Training Your English Springer Spaniel - From Puppy to Perfect Companion

You can set your English Springer Spaniel up for success from day one with calm structure, positive reinforcement, and plenty of fun.

Just remember to keep sessions short while aiming to meet their high energy needs, and you’ll raise a confident, loving partner.

Key takeaways:

• Balance training with mental stimulation and physical exercise.

• Early socialisation, crate training, and gentle toilet training can help prevent problem behaviours.

• Use reward-based training methods, such as using high-value training treats. Ask a qualified dog trainer for complex issues like separation anxiety.

• Protect long-term health and costs with breed-aware cover; see this helpful page on English Springer Spaniel pet insurance.

What makes this dog tick?

The Springer Spaniel is a gundog at heart. Bred and often still used for hunting, they are working dogs with high energy levels. They are very intelligent dogs, yet they have a heartwarming, affectionate nature. That mix is why Springer Spaniels are great as family dogs; just note that they need structure, routine, and a job to do.

• Typical English Springer Spaniel temperament: people-focused, eager to please, and quick learners.

• With good guidance, you’ll see good behaviour flourish, and your training journey becomes a joy.

For history, exercise, and coat care specifics, see this in-depth English Springer Spaniel breed guide.

Where to start with a Springer pup

Early days are about gentle habits:

• Cosy crate training builds security and helps toilet training.

• Rich socialisation with calm people, places, sounds, and surfaces prevents fearful dog behaviour later.

• Set a routine to time your puppy naps, meals, and play so your Springer pup can settle.

Use reward-led puppy training and training treats. Focus on simple terms like “sit”, “down”, name response, and a soft mouth. A soft mouth means that your dog learns how to "play bite" in a soft and gentle way. This is key to their early, basic training.

Just keep each training session short at 2 to 5 minutes and make it all fun and upbeat.

Tip: Sprinkling in “find it” games meets mental stimulation needs without over-tiring your pup.

A simple day plan for a Springer Spaniel puppy

• Morning: toilet break, a few cues, a quick sit and treat session followed by playtime with a soft toy. Then they can settle their little heads for a nap.

• Midday: short sniffy walk in safe spaces, calm handling to brush and groom the ears and feet. This helps train them to get used to the routine.

• Evening: 5 minutes of recall games, chew, cuddles, kisses, and bed.

This is a simple, yet proper training method for little ones: brief, kind, and consistent.

Which approach suits English Springer Spaniel training?

We've mentioned a few above, but when training a Springer Spaniel kindly and effectively, it's important to reiterate some points:

• Reward-led dog training and clicker techniques are ideal training methods for English Springer Spaniels.

• Start training a Springer Spaniel puppy with simple choices and clear rewards.

• As they grow, teaching your Springer Spaniel steadiness and recall is essential. This training helps to establish a strong bond between you and your dog, ensuring that they understand commands and can respond appropriately in various situations.

By focusing on these fundamental skills, you not only enhance your dog's obedience but also promote a well-behaved companion that can safely navigate the home environment without engaging in unwanted hunting instincts.

Also, every dog is different, and if you hit roadblocks, bring in a qualified dog trainer for more personalised training tips.

Turning energy into learning

Channel those high energy levels with structured fun:

• Classic fetch games or retrieving in quiet areas build focus. For a proven progression from beginner to advanced retrieving, this independent resource is solid: Totally Gundogs.

• Start puppy agility at home, then controlled agility training once joints mature. There is a lovely guide to this here.

• Scent trails and hide-and-seek add deep mental stimulation.

• Controlled flushing games on a long line teach impulse control, especially for hunting dogs.

Tip: try to end sessions while your Springer still wants more. That way, they are keen for the next session and learning new skills stays fun.

Remember to adjust for weather, health, and individual temperament. Always take your dog’s cues on fatigue.

• Home alone worries: prevent separation anxiety with slow alone-time training, food puzzles, and predictable routines.

• Over-arousal outdoors: rotate games, reward eye contact, and use a long line while you test recall.

• Jumping or grabbing: teach “four on the floor” and a default 'sit' to stop your dog rehearsing rude patterns.

• Impulse control: practice short settles between reps to keep the dog calm in exciting places.

You’ll see good behaviour when needs are met, and expectations are clear.

• Use one clear cue per behaviour and pay well for success.

• Practise recall inside first, then in gardens, then in quiet fields.

• Add purposeful rests; tired brains learn poorly.

• Rotate games to prevent boredom. Springer Spaniels are great at focusing.

• Celebrate small wins. This is a marathon, not a sprint or a one-day guide to training.

By staying patient, playful, and consistent, training a Springer Spaniel becomes deeply rewarding.

With proper training, fair boundaries, and variety, Springer Spaniels thrive as loving companions who are always ready to learn.

How do I start English Springer Spaniel training at home?

Begin with basic training using positive reinforcement. Pair short sits and recalls with their favourite training treats. Sprinkle in scent games for mental stimulation and a tiny retrieving game on the carpet.

How much activity is safe for a Springer Spaniel puppy?

Short, frequent play rather than long hikes. Protect growing joints. Build up walks slowly and keep training sessions short.

What if my Springer only wants to hunt?

That’s typical for this dog breed. Give them plenty of exercise to help with energy levels, then reward check-ins, use a long line, and progress recall in easy places first. Structure lets Springer Spaniels get their sniff-time without losing you.