints. Also, avoid throwing the ball away from your dog; instead, throw it towards them. This way, they don’t have to sprint after the ball but can still enjoy the fun and exercise of catching it mid-air.
- Obstacle Courses – Setting up jumps, tunnels, or simple agility exercises keeps your Springer Spaniel physically and mentally stimulated. Although we don’t have a big enough garden for this, I usually set up an obstacle course in the local woods, where there are plenty of fallen trees and branches to build something quickly. Molly absolutely loves it, and it adds an extra layer of excitement to our walks!
Springer Spaniels need more than just walks—they need interactive, engaging activities that cater to their instincts and energy levels.
Incorporating playtime into their routine not only keeps them fit but also provides mental enrichment, making for a well-rounded and happy dog.
Mental Stimulation is Just as Important
Springer Spaniels are not only physically active but also highly intelligent dogs that require ample mental stimulation to stay balanced and content.
Engaging their minds is as crucial as providing physical exercise, as it helps prevent boredom and associated behavioural issues.
Scent Work and Sniffing Games
Tapping into their natural hunting instincts, scent-based activities are excellent for mental engagement. Games like hide-and-seek with treats or toys encourage your Springer to use their keen sense of smell, providing both fun and mental exercise.
For instance, hiding treats around the house or garden and allowing your dog to find them can be highly rewarding and tiring for them.
It has now become part of our daily routine that after our last walk, I play a game with Molly by hiding treats around the house. To keep it fun while managing her weight, I cut the treats into smaller pieces so we can play multiple rounds without overfeeding her.
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I hide them in all sorts of places—under blankets, on top of chairs, or inside empty toilet paper tubes, which I seal by folding the ends.
Molly absolutely loves sniffing them out and tearing the tubes apart to get to the treats inside!
Since this game has become a daily habit, I soon found myself running out of toilet paper tubes. After a bit of searching, I finally found a seller on eBay and managed to buy 100 toilet roll tubes for just £4.
Of course, my wife found it hilarious and joked that we were going a bit overboard! 😆
Puzzle Toys and Treat-Dispensing Games
Although we don’t tend to use them much, as Molly gets bored quickly after figuring out how they work, interactive toys can be a great way to challenge your dog’s problem-solving abilities and provide mental stimulation.
Items like puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys encourage your Springer to think and work for their rewards, keeping their minds engaged and helping to reduce boredom.
These tools can be particularly useful when outdoor exercise is limited, offering an alternative way to keep your dog mentally active indoors.
Training Sessions
Regular training not only reinforces good behaviour but also provides mental challenges that keep your Springer Spaniel sharp.
Teaching new commands, tricks, or even participating in agility training can be both mentally and physically rewarding for your dog.
Consistent training sessions strengthen your bond and provide a structured outlet for their intelligence and energy.
Incorporating these mental stimulation activities into your Springer’s daily routine ensures a well-rounded approach to their overall health and happiness.
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 all the commands we have taught Molly are now deeply ingrained, we still hold practice sessions at least twice a week. This isn’t just to reinforce her training but also because it’s fun!
She loves these sessions, and we always have a great time doing them. It’s a fantastic way to keep her mentally engaged while strengthening our bond.
Balance High-Energy Exercise with Rest
Springer Spaniels are full of energy, but even they need time to rest and recover. While regular exercise is crucial, overdoing it can lead to exhaustion, sore muscles, or even injuries.
Finding the right balance between activity and downtime ensures your Springer stays fit, healthy, and happy.
Knowing When to Stop
It’s easy to assume that because Springer Spaniels love running and playing, they can go forever—but that’s not the case.
Watch for signs of overexertion, such as excessive panting, slowing down, or reluctance to continue playing.
If Molly starts lagging behind on walks or flops down for a rest more often than usual, we take it as a sign to ease up and give her some recovery time.
We have taught Molly a resting command using the word “Relax”. On long walks or during ball games, I’ll tell Molly to Relax, and she will happily lie down next to me—as long as I stand beside her.
This gives her the necessary time to recover, while also allowing me to assess whether we should stop the exercise or if she’s had enough for the day.
Don’t forget to keep water on hand! I always carry a bottle of water for Molly, as I don’t want her drinking from dirty puddles or other unknown sources. Staying hydrated is just as important as rest, especially during long walks and active play.
Rest Days Are Necessary
Just like humans, dogs need time for their muscles and joints to recover after intense exercise.
While Springer Spaniels thrive on activity, having a lighter day in their routine—such as shorter walks or more mental stimulation instead of high-impact exercise—helps prevent strain or fatigue.
With Molly, we ensure that after particularly active days, she has a calmer day to recharge, keeping her in top shape without overdoing it.
Cosy and Calm Indoor Activities
Rest doesn’t mean complete inactivity—gentle play and low-energy engagement can keep your Springer entertained without overexertion. Some great ways to balance rest with enrichment include:
- Chew toys – Helps satisfy their need to chew while keeping them relaxed.
- Slow-paced training – Practising commands or gentle trick training indoors.
- Cuddle time and relaxation – Sometimes, a Springer Spaniel just needs a cosy nap with their owner!
By balancing energetic activities with proper rest, you can keep your Springer Spaniel healthy, prevent injuries, and ensure they’re always ready for their next adventure.
Adjust Exercise for Weather and Seasons
Springer Spaniels love the outdoors, but weather conditions can significantly impact their exercise routine.
Whether it’s the heat of summer or the chill of winter, adapting their activities ensures they stay active and safe throughout the year.
Hot Weather Tips
Springer Spaniels are energetic, but in warm weather, they can quickly overheat.
To keep them comfortable and safe:
- Walk early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
- Always carry water and take breaks in the shade—I cannot overstate this enough! Always bring a bottle of water for your dog whenever you go out. Staying hydrated is just as important for them as it is for us, especially during long walks or hot weather.
- Avoid hot pavement, as it can burn their paws—opt for grassy or woodland paths instead.
- Introduce water play, like paddling pools or swimming, to help them stay cool while exercising.
- On particularly hot days, Molly enjoys a frozen treat or a gentle play session in the shade instead of long, intense walks.
Cold & Wet Weather Solutions
Springers generally love running in all conditions, but cold and wet weather can present challenges.
To keep exercise enjoyable and safe in winter:
- Skip the Waterproof Coat – It’s Not Always Necessary – Personally, we think a waterproof coat on a Springer Spaniel is a bad idea. We’ve tested many, and in our experience, Molly is better off without one. The water and dirt tend to get trapped under the coat, making her uncomfortable rather than keeping her dry.
- The only time we use a coat is when temperatures drop below freezing or when is completely dry—in those cases, a warm winter coat helps keep her comfortable without restricting her movement. For rainy days, a good towelling off after a walk works just fine!
- Stick to shorter but more frequent walks when temperatures drop.
- Incorporate indoor activities like scent games and training when outdoor exercise is limited.
- Molly doesn’t mind getting wet, but after a walk in the rain or snow, we always dry her off thoroughly to prevent discomfort or chills.
Adapting to the Environment
No matter the season, it’s essential to adjust your Springer Spaniel’s exercise to match the conditions. While they need regular physical and mental stimulation, it’s okay to swap long walks for more indoor games or low-impact activities when the weather isn’t ideal.
By staying flexible with their routine, you can ensure your Springer Spaniel remains active, happy, and safe—no matter the season!
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!
Keeping a Springer Spaniel active is essential for their health, happiness, and overall well-being. To ensure they get the right balance of physical and mental stimulation, remember these five essential exercise tips:
- Prioritise Daily Walks and Outdoor Adventures – Long, varied walks keep their energy levels in check.
- Incorporate Playtime for Extra Activity – Games like fetch, tug-of-war, and swimming add excitement and exercise variety.
- Mental Stimulation is Just as Important – Training, scent work, and puzzle toys prevent boredom and enhance their intelligence.
- Balance High-Energy Exercise with Rest – Knowing when to slow down helps prevent exhaustion and injuries – teach your dog to relax (rest)
- Adjust Exercise for Weather and Seasons – Adapting activities ensures your Springer stays active and safe year-round.
- Springer Spaniels are incredibly energetic, and a well-rounded exercise routine helps them thrive. Consistency is key, but variety is just as important—mixing up activities keeps them engaged and excited for their daily exercise.
For Molly, this approach has made all the difference. Our structured routine of long walks, interactive games, and mental challenges has helped her stay fit, happy, and well-behaved.
Whether she’s bounding through fields, swimming in the river, or solving a puzzle toy at home, she’s always engaged and enjoying life to the fullest.
