Springer Spaniels are intelligent and active dogs that require a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy.
As a responsible dog owner, it’s essential to ensure that your furry friend gets enough exercise, including daily walks.
But how often should you take your Springer Spaniel for a walk?
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to answer this question and help you keep your pup healthy and happy.
Springer spaniels enjoy walks and, for them, the more the merrier. Ideally you should take your Springer out at least twice a day, for at least 30 minutes free running exercise, longer if possible.
How Often Should You Take Your Springer Spaniel for a Walk?
The answer to this question depends on various factors, including your dog’s age, size, and overall health.
However, as a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended to walk your Springer Spaniel at least once a day for 30 to 45 minutes.
But if your dog is younger or more active, they may need longer walks or more frequent exercise sessions.
Similarly, older dogs or those with health issues may require shorter and less intense walks.
Here are some factors to consider when determining how often and for how long you should walk your Springer Spaniel:
Age
Puppies require less exercise than adult dogs, as their bodies are still developing.
While it’s essential to provide them with enough exercise, it’s also crucial not to over-exercise them, as this can lead to joint and muscle problems.
As a general guideline, puppies under six months old should have short, gentle walks that don’t exceed five minutes per month of age, up to a maximum of 15 minutes.
On the other hand, adult Springer Spaniels between one and seven years old require at least one hour of exercise per day, which can include walks, runs, or playing fetch.
Senior dogs over seven years old may need shorter and less intense exercise sessions, such as a 20 to 30-minute walk.
Size
The size of your Springer Spaniel can also affect their exercise needs.
Smaller dogs may require shorter walks, while larger dogs may need longer walks or more frequent exercise sessions.
As a general rule of thumb, dogs that weigh less than 20 pounds may need only 20 to 30 minutes of exercise per day, while those that weigh more than 50 pounds may need up to two hours of exercise per day.
Health
Your dog’s health can also affect their exercise needs. If your Springer Spaniel has health issues, such as arthritis or heart disease, they may need shorter and less intense exercise sessions.
It’s essential to consult your veterinarian to determine the best exercise routine for your dog’s health needs.
Energy Level
Springer Spaniels are known for their high energy levels, and some dogs may require more exercise than others.
If your dog is particularly active or high-energy, they may need longer walks or more frequent exercise sessions to prevent them from becoming bored or destructive.
Weather
Finally, it’s crucial to consider the weather when determining how often and for how long to walk your Springer Spaniel.
Dogs can overheat quickly in hot weather, and extreme cold can also be dangerous.
It’s essential to adjust your dog’s exercise routine accordingly, such as walking early in the morning or late at night during hot weather or keeping walks short in extreme cold.
How long should each walk be?
On average, an adult Springer spaniel should get at least two 15-30 minute walks each day.
These walks should include plenty of playtime, sniffing around, and exploring new areas so that your dog can stay mentally stimulated as well as physically active.
It’s also important to make sure these walks are done in safe areas, away from livestock, roads and other sources of potential danger.
Try to take your Springer out at least twice a day for 30 minutes each time. Allow him to run freely and to sniff around so that he can tire himself out.
However, if you have a puppy who is still growing and developing, they may need more than two walks per day because their energy levels are usually higher than those of an adult dog.
Puppies generally require three or four 30-minute walks each day plus plenty of playtime so that they can burn off excess energy and tire themselves out before bedtime.
When should you take your Springer spaniel for walks?
It’s best to take your Springer spaniel out for their daily walk(s) at the same time every day, doing this will help establish routine and structure which is beneficial for both you and your pet.
Always be aware of the weather conditions and, if it is very hot outside, then take your spaniel out first thing in the morning or in the evening when it is cooler.
Try to vary the walks
Dogs enjoy variety when it comes to walks and Springers are no exception.
Visit different places and let your spaniel run around, explore and sniff.
If you always go to the same place with the same route then your dog can soon become bored which runs the risk of him clearing off to find something more exciting.
FAQs
Q. How often should I take my Springer Spaniel for a walk?
A. As a general guideline, you should walk your Springer Spaniel at least once a day for 30 to 45 minutes. However, the frequency and duration of your dog’s walk day may depend on their age, size, energy level, and overall health.
Q. What happens if I don’t walk my Springer Spaniel enough?
A. If you don’t provide your Springer Spaniel with enough exercise, they may become bored, restless, and destructive.
Lack of exercise can also lead to obesity, joint and muscle problems, and other health issues.
Q. Can I substitute walks with other types of exercise?
A. Yes, you can substitute walks with other types of exercise, such as running, swimming, or playing fetch.
However, it’s essential to ensure that your dog gets enough exercise, regardless of the type.
Q. What should I do if my Springer Spaniel doesn’t like walking?
A. Some dogs may not enjoy walking or may have anxiety or fear of certain environments.
If your dog doesn’t like walking, you can try other types of exercise, such as playing fetch or running in a fenced garden.
It’s essential to work with your dog to overcome their fears and anxieties gradually.
Q. How can I make walks more enjoyable for my Springer Spaniel?
A. You can make walks more enjoyable for your Springer Spaniel by varying your route, letting them explore, and bringing toys or treats.
It’s also crucial to provide plenty of positive reinforcement, such as praise and treats, to encourage good behaviour.
Conclusion and final thoughts ????
Walks are an important part of a Springer spaniel’s life – they help to keep them healthy and fit, both physically and mentally.
It’s important to ensure that you take your spaniel for walks every day as this will help him stay active, alert and well-behaved.
Remember, the more variety you can bring to your spaniel’s walks, the better. So, take different routes and explore new places.
This will help to keep him engaged and give him a chance to discover more of the world around him.
Above all else, make sure that you always have fun with your Springer spaniel and enjoy your time together.
