What’s not to love about English Springer Spaniels? Their trademark large eyes and lush, floppy ears can instantly melt even the coldest hearts.
As if their undeniably loveable appearance weren’t enough, their unwavering kindness and affectionate nature also help establish them as a favorite among families, long-time dog lovers, and even first-time owners.
Along with their sweet, cheerful, and friendly personality, English Springer Spaniels also make a lasting impression with their innate athleticism.
These pups were named after their ability to “spring” birds and force them into flight so hunters could easily aim and shoot. As such, they make excellent hunting companions, sporting dogs, or pets of active households.
But if you don’t hunt or engage in challenging physical activities daily, you may have to find more creative ways to match your Springer’s high energy levels and satisfy his need for physical and mental stimulation.
A good way to do this is by giving him high-quality, interactive toys! We’ve rounded up the 5 best dog toys for English Springer Spaniels to help ensure you get the right product for your energetic pup.
1. KONG Goodie Bone: Keeps Your Springer Entertained For Hours
Keeping a Springer entertained indoors can be a challenge, but the KONG Goodie Bone may just be the product you need for the job. This durable dog bone is made from natural rubber, giving your pup hours of chewing fun daily without being ripped apart by your power chewer.
Better yet, you can stuff it with treats to give your pup a mentally stimulating game! This toy features Goodie Gripper holes that you can stuff kibble, peanut butter, dental sticks, and other treats into and challenge your pup to get to all the goodies. Many pet parents have attested to this toy’s ability to keep their dogs calm and focused.
- Incredibly tough & durable material that outlasts aggressive chewing
- Easy to stuff treats into and give your Springer a mentally stimulating game
- Helps dogs stay focused and entertained, preventing destructive or aggressive behavior
2. EASTBLUE Rope Toy for Aggressive Chewers: All-Around Toy for Ultimate Entertainment
A rope toy is a must-have in any dog toy box, and the EASTBLUE Rope Toy is the perfect choice for your Springer! Made with tough and sturdy natural cotton, this heavy-duty rope is nearly indestructible—built to give your dog longer-lasting entertainment.
This toy can outlast rough play, forceful tugging and pulling, and powerful chewing perfect for fetch games, tug-of-war games, and chewing sessions! As a bonus, its fibers can also help clean your pup’s teeth as he plays.
- Sturdy, heavy-duty rope that offers long-lasting chewing fun
- Perfect for tug-of-war or fetch games
- Relieves boredom, promotes healthy activity, and improves your pup’s dental health
3. TRIXIE Interactive Dog Puzzle: Provides Mental Stimulation & Prevents Overeating
English Springer Spaniels rank among the most intelligent canines in the world, and they need consistent mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. The TRIXIE Interactive Dog Puzzle is one of the best toys for mental stimulation, giving an outlet for your Springer to channel his energy, engage his senses, and sharpen his intellectual skills.
This dog puzzle features one cone and multiple slots and sliders into which you can stuff treats or even full meals if you want to encourage slower eating. Your pup will need to use different techniques to open the slots so he can gain his reward. If your little genius figures out the puzzle easily, you can consult the booklet to make the game harder for him!
- Gives your dog a challenging reward-based game that puts his skills to the test
- Provides mental stimulation to stave off boredom and anxiety
- Encourages slow eating to prevent bloat or overeating
4. Chew King Fetch Balls: Takes Fetch Games to the Next Level
Fetch is one of the best games to exercise your Springer and teach him to follow basic commands. The Chew King Fetch Balls can help make every fetch game more fun and exciting! Each ball is made from durable rubber that can withstand vigorous play and retain its shape even with regular use.
Its lightweight material gives it a soft yet exceptionally high bounce, flying into the air with ease and encouraging your Springer to chase after and catch it. Besides providing hours-long healthy exercises, this toy is also designed for safety with an air vent that keeps your pup’s tongue from getting stuck on it.
- Soft, lightweight material that allows it to bounce higher and fly longer
- Made to outlast vigorous play and regular use
- Designed to provide fun fetch games with ultimate safety
5. Multipet Lambchop Plush Dog Toy: The Best Playtime & Bedtime Buddy
Mimicking the endearing look of Shari Lewis’ Lamb Chop on the popular CBS show “Captain Kangaroo”, the Multipet Lambchop Plush Dog Toy makes a lovable playtime and bedtime companion for your Springer!
This plushie makes a squeaking sound that entices your dog to play fetch or tug-of-war: all you have to do is squeak it, toss it, and watch your Springer run. Its ultra-soft exterior also makes it perfect for cuddling, whether to give your pup a good night’s sleep or provide comfort when you’re away.
- Perfect for playing or cuddling
- Squeaky sound grabs your pup’s attention and encourages healthy playtime
- Plush exterior gives your dog a sense of comfort and security
How to Keep Your English Springer Spaniel Active
Unlike other sporting dogs, English Springer Spaniels can live a perfectly happy and fulfilled life as household pets with most of their time spent indoors. There’s a major caveat to this, however: Springers still need vigorous exercise to keep them from losing their spark and becoming bored, destructive, or—worst of all—depressed.
Here are a few ways to make sure your Springer stays fit and active:
Exercise your English Springer Spaniel for at least 1 hour every day
An hour’s worth of exercise per day, usually split between two walks, is ideal for English Springer Spaniels. Some owners exercise their pups for around 2 hours to make sure they expend all their excess energy.
English Springer Spaniels also love engaging in vigorous physical activity, though they may not need this daily. Going running, hiking, or swimming with your Springer at least once a week can be excellent activities and unforgettable experiences you can share with your pup.
Play with your English Springer Spaniel and give him interactive toys
Given proper exercise, Springers can stay happy at home all day. However, it’s still a good idea to engage in regular playtime with your pup and play games of fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek with him in your yard or even indoors! This will help prevent your Springer from becoming overweight or obese as well as keep his mind sharp.
On days when you’re too busy to play with your pup, make sure to keep him entertained with interactive toys. Food puzzles or chew toys are great options that provide mental stimulation and give him an outlet for his excess energy.
Springers also don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time, so if you have to be away from home, it’s best to stock up on high-quality toys.
Train your English Springer Spaniel and involve him in jobs or dog sports
According to canine psychologist Stanley Coren, English Springer Spaniels rank 13th in terms of intelligence among all dog breeds. Their high intellect, combined with their eagerness to please, makes them highly trainable canines.
As such, training your Springer is sure to be a breeze! Make sure to provide consistent training with a firm yet gentle hand.
Springers also excel at dog sports, including agility, hunt tests, and tracking. They may also be suited for a number of jobs, such as working as a hunting dog, gun dog, or therapy dog.
In Closing
English Springer Spaniels are affectionate, loving dogs who want nothing more than to be close to and spend time with their humans. One of the best ways to bond with your Springer is by playing with him using entertaining, high-quality toys that will provide hours of fun, physical activity, and mental stimulation.
If you’re having trouble choosing the right toy for your Springer, feel free to pick one among the 5 options we’ve laid out above. Any toy from our list is sure to keep your pup on his toes, allow him to expend his energy, and strengthen his beautiful bond with you!