English Springer Spaniel: The Energetic and Affectionate Family Companion
The English Springer Spaniel is an energetic and intelligent sporting breed known for its friendly temperament, strong retrieving instincts, and versatile hunting ability. Originally developed in England as a flushing and retrieving dog for game birds, the English Springer Spaniel combines athletic endurance and trainability with an affectionate and people-oriented personality that makes it both an excellent field dog and a devoted family companion. These active and eager-to-please dogs thrive with owners who can provide regular exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent training, as they enjoy staying busy and closely involved in family life. English Springer Spaniels are typically social, gentle, and highly adaptable, often getting along well with children and other pets when properly socialized from an early age. With their expressive eyes, enthusiastic personality, and hardworking nature, the English Springer Spaniel is an excellent choice for active households seeking a loyal and versatile sporting companion.
⭐ 3 Things You May Not Know About the English Springer Spaniel
- The English Springer Spaniel’s name comes from its traditional job of “springing” birds into the air for hunters before firearms became widely used.
- English Springer Spaniels from working field lines are often noticeably leaner, faster, and more intense than show-bred Springers.
- Because of their intelligence and scenting ability, English Springer Spaniels are commonly used today in search-and-rescue work, detection work, and customs inspection programs around the world.
Overview
- Group: Sporting
- Size: Medium
- Weight: 40-50 lbs
- Lifespan: 12-14 years
- Temperament: Friendly, Energetic, Loyal
- Coat: Medium-length, wavy with feathering
- Exercise Needs: High
- Group: Sporting
🐾 Quick Facts About the English Springer Spaniel
- Energy Level: High — English Springer Spaniels are energetic sporting dogs that need daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and balanced.
- Grooming Needs: Moderate — Their feathered coat benefits from regular brushing and occasional trimming to prevent mats and tangles.
- Good With Kids: Yes — English Springer Spaniels are typically affectionate, playful, and gentle with children when properly socialized.
- Trainability: High — Intelligent and eager to please, they respond very well to positive reinforcement and consistent training.
- Barking Level: Moderate — They may bark to alert their family or express excitement but are not usually excessive barkers when properly exercised.
History & Origin
The English Springer Spaniel originated in England, where it was developed as a highly energetic and versatile sporting dog used for flushing and retrieving game birds from dense cover. The breed belongs to the ancient spaniel family, with spaniel-type hunting dogs appearing in Europe for hundreds of years. English hunters valued these dogs for their intelligence, endurance, and close working partnership with people during long days in the field.
The English Springer Spaniel takes its name from its traditional hunting role of “springing” game birds into the air for hunters and falcons. Before firearms became common, these dogs worked alongside hunters to flush birds from thick brush and undergrowth. As hunting methods evolved, the breed adapted exceptionally well to modern bird hunting while maintaining its natural enthusiasm and strong retrieving instincts.
Originally, spaniels from the same litters were often separated by size, with larger dogs becoming Springers and smaller dogs developing into Cocker Spaniels. Over time, breeders refined the English Springer Spaniel into a distinct breed known for athleticism, stamina, and versatility in the field. Its medium size, strong nose, and eager working style made it highly effective for flushing pheasant, quail, grouse, and other upland game birds.
The breed eventually became popular outside hunting circles because of its affectionate personality, intelligence, and adaptability as a family companion. Both field-bred and show-bred lines later developed, with field lines emphasizing hunting performance and endurance while show lines focused more heavily on appearance and conformation.
Modern English Springer Spaniels still retain many traits shaped by centuries of sporting work. Their intelligence, eagerness to please, high energy levels, and strong scenting instincts reflect generations of selective breeding for cooperative hunting roles. Beneath the breed’s cheerful expression and flowing coat remains a hardworking and highly capable sporting dog deeply connected to England’s hunting traditions.
Physical Characteristics
The English Springer Spaniel is a versatile sporting breed known for its athletic build, expressive eyes, feathered coat, and energetic movement. Originally developed in England as a flushing and retrieving gun dog, the breed combines endurance, agility, intelligence, and enthusiasm with affectionate companion-dog qualities.
The breed possesses a balanced muscular frame with moderate bone structure, deep chest, strong shoulders, and well-developed hindquarters designed for stamina and efficient movement across fields, woods, and rough terrain. The English Springer Spaniel should appear athletic and capable rather than delicate or overly refined.
One of the breed’s most recognizable features is its soft expressive face, highlighted by medium-sized dark eyes that convey intelligence, warmth, and attentiveness. The ears are long, pendant-shaped, and covered in silky feathering that frames the face closely.
The head is proportionate and cleanly shaped with a moderately long muzzle and gentle expression. The breed’s alert and eager appearance reflects its energetic sporting-dog heritage.
The coat is medium length, weather-resistant, and either flat or slightly wavy. Feathering appears on the ears, chest, legs, underside, and tail, helping protect the dog while working through dense vegetation and difficult outdoor conditions.
Coat colors most commonly include liver and white or black and white, often accompanied by ticking or tan points. The coat’s coloration and texture were historically practical for visibility and field work.
The tail may be docked in some regions depending on local laws and breeding practices, although natural tails are increasingly common. Movement should appear smooth, energetic, and highly efficient with excellent reach and drive.
The English Springer Spaniel’s structure reflects its purpose as an endurance flushing dog capable of working actively for long periods while remaining highly responsive to handlers.
Although elegant and attractive in appearance, the breed remains fundamentally a hardworking athletic sporting dog with considerable stamina and enthusiasm.
Overall, the English Springer Spaniel projects energy, athleticism, friendliness, and classic sporting-dog versatility through its balanced structure and lively expression.
For a broader comparison of how this breed’s size compares to others, see our Dog Size & Weight Guide.
Temperament & Personality
The English Springer Spaniel is known for being affectionate, intelligent, energetic, and highly people-oriented. This breed thrives on companionship and often forms strong emotional bonds with its family members.
With loved ones, English Springers are typically playful, loyal, and eager to participate in household activities. Many individuals enjoy remaining close to their people and often seek regular interaction and attention throughout the day.
The breed is generally outgoing and socially friendly when properly socialized. English Springers often display a cheerful and enthusiastic attitude toward both family members and visitors.
Because of their sporting heritage, the breed is naturally energetic and mentally active. English Springers thrive in homes where they receive both physical exercise and meaningful interaction.
The breed is usually excellent with children and often coexists well with other household pets when properly socialized. Their social temperament and playful nature contribute greatly to their popularity as family companions.
English Springer Spaniels are intelligent and highly trainable, often learning quickly and enjoying activities that involve teamwork and mental engagement.
The breed is emotionally sensitive and generally responds best to calm positive interaction and stable household structure. Harsh correction or inconsistent handling may create anxiety or reduce confidence.
Because of their strong attachment to people, many English Springers do not tolerate long periods of isolation well. Without enough companionship and stimulation, some individuals may develop separation anxiety, excessive barking, or boredom-related behaviors.
The breed often retains playful puppy-like enthusiasm well into adulthood, especially when regularly engaged in exercise and social interaction.
Although affectionate and outgoing, English Springers are also naturally alert and observant, often making attentive watchdogs without excessive territorial aggression.
In the right home, the English Springer Spaniel becomes a loving, energetic, emotionally connected companion with strong sporting instincts and exceptional family devotion.
For a broader overview of personality differences between breed groups, visit our Dog Breed Temperament Guide.
Exercise & Training
The English Springer Spaniel is an active sporting breed that requires substantial exercise and mental stimulation to remain physically healthy and behaviorally balanced. Developed for flushing and retrieving game over long hunting days, the breed possesses significant stamina and energy.
Daily activity should include brisk walks, retrieving games, running, hiking, scent work, interactive play sessions, and mentally engaging training exercises.
Because of the breed’s intelligence and eagerness to work closely with people, training is generally highly rewarding. Positive reinforcement methods using praise, treats, encouragement, and consistency typically produce excellent results.
English Springers often excel in obedience, agility, scent detection, field trials, dock diving, rally, and therapy work due to their athleticism and trainability.
Mental stimulation is especially important because highly intelligent bored spaniels may develop destructive chewing, excessive barking, or hyperactive behaviors without enough engagement.
Early socialization helps encourage confidence and stable behavior around unfamiliar people, environments, sounds, and animals. Positive exposure during puppyhood contributes greatly to balanced adult temperament.
Because of their strong bird-dog instincts, some individuals may become distracted by scents, birds, or movement outdoors. Reliable recall training and leash manners are important parts of early development.
The breed responds best to calm leadership and engaging training sessions rather than harsh correction or repetitive forceful handling.
English Springers generally thrive in active homes where they receive both companionship and regular opportunities for physical and mental exercise.
Although energetic outdoors, many well-exercised English Springers are affectionate and relaxed indoors once their activity needs have been met.
For owners seeking an intelligent, trainable, energetic sporting breed with strong family attachment and high enthusiasm for activity, the English Springer Spaniel can become an exceptionally rewarding companion.
Learn more on our Dog Training Page.
Grooming & Coat Care
The English Springer Spaniel has moderate grooming requirements due to its feathered coat and active outdoor lifestyle.
The medium-length coat should be brushed several times per week to prevent tangles, remove loose hair, and maintain healthy skin and coat condition. Feathered areas around the ears, chest, legs, underside, and tail require particular attention because mats and debris may accumulate more easily.
The breed sheds moderately throughout the year, with heavier seasonal shedding periods during coat transitions.
Bathing is needed periodically to maintain cleanliness and healthy coat texture, particularly after outdoor activity involving mud, water, or dense vegetation.
Routine grooming should also include nail trimming, dental care, ear cleaning, and inspection of the skin and coat for burrs, parasites, or irritation following exercise outdoors.
Because of the breed’s long hanging ears, regular ear maintenance is especially important to help prevent moisture buildup and ear infections.
Many owners choose occasional trimming around the feet, ears, neck, and feathering to maintain neat appearance and improve coat manageability.
The English Springer Spaniel’s active nature also makes regular paw-pad inspection important after hiking, field work, or rough-terrain exercise.
Professional grooming may occasionally be helpful, particularly for heavily feathered individuals or owners maintaining a more polished coat appearance.
With proper grooming, exercise, preventive care, and regular maintenance, the English Springer Spaniel maintains its healthy coat, athletic condition, and lively sporting-dog vitality throughout its life.
Learn more on our Dog Grooming Page.
Health Overview
The English Springer Spaniel is an intelligent, affectionate, and highly energetic sporting breed known for its versatility, endurance, and eager-to-please personality. Originally developed in England as a flushing and retrieving gun dog, the English Springer Spaniel is generally considered a healthy and capable working breed, but like many active sporting dogs, it can still be prone to several inherited and structural health concerns. Understanding common English Springer Spaniel health problems and recommended breeder health testing can help puppy buyers make more informed decisions when selecting a healthy puppy. Because this breed combines athletic movement, high energy levels, long ears, emotional sensitivity, and strong working instincts, maintaining healthy joints, ear condition, eye health, mobility, and overall body condition is especially important throughout the dog’s life.
Health issues sometimes seen in English Springer Spaniels may include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), retinal dysplasia, epilepsy, ear infections, hypothyroidism, and age-related arthritis. Some individuals may also develop autoimmune disorders, skin allergies, cruciate ligament injuries, or a hereditary neurological condition sometimes referred to as “Springer rage syndrome,” although this remains relatively uncommon. Because the breed’s long pendulous ears may trap moisture and debris, chronic ear infections can become a recurring concern if regular ear care is neglected. While not every English Springer Spaniel will develop these conditions, understanding the breed’s health tendencies allows owners to make better long-term decisions regarding breeding, grooming, nutrition, exercise, and preventive veterinary care.
Health Testing & Responsible Breeding
Responsible English Springer Spaniel breeders should perform appropriate health screenings before breeding in order to reduce the likelihood of inherited conditions being passed to future generations. Many puppy buyers are encouraged to ask about health testing, but they are often unsure which evaluations are most important for this breed. In the English Springer Spaniel, careful attention to orthopedic, eye, neurological, and overall structural health is especially valuable.
Buyers should ask whether the sire and dam have completed OFA or PennHIP hip evaluations, ophthalmologist-performed eye examinations, and genetic testing for progressive retinal atrophy when appropriate. Responsible breeders may also discuss orthopedic longevity, working soundness, temperament stability, hearing, and overall lifespan within their bloodlines. Some breeders may additionally monitor for epilepsy, autoimmune concerns, or hereditary neurological disorders depending on pedigree history.
Unlike some breeds selected primarily for appearance alone, responsible English Springer Spaniel breeding programs often place strong emphasis on temperament, athletic soundness, and sensory wellness because the breed was developed for demanding hunting and retrieving work. Ethical breeders understand that preserving the English Springer Spaniel involves much more than maintaining coat quality or beauty — it also includes protecting healthy movement, emotional stability, working capability, and long-term wellness.
Before English Springer Spaniel puppies are placed into new homes, they should receive a complete veterinary wellness examination that evaluates the heart, eyes, joints, bite alignment, parasite status, overall structure, and general physical development. Because active sporting breeds place substantial stress on developing bones and joints during growth, proper nutrition and carefully managed exercise during puppyhood are especially important. Puppies should also leave with age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming records, feeding guidance, and recommendations for safe socialization, training, grooming, and physical conditioning during development.
A responsible English Springer Spaniel breeder should willingly provide documentation of completed health clearances and openly discuss inherited health concerns affecting the breed. Puppy buyers should be cautious of breeders who avoid health discussions, refuse to provide testing information, or claim their dogs are completely free of health problems. Ethical breeding focuses on reducing inherited risk through careful selection, health screening, pedigree knowledge, and lifelong breeder support rather than making unrealistic promises.
Preventive Care & Long-Term Wellness
Maintaining healthy body condition and regular exercise is especially important for the English Springer Spaniel because this breed is naturally athletic, energetic, and mentally active. Without sufficient physical activity and mental stimulation, some individuals may become anxious, vocal, destructive, or emotionally frustrated. Regular exercise helps support cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, coordination, joint stability, and emotional well-being throughout life.
The English Springer Spaniel is also an extremely intelligent and emotionally connected breed that benefits from regular mental stimulation and structured interaction. Hiking, retrieving games, scent work, obedience training, puzzle toys, and interactive training sessions all contribute to emotional balance and long-term wellness.
Because the breed’s long ears may trap moisture and debris, regular ear cleaning and monitoring are especially important to help reduce the risk of chronic ear infections. Grooming sessions also provide an excellent opportunity to monitor for parasites, skin irritation, lumps, coat-quality changes, or developing health concerns.
The English Springer Spaniel’s feathered coat requires regular brushing and grooming maintenance to help prevent matting and maintain healthy skin and coat condition. Many owners also choose routine trimming to simplify coat care and maintenance.
Routine veterinary examinations throughout adulthood and senior years remain important for monitoring mobility, orthopedic health, hearing, eye condition, ear wellness, and overall quality of life. Early detection of developing health concerns often allows for more successful long-term management and improved outcomes.
Lifespan & Senior English Springer Spaniel Care
The English Springer Spaniel often lives approximately 12 to 14 years when responsibly bred and properly cared for. Senior English Springer Spaniels may gradually develop arthritis, reduced stamina, hearing decline, vision changes, muscle loss, or decreased mobility as they age. Some older dogs may also become more prone to ear infections or orthopedic stiffness during the senior years.
As English Springer Spaniels enter their senior years, many owners focus on maintaining moderate low-impact exercise, healthy weight management, supportive bedding, ear care, coat maintenance, and routine wellness monitoring. Because the breed often remains emotionally connected and interactive throughout life, continued companionship and mental stimulation remain especially important even during old age.
With attentive care, preventive veterinary support, responsible breeding, and a healthy lifestyle, many English Springer Spaniels continue to thrive as affectionate, energetic, and highly devoted companions throughout their lives.
Is the English Springer Spaniel Dog Breed Right for You?
The English Springer Spaniel is an affectionate, intelligent, and highly energetic sporting breed known for its trainability, cheerful personality, and strong bond with its family. Originally developed for flushing and retrieving game birds, the English Springer Spaniel thrives when given exercise, companionship, and opportunities to stay mentally and physically engaged.
While loving and highly trainable, the English Springer Spaniel is not the ideal fit for every household. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide:
✔ Ideal for:
- Active owners who enjoy hiking, training, or outdoor adventures
- Families seeking an affectionate and athletic companion
- People able to provide regular exercise and engagement
- Owners interested in dog sports, scent work, or field activities
- Homes willing to provide companionship, grooming, and interaction
❌ Not Ideal for:
- People unable to provide regular exercise and stimulation
- Homes where the dog will frequently be isolated or inactive
- Owners unwilling to manage grooming and ear maintenance
- People seeking a low-energy or highly independent dog
- Homes unable to provide training and ongoing engagement
Where to Find an English Springer Spaniel
If you’re interested in bringing a dog of this breed into your home, consider adopting from a rescue organization or finding a reputable breeder.
Find a Reliable Rescue:
Read our page about how to adopt from a reliable dog rescue.
Find reliable rescues through our Dog Rescue Directory.
Find a Responsible Breeder:
Read our information page about buying a healthy puppy from a responsible breeder.
Find responsible breeders through our Dog Breeders Directory.
Puppy Considerations
English Springer Spaniel puppies are playful, affectionate, and highly people-oriented from an early age. Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are extremely important to help puppies develop confidence, emotional stability, and good manners.
Because these puppies mature into active and emotionally connected sporting dogs, early structure and healthy outlets for their energy are especially important. Their retrieving instincts and desire for interaction often become obvious very early in development.
Puppies benefit from:
- Early socialization with people, dogs, sounds, and environments
- Positive reinforcement training and structured routines
- Daily exercise and mentally stimulating activities
- Interactive games, scent work, and confidence-building exercises
- Regular grooming handling and ear-care routines
Because English Springer Spaniel puppies are emotionally sensitive and highly intelligent, calm guidance and consistent routines are especially important during development.
Living With an English Springer Spaniel
Living with an English Springer Spaniel is often rewarding for owners who appreciate affectionate, energetic, and highly interactive sporting dogs. These dogs generally form strong bonds with their families and often enjoy participating in outdoor adventures and everyday activities.
The English Springer Spaniel requires regular physical exercise and mental stimulation to remain healthy and emotionally balanced. Many enjoy hiking, retrieving games, scent work, obedience training, field activities, and interactive play with their families.
This breed generally does best in homes where it receives companionship, structure, training, and opportunities to stay mentally occupied. Without enough engagement or exercise, boredom may lead to excessive vocalization, destructive behavior, anxiety, or emotional frustration.
Although affectionate and friendly with family members, English Springer Spaniels may naturally be somewhat emotionally sensitive. Early socialization and responsible ownership are important for helping the breed develop into a confident and stable adult.
Feeding a balanced, high-quality diet and maintaining a healthy weight are important for supporting endurance, mobility, muscle condition, orthopedic wellness, and overall quality of life. Routine veterinary care, exercise, training, grooming, and companionship all contribute to helping the breed thrive.
Final Thoughts…
The English Springer Spaniel is an affectionate, intelligent, and deeply loyal sporting breed that thrives with owners who appreciate active companionship and close emotional connection. Their cheerful personality, trainability, and loving nature make them remarkable companions in the right homes.
With proper exercise, preventive care, socialization, training, grooming, and companionship, the English Springer Spaniel can become a deeply rewarding and highly devoted lifelong companion.
Are you considering adding an English Springer Spaniel to your family?
🐶 English Springer Spaniels FAQs
How long do English Springer Spaniels live?
English Springer Spaniels typically have a lifespan of about 12 to 14 years. With proper nutrition, regular veterinary care, and an active lifestyle, many remain healthy well into their senior years.
This breed may be prone to ear infections, eye conditions, and certain inherited health issues. Routine health screenings and preventive care help support long-term wellbeing.
What is the English Springer Spaniel temperament like?
English Springer Spaniels are known for being friendly, energetic, and affectionate. They are highly people-oriented dogs that enjoy close interaction with their families.
They tend to be enthusiastic and eager to participate in activities. Early socialization helps ensure balanced behavior in a variety of settings.
Are English Springer Spaniels good family dogs?
Yes, English Springer Spaniels are often excellent family dogs. They are typically patient with children and enjoy being included in family life.
They thrive in active households that can provide daily exercise and companionship. Consistent routines and supervision support positive family relationships.
Do English Springer Spaniels shed a lot?
English Springer Spaniels are moderate shedders. Their medium-length coat sheds year-round, with increased shedding during seasonal coat changes.
Regular brushing helps manage shedding and prevents matting. Routine grooming also supports overall coat and skin health.
Are English Springer Spaniels easy to train?
English Springer Spaniels are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement and clear guidance.
Early training and socialization help develop good manners and focus. Short, engaging training sessions are most effective.
🐕 Related Breeds You Might Like
If you’re interested in the English Springer Spaniel, you may also enjoy learning about these similar spaniel and sporting breeds:
- English Cocker Spaniel – A cheerful, affectionate spaniel known for adaptability and strong family bonds.
- Field Spaniel – A balanced sporting breed with a calm demeanor and close attachment to its family.
- Brittany Spaniel – An energetic, versatile sporting dog valued for intelligence and enthusiasm.
🐾 Lisa’s Picks for English Springer Spaniels
As someone who has worked with dogs for over 50 years—including more than 20 years helping with housebreaking and everyday care—I’m often asked for product recommendations. I’ve found that a few simple items can make a big difference in a dog’s comfort and daily routine.
If you have an English Springer Spaniel or are planning to bring one into your home, these products and tips can help support your journey together.
🛏️ 1. Dog Beds
👉 My Tip: Waterproof Bed Protection (My Personal Favorite Trick)
One thing I personally do is use twin-size waterproof mattress covers over larger dog beds. They’re easy to wash, protect the bed beneath, and save money long-term—especially helpful for puppies, seniors, or heavy shedders. You can find different colors and patterns that fit your decor.
For tiny dog beds, you can use waterproof pillow covers that fit over the beds to protect them and save money long-term.
I use the same idea around the house, too. Washable, waterproof couch covers are a simple way to protect furniture from dirt, shedding, and accidents—especially helpful with puppies, seniors, or dogs that love the couch.
* Orthopedic Foam Dog Beds:
A high-quality orthopedic bed is one of the best investments you can make for your dog. I recommend these for every breed, once they are out of the chewing stage, especially as they age. They provide joint support, improve comfort, and help dogs truly rest.
* Tough Dog Beds for Dogs That Chew:
If your dog tends to chew or destroy their bedding, a standard plush bed may not last long. In these cases, I recommend tough, chew-resistant dog beds made with reinforced materials.
These are designed to hold up better against digging, scratching, and chewing, and can save you from constantly replacing beds. While no bed is completely indestructible, choosing a more durable option can make a big difference.
* Puppies need Simple Washable Bedding:
For young puppies that are still learning house training, I often suggest starting with simple, washable blankets instead of an expensive dog bed.
Thick towels, fleece throws, or washable pads work very well during this stage. They’re easy to clean, quick to replace, and help protect your main dog beds until your puppy is more reliable. Once house training is more consistent, you can transition to a more permanent, supportive bed.
✂️ 2. Proper Grooming Tools for the Akitas Coat
Akitas have a thick, dense double coat with a soft undercoat and a coarse outer coat, so using the right grooming tools makes a big difference.
An undercoat rake is one of the most important tools for this breed, helping to remove loose undercoat—especially during seasonal shedding. A pin brush works well for regular brushing, while a metal comb can be used for detail work around the ears, tail, and other areas prone to tangles.
Akitas shed heavily during seasonal coat changes (“blowing coat”), and more frequent brushing during these times helps keep the coat healthy and manageable.
Regular brushing:
- Helps prevent mats
- Reduces shedding
- Keeps the coat healthy
🦴 3. Treats (Great for All Dogs)
- Jerky Treats for Dogs: Almost all dogs love soft, easy-to-break NATURAL jerky treats. They’re perfect for rewarding good behavior without overfeeding. Soft jerky treats provide protein and are easy to chew.
- Tiny Treats for Small Dogs
For small dogs, I recommend using very tiny, NATURAL training treats that are soft and easy to chew. This lets you reward often without overfeeding.
- Stronger Chew Treats for Larger Dogs
Dogs that enjoy a more robust chewing experience will benefit from stronger chew treats. Some larger dogs may still go through them quickly, while others will take more time—so it often depends on the individual dog.
👉 My Tip: Check Ingredient Labels
I always recommend checking the ingredient label when choosing treats at the store. Dogs don’t need added sugar or artificial ingredients, and some treats can upset their stomach or cause diarrhea. Look for all-natural ingredient labels, and single ingredient or few ingredient labels are preferred.
It’s important to note that even among the same breed, some dogs enjoy chewing more than others, and many have preferences for certain types of chews. If you notice bleeding gums during chewing, it’s a good idea to have your dog examined by a veterinarian to rule out any dental issues.
🧠 4. Enrichment Toys for Mental Stimulation
English Springer Spaniels are active, so giving them something to do is important.
An enrichment toy can help:
- Prevent boredom
- Reduce unwanted behaviors
- Keep their mind engaged
When choosing an enrichment toy, think about your dog’s personality and needs. Some dogs love puzzle toys and mental challenges, while others are happier with something they can chew or carry around.
🐕 5. Safe, Comfortable Harness, Collar & Leash
From my experience, choosing the right walking gear can make a big difference in both safety and control. Some harnesses and collars are designed to help prevent dogs from slipping out, which is especially important for strong or easily startled dogs, and those are the types I personally recommend for safety.
Harness: A quality, comfortable properly fitted harness can make walks more comfortable and easier to manage—especially for dogs that tend to pull or get excited outdoors. If you have a dog that tries to wiggle out of their harness, search for an “escape proof” harness that has an extra strap towards the back.
Collar: I use and prefer safety martingale collars, as they can help prevent dogs from backing out of their collar while still being more gentle than traditional collars when used correctly.
Leash: Choose a lightweight leash for small dogs and a sturdier, heavier leash for larger dogs to ensure good control. Nylon leashes are strong and long-lasting. Some leashes also include a comfortable padded handle.
👉 My Tip: Avoid Retractable Leashes
I don’t recommend retractable leashes, as they can break and tangle easily and create safety issues and tripping hazards.
💡 Lisa’s Tip:
You don’t need a lot of products to care for a dog well… just the right ones. Focus on comfort, consistency, and routine, and you’ll make life easier for both you and your dog.
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