5 Games for a Springer Spaniel: Fun Activities for Active Dogs

The springer spaniel is a lively breed that needs plenty of exercise to keep them healthy, happy, and well-behaved.

If you’re looking for some games for a Springer Spaniel you can play at home, then take a look at this list we put together in collaboration with local dog trainers!

There are many benefits to playing fun games with your dog.
They get their energy out, so when left alone, they don’t chew and destroy furniture; they learn how to socialize and interact positively within boundaries, and it can be an excellent bonding experience for both humans and canines.

So without further ado, here are 5 Games for a Springer Spaniel

1. Hide and Seek

Teach them the game of Hide and Seek with some variation so they can’t simply walk away. This is also an excellent exercise for their intelligence as it’s all about solving puzzles!

To make the game work, place something tasty in one room, then call your dog over and give him/her treats while he thoroughly searches for it. 

Close the door and repeat this process until they find it (this may take several rounds). Then gradually increase the time between each round when hiding so your pet stays focused.

Once they can successfully complete 5 rounds without help from you or other people, start making changes such as hiding in a different room or putting the food further away.

2. Fetch 

Fetch is a classic springer spaniel game, and it’s also one of the easiest to play. 

You’ll need two things for this: 

1. something they can fetch (a tennis ball or any other toy)
2. somewhere fun with space where you’re sure that your dog will return after retrieving their prize from, say, down an alleyway or off behind some bushes! 

The point is not only to have them retrieve whatever object you throw but also to encourage exploration in new places while satisfying their prey drive by making them chase a moving target.

You can use a standard tennis ball or any other toy but make sure it’s something they’re really interested in; otherwise, you might be waiting around for some time. 

It doesn’t have to be expensive, just their favorite thing!

When you throw the object into an area with space, try and draw them out of that space by pretending to go after the item yourself, then watch as they come back with your prize between their teeth! 

If not, try throwing again-you need patience and repetition until they get the hang of it.

When playing fetch outside I like to use a ball throwing stick as it makes throwing the ball much easier and you can throw it way further!

Last update on 2024-07-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3. Find the Toy

Description: “Find the toy” game, where you hide a favorite object and then send your dog to find it.

Stimulate intellectual activity in dogs that are mature enough for this type of work; stimulate mental acuity by requiring them to think about what they’re doing when searching for something, especially if there is no reward or praise involved with finding the hidden object.

Find the toy is a great game to do with your dog if you want them to think and be active. It’s also suitable for dogs that need some stimulation of their mental acuity because they have grown bored in repetitive activities or are frustrated by certain types of work.

To play this game, put an object (preferably one that has been heavily played with so that there are lots of scents around it) where your dog can’t see it in a closet, under the bed, or behind the couch.

Then get down on all fours facing away from the said hiding place and call out “find-the-toy!” Watch as your pup runs off into other rooms looking for his favorite thing! You may need to help them out if it’s something they’re not used to finding.

You may need to help them out if it’s something they’re not used to finding. This is especially true for puppies who have never seen anything like this before. They might need a little help finding it the first time.

4. Tug of War

Tug of War is one of my favorite Games for a Springer Spaniel. It helps strengthen the bond between you and your dog and provides them some mental stimulation by getting them used to and learning the “leave it” command.

1. Choose the right tug toy: Select a durable, dog-specific tug toy that is designed for interactive play. Avoid using items like socks or clothing, as this can encourage inappropriate chewing or confusion between acceptable and unacceptable items.
2. Encourage a controlled start: Hold one end of the tug toy and show it to your dog, allowing them to grab onto the other end. Use a cue like “Take it” or “Tug” to signal the start of the game. Make sure your dog has a good grip on their end of the toy.
3. Establish rules and boundaries: Set rules for the game to ensure safe and appropriate play. Teach your dog to release the toy when you give a specific cue, such as “Drop it” or “Out.” Reinforce this behavior by offering a treat or initiating another round of play.
4. Use gentle but firm tugs: Engage in gentle back-and-forth tugs, always keeping a firm grip on your end of the toy. Avoid aggressive or excessive pulling that could harm your dog’s teeth or neck. Keep the game controlled and fun.
5. Maintain your leadership role: It’s important to maintain control throughout the game. If your dog becomes too excited or starts growling aggressively, calmly end the game by giving the cue to release the toy. This helps establish that you are in charge and reinforces the rules.
6. Rotate the direction: Occasionally change the direction of the tugging, allowing your dog to experience success by pulling the toy towards them. This prevents the game from becoming one-sided and keeps your dog engaged and motivated.
7. Play in moderation: Tug of war is an intense game, so it’s important to play in moderation to prevent overtiring or overstimulating your dog. Monitor their energy levels and take breaks if needed.

5. Teach them how to do tricks

Teaching your dog tricks is a great way to keep your dog mentally stimulated and prevent them from getting bored.

Just find ones that they can do easily, and make it part of the game for them sometimes (rewarding with treats) while other times just giving praise or verbal stimulation will be enough reinforcement!

If you have space in your yard, try teaching them how to balance on their hind legs and walk around in a circle. You could also teach more complicated tricks such as rolling over onto one’s side or jump through an open hoop placed right in front of them if there was room outside.

You could also teach them to catch a ball thrown or place treats on the ground they have to find. You can even get creative and make up your own tricks for them!

Why You Should Play Games With Your Springer Spaniel

Playing games with your dog offers numerous benefits for both their physical and mental well-being. Here are some of the key benefits of playing games with your dog:

1. Physical exercise: Games such as fetch, tug-of-war, or chasing toys provide an opportunity for your dog to engage in physical activity. Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and increases overall stamina.
2. Mental stimulation: Interactive games require problem-solving, memory recall, and decision-making skills from your dog. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities helps keep their mind sharp, prevents boredom, and reduces the likelihood of destructive behaviors resulting from excess energy.
3. Bonding and socialization: Playing games with your dog strengthens the bond between you and your furry companion. It enhances trust, communication, and understanding, fostering a deeper connection. It also provides an opportunity for positive socialization if your dog interacts with other dogs or people during playtime.
4. Stress relief: Just like humans, dogs can experience stress and anxiety. Playing games helps alleviate stress by releasing endorphins, which promote feelings of happiness and relaxation. It serves as a healthy outlet for pent-up energy and helps reduce behavioral issues related to stress.
5. Training reinforcement: Many games incorporate basic obedience commands, allowing you to reinforce training and practice essential skills in a fun and interactive way. Games like “hide and seek” or “find the treat” can also strengthen your dog’s ability to follow scent or auditory cues.
6. Confidence building: Successful completion of game objectives, such as retrieving a toy or solving a puzzle, boosts your dog’s confidence and self-esteem. It encourages them to explore their abilities, learn new skills, and overcome challenges.
7. Behavior management: Regular play sessions can help prevent or manage behavioral issues. By providing an outlet for energy and mental stimulation, games can reduce excessive barking, chewing, digging, and other destructive behaviors.
8. Overall well-being: Playing games with your dog promotes a happy and fulfilled life. It enriches their daily routine, prevents boredom, and contributes to their overall physical and mental well-being. It’s an opportunity for them to have fun, burn energy, and enjoy quality time with you.

Remember to choose games suitable for your dog’s age, size, and abilities. Always prioritize their safety and monitor their behavior during playtime. Play sessions should be enjoyable, positive, and tailored to your dog’s individual needs.

Final Thoughts

Playing games with your dog offers a multitude of benefits for their physical and mental well-being. It provides essential exercise, and mental stimulation, and helps build a stronger bond between you and your furry companion.

Games for a Springer Spaniel also serve as a stress-relief outlet, reinforce training, boost confidence, manage behavior, and contribute to your dog’s overall happiness and fulfillment. By engaging in playtime activities, you are promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle for your dog while enjoying quality time together.