Behavior · English Springer Spaniel
How to Stop an English Springer Spaniel From Barking
Updated · How we write our guides
Short answer
To curb your English Springer Spaniel's barking, identify their specific triggers and fulfill their high activity needs through regular daily exercise. Then, use positive reinforcement to reward calm behavior, teach a 'Quiet' command, and redirect excitable barking into quiet activities and toys.
English Springer Spaniels are eager, obedient companions with high energy levels and a tendency toward excitable barking—especially when under-stimulated or overly attached to their owners. Their 4/5 trainability and 3/5 barking tendency mean they respond well to structured training but need clear management of triggers. Unlike breeds that bark for territorial or fear-based reasons, Springers often bark out of enthusiasm, seeking attention, or when their significant exercise needs (75 minutes daily) aren't met. This guide focuses on identifying your Springer's specific bark triggers and using positive reinforcement to redirect their eager energy into calm, quiet behaviors. With patience and consistency, you'll harness their natural obedience to reduce nuisance barking while strengthening your bond. Because Springers are working gundogs driven by partnership and scent, channeling their urge to carry and search into retrieving a soft dummy or finding hidden kibble helps defuse high-arousal barking before it becomes a habit.
How to do it
Step-by-step
Tick off each step as you practice it — your progress is saved on this device.
Step 1: Assess Your Springer's Bark Triggers
Spend 3–5 days observing when and why your Springer barks most: during departures (over-attachment), at outside stimuli, during play, or when seeking attention. Note patterns—does barking spike after insufficient exercise? English Springers often bark excessively when their 75-minute daily exercise need isn't met. Identifying triggers is essential for targeted intervention.
Step 2: Establish a Rigorous Daily Exercise Routine
Commit to 75 minutes of structured activity daily: fetch, swimming, running, or scent work tailored to their hunting heritage. A tired Springer is a quiet Springer. This is not optional—under-exercised Springers develop excitable barking and hyperactivity. Build exercise into your daily schedule consistently.
Step 3: Train a Strong 'Quiet' Command Using Positive Reinforcement
Wait for a natural pause in barking, immediately mark it with 'Yes!' and reward with high-value treats or praise. Then introduce the cue word 'Quiet' during pauses. Gradually ask for longer silent periods before rewarding. Avoid punishment; Springers respond far better to praise for calm behavior than correction for barking.
Step 4: Manage Over-Attachment Through Independence Training
English Springers are prone to over-attachment, which fuels separation anxiety barking. Practice leaving them alone for short periods (5–10 minutes) with a rewarding puzzle toy or long-lasting chew. Gradually extend alone time. Reward calm behavior when you return, never responding to barking with attention.
Step 5: Redirect Excitable Barking Into Appropriate Outlets
When your Springer begins excitement barking (at visitors, during play), redirect to a toy or trained behavior like 'Sit.' Reward compliance. Teach them that calm greetings—not barking—earn attention and rewards. This aligns with their eager-to-please nature and gives their energy a positive channel.
Step 6: Create a Consistent Calm-Down Protocol
Establish a wind-down routine 30 minutes before transitions (departures, bedtime). Use quiet activities like sniffing games, gentle training, or resting on a mat. Reward quiet behavior generously. Consistency signals to your Springer that calm is expected, reducing anxiety-driven barking.
Step 7: Monitor Progress and Adjust Expectations
Track barking frequency weekly. Most Springers show noticeable improvement within 2–4 weeks if exercise and training are consistent. Expect setbacks during changes (new schedules, visitors) and return to basics. Remember: some barking is normal for the breed; you're managing excessive behavior, not eliminating it entirely.
For the English Springer Spaniel
Pro tips
- Springers bark hardest when under-exercised: non-negotiable 75 minutes daily—split into morning fetch, midday scent work, and evening walk—cuts barking dramatically.
- Your Springer's over-attachment means departures trigger barking; practice leaving them with a frozen puzzle toy for 5 minutes, rewarding calm behavior on your return (never during barking).
- Excitable barking is this breed's hallmark, not a flaw; channel it by teaching 'Sit for hellos' and rewarding calm greetings instead of trying to eliminate enthusiasm entirely.
- Hand your Springer a soft retrieve bumper or toy right as visitors arrive, as carrying an item satisfies their gundog carrying instinct and often makes excited barking less likely.
- Scatter kibble across the grass when your Springer is in the garden; engaging their keen hunting nose in foraging naturally keeps arousal low and deters fence-line barking.
Owners ask
Frequently asked questions
My English Springer Spaniel barks frantically when I leave for work. Is this the over-attachment problem you mentioned?
Very likely. Springers are intensely people-oriented and prone to separation anxiety, which often manifests as excessive barking. Start by practicing short absences (5 minutes) with a puzzle toy, then gradually extend them. Ensure your dog gets 75 minutes of exercise *before* you leave—a tired Springer is less likely to bark. If anxiety barking persists severely, consult a trainer or veterinarian.
How do I stop my Springer from barking at scents and wildlife outdoors during walks?
This is instinctive hunting-breed behavior and harder to suppress completely. Instead, redirect: when your Springer fixates on a scent, use a 'Look at me' command and reward eye contact. Practice reliable recall before off-leash time. Pair scent areas with 'Heel' or 'Sit' commands, rewarding compliance. Accept that some alert barking to prey is normal for this breed, but train them to respond to your cue rather than act on impulse.
Will neutering or spaying reduce barking in my English Springer Spaniel?
Not significantly. Barking in Springers is driven more by energy, attachment, and over-excitement than hormones. Spaying or neutering is still recommended for health reasons, but expect barking reduction to come from exercise, training, and trigger management. Focus on the 75-minute daily routine first.
Can I use a bark collar or punishment to train my Springer to be quiet?
No. English Springers are sensitive, obedient dogs that respond brilliantly to positive reinforcement. Punishment or shock collars often increase anxiety and worsen barking long-term. Stick with reward-based methods: mark quiet behavior with 'Yes!' and treat heavily. Their 4/5 trainability means they'll gladly learn what earns praise.
Why does my Springer Spaniel bark demandingly at me during play or mealtimes?
Springers possess intense working drive and enthusiasm, which frequently spills over into vocal frustration when they anticipate food, toys, or attention. Acknowledging demand barking with eye contact or talking accidentally rewards the noise, teaching your dog that persistence works. Instead, immediately turn away and wait for silence, then prompt an incompatible behavior like 'Place' or 'Down' before releasing the reward.
How can I stop my English Springer Spaniel from barking when visitors ring the doorbell?
Doorbell barking in Springers is usually fueled by frantic social excitement rather than territorial aggression. Train a solid 'Place' cue on a mat located away from the entryway, heavily reinforcing your dog with treats for staying settled while someone knocks. Giving your Springer a designated plush toy or bumper to carry to their mat also taps into their natural retrieving instinct, keeping their mouth happily occupied.
Watch
Videos: barking
How To STOP Any Dog From Excessive Barking: The Ultimate Guide.
Zak George · Works for any breed
How To Easily STOP Barking And Jumping
Zak George · Works for any breed
How To Stop Your Dog From Demand Barking
SpiritDog Training · Works for any breed
Spotted a mistake or something out of date? Email us — we review every report, fix the guide and update its date. Our guides are general education, not a substitute for a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist.
