Spaniel energy in Springer Spaniels makes them one of the most energetic spaniel breeds, so you need to provide daily physical and mental activity; you should plan at least 60-120 minutes of varied exercise-walking, running, retrieval and nose work-plus training and play to meet natural hunting instincts and prevent boredom.
Why Springer Spaniels Need So Much Exercise
Instinctive drive and stamina
Because they were bred to flush and retrieve game, your Springer Spaniel combines high aerobic stamina with a strong work drive-plan for 60-90 minutes of vigorous activity daily plus mental challenges. A typical routine might include a 30-45 minute brisk walk or 2‑mile jog, 20-30 minutes of scent work or training, and 15-30 minutes of off‑lead fetch or agility; many owners find problem behaviors decline once they provide 90-120 minutes of combined physical and mental exercise.
Daily Exercise Requirements by Age
Age-based routine
From puppyhood to retirement, tailor activity to age: for puppies follow the 5‑minutes‑per‑month rule (a 4‑month pup gets ~20 minutes, twice daily) and avoid high‑impact play; adolescents (6-18 months) need 30-60 minutes split between walks, play and training; adults (1-7 years) typically require 60-90 minutes of vigorous exercise plus 15-30 minutes of mental work; seniors benefit from 30-45 minutes of gentler walks and lower‑impact games, and you should adjust if your dog shows fatigue or joint stiffness.
Mental Stimulation vs Physical Activity
Balancing Both
Split daily activity into brisk walks, fetch or agility for 60-90 minutes and focused enrichment like scent trails, puzzle feeders or training drills for 20-40 minutes. You can break enrichment into several 10-15 minute sessions-nose work after meals, five-minute obedience drills during breaks-to keep engagement high. For example, one owner reported a 3-year-old Springer stopped chewing furniture after adding two 15-minute scent games and a short agility session, reducing problem behaviors within two weeks. Track minutes per activity and adjust by breed age and health to keep your dog challenged without overdoing it.
Working Lines vs Show Lines
Line Differences
If you have a working-line Springer, expect 2-3 hours of vigorous exercise daily – long retrieves, scent work, and endurance runs. By contrast, your show-line Springer generally needs 60-90 minutes of mixed play and walks, with shorter burst activities. For example, gundog trials require 50-100 m retrieves that test stamina and speed, so tailor sessions: interval sprints for working lines, controlled recall and enrichment for show lines. See How to Train and Care For an English Springer Spaniel for specifics.
Signs of Under-Exercised Springers
Behavioral and physical indicators
If your Springer isn’t getting enough activity you’ll see persistent restlessness-pacing, 10-30 minute zoomies indoors, repetitive chewing or digging; working-line dogs given only a 20-minute walk often start counter-surfing or excessive barking within 24-48 hours. You might notice weight gain, sloppy recall, hyper-reactivity on leash, or destructive attention-seeking like shredding cushions. Increased muscle stiffness after short play sessions also signals the need for longer, more varied exercise.
Behaviour Problems Linked to Boredom
Signs and consequences
When bored, your Springer often channels energy into destructive chewing, digging, excessive barking or frantic pacing; working-line dogs needing 2-3 hours a day can begin showing problems within weeks if they’re limited to 30-60 minutes. You’ll spot chewed furniture, garden holes, or early-morning wake-ups. Addressing this requires structured outlets-scent work, long retrieves, or interval runs-to replace unwanted behaviours and reduce stress-related hyperactivity.
Example Daily Exercise Routine
Sample Routine
Start with a brisk 30-45 minute walk in the morning, allowing your Springer to sniff and trot; add a midday 15-20 minute session of scent work or obedience drills (3-5 short rounds). In the evening give 30-45 minutes of higher-intensity activity-fetch, swimming, or off-leash run-so total daily exercise reaches about 75-110 minutes. Finish with 10-15 minutes of calm cool-down and grooming to help your dog settle.
To wrap up
Upon reflecting, you should plan on giving your Springer Spaniel daily vigorous activity – generally 60-90 minutes of physical exercise supplemented by mental work such as scent games, training, or agility. You must vary intensity across sessions, provide off‑leash running when safe, and adjust for age or health. Meet both physical and cognitive needs and your spaniel will be calmer, healthier and far less likely to develop destructive behaviors.