How to Stop a English Springer Spaniel From Chewing Everything
English Springer Spaniels are eager, obedient companions bred for hunting and retrieving—traits that translate into high energy and a natural desire to explore with their mouths. Destructive chewing in Springers often stems from under-stimulation, anxiety, or their inherent drive to carry objects. With their 4/5 trainability and friendly temperament, they respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement and structured outlets. This guide addresses the root causes of chewing while channeling your Springer's energy appropriately. Since Springers require 75 minutes of daily exercise and thrive on engagement, combining physical activity with mental stimulation and designated chewing opportunities will dramatically reduce unwanted behavior. Consistency, patience, and redirection are key to success with this intelligent, enthusiastic breed.
Step-by-step
- 1
Establish a rigorous daily exercise routine
English Springer Spaniels need a minimum of 75 minutes of daily physical activity to prevent destructive chewing driven by pent-up energy. Combine brisk walks, fetch sessions, or swimming with their natural retrieving drive. A tired Springer is far less likely to chew furniture—exercise is your first line of defense.
- 2
Remove temptation and limit unsupervised access
Puppy-proof your home by securing loose items, cords, and furniture that attract chewing. Confine your Springer to a smaller, controlled space when you cannot supervise—this prevents bad habits from forming. Use baby gates or a crate to manage their environment while they learn appropriate behavior.
- 3
Introduce appropriate chewing outlets and toys
Provide a rotating selection of durable chew toys, puzzle toys, and retrieval toys that satisfy their instinct to carry and manipulate objects. Kong toys, antler chews, and interactive fetch toys are ideal for Springers. Rotate toys weekly to maintain novelty and interest, keeping your dog engaged in acceptable outlets.
- 4
Use positive reinforcement when redirecting
When you catch your Springer chewing something inappropriate, calmly redirect them to an approved toy and immediately praise enthusiastically. Never punish after-the-fact; Springers respond best to immediate rewards for correct behavior. This approach leverages their eagerness to please and builds strong associations with appropriate chewing.
- 5
Address anxiety and over-attachment triggers
Springers are prone to over-attachment and may chew destructively when anxious or separated from you. Practice short departures, use calming aids like puzzle feeders during alone time, and avoid dramatic hellos and goodbyes. Gradual desensitization to separation, combined with exercise before departure, helps prevent stress-related chewing.
- 6
Maintain consistency and monitor progress
Track chewing incidents daily and adjust your routine based on patterns—more exercise, more toys, or longer confinement if needed. Consistency across household members is critical; everyone must redirect the same way and reward appropriately. Most Springers show significant improvement within 2–4 weeks with diligent management.
Pro tips
- Schedule 75+ minutes of exercise before training or alone time—a physically tired Springer is exponentially more responsive to redirection and less likely to chew destructively.
- Leverage their eager-to-please temperament by making appropriate chewing a 'game': toss them a toy, cheer enthusiastically when they engage, and reward often. Springers thrive on your enthusiasm and approval.
- Use scent work and retrieval drills during exercise to tap into their hunting heritage; this mental outlet combined with physical activity addresses both their energy and their instinct to carry objects.
Frequently asked questions
My Springer chews when I leave the house. Is this separation anxiety or boredom?+
Usually both. Springers are prone to over-attachment and high energy; they chew when anxious or understimulated. Exercise heavily before leaving, practice short departures to build tolerance, and leave puzzle toys or long-lasting chews. If chewing is extreme (panting, drooling, destructive focus), consult your vet about anxiety management.
How can I tell if my Springer is getting enough exercise?+
A well-exercised Springer is calm, rests peacefully indoors, and shows less destructive behavior. Aim for 75+ minutes daily split into multiple sessions. Track whether your dog still chews after exercise; if so, add mental enrichment (training, scent games). A tired Springer will seek rest, not destruction.
Are certain toys safer or more effective for Springers?+
Yes. Springers love retrieval, so rope toys, balls, and dummies work well. Durable rubber toys like Kongs are ideal for extended chewing. Avoid small toys that splinter easily. Rotate toys weekly to prevent boredom, and always supervise with new items to ensure safety.
My Springer still chews despite exercise and toys. What's my next step?+
Check for medical issues (dental pain, GI upset) with your vet. Then increase mental stimulation—scent work, training sessions, and puzzle toys engage their brain in ways physical exercise alone cannot. Consider a second dog for companionship if over-attachment is severe, or consult a professional trainer for behavior modification.