How to Train a English Springer Spaniel to Come When Called
English Springer Spaniels are bred to hunt, which means their noses often take priority over your voice—making a reliable recall one of the most critical safety skills you can teach. With their friendly, eager nature and strong obedience potential (4/5 trainability), Springers respond exceptionally well to positive-reinforcement methods. However, their high energy levels (4/5) and tendency toward over-attachment mean they'll be easily distracted by scents and excited stimulation. A solid "come" command isn't just about obedience; it's about giving your energetic companion the freedom to run safely while keeping them within reach. This guide breaks down a practical, step-by-step approach tailored to your Springer's unique drive and temperament.
Step-by-step
- 1
Build positive association with the recall cue indoors
Start in a quiet, distraction-free room. Choose a unique, upbeat word (e.g., "Come!" or "Here!") and say it once in a happy, inviting tone. Immediately reward with high-value treats (small pieces of chicken, cheese, or training-specific treats) and enthusiastic praise. Repeat 5–10 times per session, always ending on success. This plants the seed that responding to the word predicts something wonderful.
- 2
Extend distance and add light distractions indoors
Once your Springer reliably comes from across the room, gradually add low-level distractions: toys on the floor, a family member moving nearby, or a door opening. Reward every response, especially when they choose you over the distraction. Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) to prevent frustration, and always end positively. This teaches them that coming beats other interesting things.
- 3
Practice in a secure outdoor space (fenced area or long line)
Transition to your backyard or a fenced dog park. Start with your Springer on a 20–30 foot long line attached to their collar or harness. Begin 10 feet away, call their name plus "Come!" in an excited tone, and gently reel them in if needed while rewarding heavily. Let them have freedom on the line to sniff and explore, then randomly recall them and reward. This respects their scent-drive (a Springer's core motivation) while building reliability.
- 4
Introduce varied rewards and high-drive scenarios
Springers thrive on novelty and excitement. Rotate between treats, toys, play-wrestling, and instant off-leash games. Practice recalls when they're moderately stimulated—not calm and not in a frenzy. For example, after a short walk or light play session. Randomly recall them mid-activity, reward generously, then release them back to play. This teaches them that coming doesn't always end the fun.
- 5
Gradually increase real-world distractions
Progress to busier environments: neighborhood walks, trails, or dog-friendly spaces. Always use the long line in uncontrolled areas. Practice recalls when they're sniffing, playing with other dogs, or investigating. Keep your tone upbeat and slightly louder than the environment. Reward extravagantly for successful recalls in distracting settings. Consistency is critical—every recall must work, or you're training intermittent response.
- 6
Test off-leash reliability before full freedom
Only attempt off-leash recall in completely secure, enclosed spaces (fenced yards, enclosed dog parks). Start with very short distances and low distractions. If your Springer fails to respond, you've moved too fast—return to the long line. Never punish a delayed recall; instead, celebrate when they do come, even if it takes a few seconds. Build to progressively longer distances and higher distractions before trusting them in truly open spaces.
Pro tips
- **Use scent as fuel, not a distraction.** Practice recalls near natural scent sources (grassy fields, trails) where your Springer can satisfy their hunting drive before and after recalls. Respecting their need to sniff builds focus rather than fighting it.
- **Rotate high-value rewards to prevent boredom.** Springers are food-motivated but can lose interest in the same treat. Alternate between chicken, cheese, toy play, and chase games to keep recall exciting and unpredictable.
- **Keep your excitement genuine.** Springers are sensitive to your tone and energy. Say "Come!" like you're inviting them to the best thing ever—your enthusiasm is contagious and makes recall irresistible.
Frequently asked questions
My Springer gets focused on a scent and completely ignores my recall. What should I do?+
This is extremely common in Springers—their hunting drive overrides training in high-scent moments. Use a long line in these situations and never call them to "come" if you can't back it up with a reward they want more than the scent. Instead, gently guide them with the line while saying "Come," then reward heavily. Over time, practicing recalls when scent distractions are present (but manageable) teaches them that responding is worth breaking focus. Never chase or punish; this increases the reward value of the scent hunt.
How often should I practice recall training with my Springer?+
Springers benefit from short, frequent sessions: 2–3 times daily for 5–10 minutes each is ideal. Given their 4/5 energy level and 75-minute daily exercise need, incorporate recall practice into your regular walks and play sessions rather than as separate "training time." Random, unpredictable recalls during normal activities (mid-walk, mid-play) are actually more effective than scheduled drills because they replicate real life.
My Springer comes reliably at home but still ignores me on walks. Why?+
Environmental context and distraction level are completely different. Your Springer's brain hasn't generalized the behavior yet. Use a long line on walks to enforce compliance while continuing to practice. Gradually increase distractions in low-stakes settings (quiet neighborhoods before busier parks). Also, ensure your outdoor reward is truly valuable—if they prefer sniffing to your treat, you need higher-value rewards. Some Springers respond better to toys or instant play permission than food.
Is it safe to train recall off-leash in an unfenced area?+
No. Never train or test off-leash recall outside a securely enclosed space, even if your Springer's obedience is excellent. Springers are driven by scent and prey instinct—a rabbit, another dog, or an interesting smell can override training in an instant. Use a long line (20–30 feet) in open areas until you've tested reliability many times in fully fenced environments first. Even then, keep a long line handy for emergencies.