Behavior · English Springer Spaniel
How to Stop an English Springer Spaniel From Digging
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Short answer
To stop an English Springer Spaniel from digging, channel their hunting instincts and high energy with daily physical and mental exercise. Satisfy their urge constructively by establishing a designated dig zone filled with buried rewards, redirecting unauthorized digging to that approved spot using positive reinforcement.
English Springer Spaniels are energetic, intelligent companions bred to work in the field, and their strong drive to dig often stems from natural hunting instincts and insufficient physical or mental stimulation. With an energy level of 4/5, these eager, obedient dogs need at least 75 minutes of daily exercise—and when that outlet is missing, they'll excavate your garden. Because Springer Spaniels are highly trainable (4/5) and respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement, redirecting their digging urge into acceptable channels is entirely within reach. This guide focuses on channeling their enthusiasm through enrichment, exercise, and designated dig zones, turning a frustrating behavior into an opportunity to strengthen your bond and tire out their clever minds.
How to do it
Step-by-step
Tick off each step as you practice it — your progress is saved on this device.
Step 1: Meet their exercise quota first
English Springer Spaniels have high energy and need at least 75 minutes of vigorous daily exercise. A under-exercised Spaniel will dig out of pent-up restlessness and boredom. Commit to a mix of running, fetch sessions, and scent-work games that engage both body and mind before addressing the digging itself.
Step 2: Create a designated dig zone
Set up a sandbox, shallow pit, or dedicated garden bed where digging is allowed and encouraged. Use positive reinforcement: praise and reward your Springer lavishly when they dig in the approved spot. Consistency is key—they're eager to please and will quickly learn which excavation is celebrated.
Step 3: Bury high-value rewards in the dig zone
Hide treats, toys, and puzzle toys in the dig zone to make it irresistible. This taps into the Spaniel's natural scent-work drive and turns digging into a rewarding game rather than a destructive habit. Refresh the zone regularly to maintain novelty and engagement.
Step 4: Interrupt and redirect unauthorized digging immediately
When you catch your Springer digging in forbidden areas, use a cheerful 'let's go dig here instead' redirect to the approved zone, then reward. Avoid punishment; Spaniels are sensitive and respond better to showing them what you want. This positive approach aligns with their obedient nature.
Step 5: Provide mental enrichment alongside physical exercise
English Springer Spaniels are intelligent and can become destructive when bored. Use nose-work games, scent trails, and puzzle feeders daily. A mentally stimulated Spaniel is far less likely to dig—their eager minds need as much work as their bodies.
Step 6: Supervise and manage the outdoor environment
Prevent access to unsupervised digging areas while you're training the behavior. Use garden netting or temporary fencing to block problem spots. As your Springer builds the habit of using the dig zone, gradually expand their unsupervised outdoor time.
For the English Springer Spaniel
Pro tips
- Leverage their scent drive: Bury tennis balls, treat-stuffed toys, or socks with your scent in the dig zone to make it irresistible—Spaniels are bred to hunt by nose, so this outlet satisfies a core instinct.
- Use recall training alongside redirection: Since Spaniels have a tendency to focus on scent and lose recall, teach a strong 'come' or 'here' command paired with high-value rewards so you can interrupt digging before it starts.
- Schedule dig sessions: Set aside 10–15 minutes daily where you actively encourage digging in the approved zone together. This proactive engagement shows your eager Spaniel that digging is a game you play—not a forbidden temptation—and strengthens your bond.
Owners ask
Frequently asked questions
My Springer Spaniel digs even after a long walk. Why?
Physical exercise alone isn't always enough for intelligent, high-energy Spaniels. They need mental stimulation too—scent games, puzzle toys, and nose-work activities satisfy their working instincts better than a walk alone. Combine 75 minutes of physical exercise with daily enrichment to address the root cause.
How long does it take to train a Springer Spaniel to stop digging?
With consistent positive reinforcement and proper exercise, most Spaniels show improvement within 2–4 weeks. Because they're highly trainable (4/5) and eager to please, progress is usually quick once you provide the right outlets and redirect effectively.
Is punishment effective for stopping digging?
No. Springer Spaniels are sensitive dogs who respond better to positive reinforcement than correction. Punishment can increase anxiety, worsen behavior, and damage your relationship. Focus on rewarding good choices instead—it aligns with their eager, obedient temperament.
My Springer keeps digging when I'm not watching. What should I do?
Manage the environment by restricting access to digging spots when unsupervised. Use fencing, netting, or keep them indoors until the behavior is established in the approved zone. Supervision during training is crucial for consistent redirection and reward.
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.
