Did you know the Springer Spaniel was first bred as a hunting dog? In the past, the Springer Spaniel would help by ‘springing’ game out into the open for the hunters.
Of course, the Springer Spaniel barks a certain amount while in pursuit of their prey. But do Springer Spaniels bark a lot?
Why do Springer Spaniels typically bark, are Springer Spaniels likely to become problem barkers, and what can you do if your Springer Spaniel barks too much? In this article, we’ll be looking into all these topics and more. So, whether your Springer Spaniel is becoming a problem barker or they never bark, read on!
What kind of dog is the Springer Spaniel?
The Springer Spaniel is a dog with a long hunting history. They are medium-sized dogs with silky dark fur and long floppy ears. Springer Spaniels can still be found ‘springing’ out squirrels or squeaky toys rather than the game of the past.
Is the Springer Spaniel loud?
With no history as a yappy dog, Springer Spaniels are unlikely to bark loudly in the course of play, for communication, or out of boredom, for example.
However, in other scenarios, a Springer Spaniel may bark quite loudly. For example, you’ll often see a Springer Spaniel alarm-barking loudly at the window as a guest or delivery person comes to the door.
Or, if your Springer Spaniel is protecting you from someone or something, they are likely to bark then, too.
This is a direct reflection of the breed’s hunting past when the Springer would have alert-barked as they chased after their prey so that the hunters following them would know where to go.
Does the Springer Spaniel make a good guard dog?
No. though your Springer Spaniel may bark when someone comes to the door or something unusual happens, nothing in the breed’s history prompts a Springer to attack or disarm a dubious person. Instead, a Springer Spaniel is more likely to trot up to an intruder asking for a pet or ear scratch!
Why do Springer Spaniels bark?
Though the Springer Spaniel is hardly a big barker, there are some scenarios in which a Springer Spaniel is very likely to bark.
Categorized as an occasional barker, the Springer Spaniel is likely to bark when approached by a strange person. A Springer Spaniel may also bark at other dogs, both on and off the leash.
It’s also a well-known fact that the Springer Spaniel is a dog that needs a lot of exercises. You must meet your Springer’s daily activity needs. Any time you’re even a little late taking your Springer Spaniel for a walk, trust me, your Springer Spaniel will be quick to let you know! And you guessed it, this communication is often in the form of loud barking.
How can I train my Springer Spaniel to bark?
It may seem counterintuitive, but did you know that you can train your Springer Spaniel to bark less by actually teaching them to bark on command?
This is most commonly known as the ‘Speak’ command. Teaching your Springer Spaniel to ‘Speak’ can empower them. A Springer Spaniel who knows how to Speak can tell you when they need to go outside, for example, or that they are hungry.
Armed with a reward like a treat or a toy (and in an area where your neighbors won’t mind), carry out an action that you know often prompts your Springer to bark. You could open your front door, jangle your Springer Spaniel’s leash, or show them their favorite toy.
Now that you’ve got your Springer Spaniel barking, reward them for this behavior with their toy or a treat immediately. Then, keep repeating these steps a few more times.
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Now that you’ve found a way to quickly get your Springer Spaniel to bark, give the skill a name. As soon as your Springer Spaniel starts barking from now on, say ‘Speak!’ or ‘Bark!’. Keep practicing the ‘Speak’ skill until your Springer Spaniel can promptly begin barking when you ask them to.
Try to only reward your Springer Spaniel for a single bark or two rather than excessive barking. This way, whenever your Springer Spaniel is barking loudly or excessively, you can command them to Speak or Bark more quietly.
How can I train my Springer Spaniel to bark less?
Though your Springer Spaniel will naturally bark a little, there are a few things you can do that will go a long way in reducing how much they bark.
It’s a cliché, but any time your Springer Spaniel is barking from another room, try simply ignoring them. It can take a while, but ignoring your Springer’s barking takes away their reason for barking. If your Springer Spaniel barks during crate training or out of separation anxiety, look into properly getting them used to spend more time alone.
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If your Springer Spaniel is barking excessively at something specific, like cars or other dogs, try gradually getting them used to that thing. For example, have a friend drive a car or walk their dog a little distance away from you and your Springer Spaniel.
If your Springer Spaniel starts to bark, have your friend move away. Keep doing this over a few days or weeks until your Springer Spaniel no longer barks at your friend.
Maybe your Springer Spaniel barks at the front door or TV instead. Well, other skills may help with this. You can have your Springer Spaniel remove themselves from the situation by training them to go to their bed or crate.
While in the room, throw a treat onto your Springer Spaniel’s bed while telling them, “Go to bed” or “Go relax”. Later on, when your Springer Spaniel is consistently going to their bed without getting a treat immediately, you can start to use the command any time your Springer needs to go calm down in the home.
On top of all this, it’s also a well-known fact that the Springer Spaniel is a dog with high activity needs. If your Springer Spaniel is barking too much, their exercise needs may not have been met that day. To combat this, make sure your Springer Spaniel has an excellent daily activity regime.
Helping your Springer Spaniel get their daily activity requirements doesn’t just mean you have to take them for a hike every day. Plenty of play with durable interactive toys like these and lots of Fetch games can also go a long way in tiring your Springer out!
