Springer spaniel owners

[ASpringerEspanya]

Am getting my girl in 2 weeks.

Spam with with advice, tips, what to buy (what I don't need to buy) and most importantly photos

[SweetLathyrus]

OP, I have a springer/ working cocker cross (yes, double spaniel genes!)I bought him because I was trying to work my way out of depression.

There were days in the first two months I thought I'd made a mistake (you know the advce about house training - "watch for them sniffling and circling as a clue they need to pee/poo" - that's just what bloody spanners do all the time!) I was exhausted. I went through the stubborn teenage phase when he was only walked on a long line.

He is three and a half now, I would not be without him. They are the most gorgeous, giving hounds. Spend time on brain training. Once you have done basic puppy training, find yourself a gundog class that is spaniel focussed and not overrun with compliant, food focussed retrievers. Get out and find other local dog walkers, it's great because to begin with, they will only want to talk about the pup, but you will build connections - I now run out local park dog walkers FB page!

I also lost a stone without even thinking about it.

[pinkhorse]

I have a working sprocker spaniel and oh my god she is seriously full on. I struggle to walk her and I'm a fitness freak. She will run 10 miles and still want more at the end. She goes out for a day shooting and will still want a long run the next day. She just does not stop....ever.
I can't take my eyes off her in the house as she runs round crazily and eats any sock or shoe she can find. Very very hard work.

[toptomatoes]

We have an 18-month old working springer and she is the loveliest dog in the world. She loves balls and hedges so is very happy with a long country walk running in and out of bushes or a walk round the park chucking the ball non-stop. She goes running with DH most evenings. She has a dog walker twice a week who takes her out with other dogs for a country walk to give her a bit more variety too. She isn’t keen on water but will go in for a beloved ball. She’s happy to chill out on the sofa at home or to play ball in the garden the rest of the time. She’s very laidback in the house even though she’s full of energy on walks. I work from home and she just lays in whatever room I am in. She’s excellent with the kids, so placid and gentle and very affectionate.

We buy tennis balls from eBay, as she loves them. She does tricks for treats with the kids and learns fast. Hiding tennis balls is a fun game.

[Awks]

I have a sprocker and he is the best dog, loyal, cuddly, chilled out and I love the bones of him. I say to do don't you EVER make me choose between you and the dog because you won't like the decision! He's ball obsessed, does as he's told and is just lovely. Hope you have s ball, if you've time and patience you will be fine

[HomeOfMyOwn]

Is it working line or show line? Show line are much calmer and don't need "working" like working line do.

Also although spaniels are a little nutty, they are extremely loving dogs - they love people, dogs and live in general. They are very easily trained because they are extremely food orientated and love their human.

All breeds have their difficulties.

I had really severe depression and anxiety pre-dog and even days when they have been hard work, I'm still massively better since having them.

[HomeOfMyOwn]

• love people, dogs and life in general.

[Nubbin]

We have a working cocker - first time having a spaniel - he is just about to turn 2. He has never chewed anything in the house no socks, shoes, furniture etc - he is tennis ball obsessed like others we but second hand off eBay. There is no leisurely walk it is a constant throw and retrieve but he is super well behaved and recalls perfectly (it did take some training). We split 3 walks a day so he does upwards of 10 miles plus a day and he would do more if offered! Wouldn't be without him even if he is a very needy little furry shadow!

[TomHardysNextWife]

Nubbin I love that photo.

[Tw1nsetAndPearls]

Prepare to cry. A lot.

And then love. A lot.

And then feel really sad when you have taken them to the beach and realised they are nearly 11 and don't play like they used to.

And then just love. A lot.

This made me cry. Our springer died a few years ago. He was so naughty as a puppy that it almost broke us but I grew to love him so much. It also broke my heart when he started to age and couldn't run or swim like he used to.

Springers are wonderful dogs but take an awful lot of work

[parrotonmyshoulder]

Mine is 7 now. Like many others discussed, he is ball crazy and will run or swim for hours. But in the house, he’s as angelic as they come. I did very intense training - clicker based mainly - in his first year.

[Belle12345]

My girl very erm food focused !!! Best breed ever love her to piecesxx

[Mix56]

Added to above, I would say make sure you have a decent fenced garden, my Springer prefers being outdoors in the rain ! they LOVE water, swimming, mud, & being wet is the best fun ! I leave him outside or in the boot room till nearly dry, Do get yours trained, they love working, & smelling out rabbits/birds/cats , & need plenty of free running.
They are so friendly & gentle, & sleeps outside my bedroom door, on the tiles, not on his bed, or at my feet like now.
Mine loses loads of hair, apparently year round, so forget a clean house !

[UrsulaPandress]

Mine is not food motivated, at all. But he would sell his soul for a tennis ball.

[Mix56]

ah, & when he has had a swim he rolls in the earth deliberately, see pic......

[YouveCatToBeKittenMe]

My springer is the easiest dog I’ve ever had
Yes he is quite nutty and he is ball obsessed, he will run all day for a ball, we have to limit it now as he’s nearly 10 and too much makes him stiff the next day
He is brilliant around other animals and people, and very amusing
Here he is with a slipper he found on his morning walk
Mine doesn’t really love water but he’ll go in for a ball! We don’t take a ball on his walk anymore as he then doesn’t go off to explore or do his business
They are the best breed!

[YouveCatToBeKittenMe]

Oh and I don’t recommend tennis balls, they pick up grit when they get slobbery which wears down their teeth. Hard balls are better, the ‘chuckit’ branded orange balls have been best for us

[Mix56]

1st pic, he had just been told off !
2nd pic, chilling out in the pool

[YouveCatToBeKittenMe]

He can’t manage more than 3!

[HomeOfMyOwn]

But mix rolling in the dirt is the best way to get dry just not for their human or the house

[ASpringerEspanya]

I'm not too worried about water as we don't live near any water. Parks and local fields don't have any water.

[MargaretDribble]

Ours is 15. Still active, still loves a walk, but finally the perfect dog.😂

[Nifflerbowtruckle]

I don't have a springer but my in laws do and I've spent lots of time with him and walking him. They literally do spring and bounce all over the place so make sure the house is safe. Not something to buy but my in laws springer was so crazy he would continually push himself and not stop even if he was tired (their old springer knew his limits). He ended up injuring his muscles and needed to be walked on lead for a few months until his body had matured. So basically don't let them run ragged even if they act like they can 😂.

[UrsulaPandress]

My boy is suffering now for his years of being a lunatic. But it doesn't stop him if there are ducks to be had.

[bigsighall]

My experience is springers are nothing like cockers. My cocker is very energetic but then sleeps a lot when home. My springer is wired all the time. No amount of exercise wears him out. He’s hard work. He is however very trainable and great when out. He’s just not good when he’s bored. He gets 3 - 4 hours out and off lead a day (at the yard and walking) and that’s not enough for him. I personally would never get another one.

[Mix56]

HomeOfMyOwn, yes indeed ! amazingly, when he is dry he is immaculate white, once all the earth drops off, which is why he is outside more than in !

OP, they have webbed paws, they are made for water, altho as stated up thread, some aren't driven to be half dog half dolphin, but I live in a hot place, any puddle, damp grass, water butt, he will seek out water.