The most common behaviour problems in English Springer Spaniels are jumping, barking, pulling on the leash, and reacting to animals outside, particularly birds. These issues stem largely from the breed’s working heritage: Springers were developed to flush game birds and retrieve them, which means they’re hardwired for high energy, keen awareness of wildlife, and enthusiastic interaction with their environment.
However, these behaviours are trainable. At Bark Busters, we work with Springer families across Canada, and the key principle we teach is this: you can’t remove instinct, but you can become more important to your dog than that instinct.
Key Takeaways
• Common Springer behaviour problems include jumping, barking, pulling, and reacting to wildlife
• “Springer Rage Syndrome” is real but extremely rare—most aggression has identifiable causes and is not this condition
• You cannot remove the hunting instinct, but you can train your dog to prioritize you over the instinct
• A working-bred Springer may need 2-3 hours of exercise daily, but mental stimulation matters most
• Mouthiness isn’t breed-specific; some individual dogs are simply nippier than others
• Leash reactivity often comes from feeling trapped; off-leash dogs can move away from perceived threats; on-leash dogs cannot
The Most Common English Springer Spaniel Behaviour Problems
At Bark Busters, we work with Springer Spaniel families across Canada, and certain issues come up repeatedly. Understanding why these behaviours happen is the first step toward addressing them.
Jumping
Springers are enthusiastic greeters. They love people, and jumping is their natural way of expressing excitement. The challenge is that a medium-sized dog launching itself at every visitor isn’t acceptable behaviour, even if the intention is pure joy.
The problem with jumping is that even negative reactions (pushing them away, saying “no” firmly) can register as attention and inadvertently reinforce the behaviour. Consistency from every person who interacts with your dog is essential.
Barking
Springers are alert dogs. They notice sounds, movement, visitors approaching, and wildlife in the garden. This vigilance served them well as hunting companions, but in a suburban Canadian neighbourhood, it can become excessive barking at every jogger, squirrel, or delivery truck.
Pulling on the leash
That forward drive that makes Springers excellent hunting dogs? It also makes them pull like freight trains on walks. They’re hardwired to move forward, cover ground, and explore. Standing still on a predictable path while you plod along at human speed is profoundly boring for a dog built to quarter fields at speed.
Reacting to Animals Outside
This is where the hunting heritage really shows. Birds, squirrels, rabbits, or anything that moves can trigger intense focus, lunging, pulling, and apparent deafness to your commands.
The Truth About “Springer Rage Syndrome”
Many Springer owners have heard of “Springer Rage Syndrome” and worry about whether their dog might have it. Let’s address this directly.
Yes, it is real. But it is also extremely rare.
Springer Rage Syndrome (also called Rage Syndrome or sudden onset aggression) is a neurological condition—essentially a type of seizure disorder that affects behaviour rather than causing convulsions. During an episode, a dog may have a glazed, unfocused look, become suddenly aggressive without any identifiable trigger, and then return to normal with no apparent awareness of what just happened.
This is something to speak to your vet about if you have concerns.
What’s more common is that Springer owners see normal (but undesirable) behaviours and worry they’re signs of this rare syndrome. Here’s the key difference:
Normal aggression has identifiable triggers, such as fear, resource guarding, pain, and territorial behaviour. The dog may growl or show warning signs before escalating. There’s a cause, even if you need help identifying it.
Rage Syndrome has no apparent trigger. The aggression is sudden, explosive, and seemingly random. The dog may appear dazed or “not there” during the episode and confused afterward.
If your Springer is reactive, snappy, or shows aggression, don’t assume Rage Syndrome. Work with a trainer or behaviourist to identify the actual cause. Most aggression is trainable or manageable once you understand what’s driving it.
Working With (Not Against) the Hunting Instinct
“He goes absolutely insane around birds—lunging, pulling, deaf to commands. Is this hunting instinct trainable, or am I fighting nature?”
This is one of the most common frustrations Springer owners experience. Here’s the reality:
Instinct is inherent. You can never remove it.
Your Springer was bred to flush birds for hundreds of generations. That drive to chase, pursue, and engage with wildlife is written into their DNA. Asking them to simply stop caring about birds is like asking them to stop being a Springer.
But here’s what you CAN do:
You need to work to make sure what YOU want is always more important to your dog than the instinct.
This isn’t about suppressing who your dog is. It’s about building such a strong relationship, such reliable communication, and such rewarding experiences with you that choosing you becomes more compelling than chasing that robin.
This requires:
• Consistent training from early on (or starting now if you haven’t)
• Building focus on you before adding distractions, not during high-distraction moments
• Working at appropriate distances from triggers where your dog can still think
• Making engagement with you genuinely rewarding—not just tolerable
The outdoor world is flooded with scents, sounds, and movement that feel far more compelling than any cue you’re giving. For a breed with strong hunting instincts and a highly sensitive nose, you’re competing with what their brain tells them is the most exciting thing in the world.
You can win that competition, but it takes dedication.
“My Springer Has WAY More Energy Than I Expected”
“I walk him for an hour, and he’s still bouncing off the walls. How much exercise does this breed actually need?”
This is perhaps the most common complaint we hear from Springer owners. They researched the breed, knew it was “active,” and still underestimated what that means in practice.
Individual needs vary considerably. A Springer from show lines may be calmer than one from working/field lines. Age, health, and individual temperament all play roles.
However, as a general guideline, A hunting or working-bred dog, of young to middle age, typically needs at least 2 hours of exercise per day. Puppies and seniors will need less.
Did that number surprise you? Many owners are giving their Springers an hour of walking and wondering why the dog is still ricocheting off the walls.
But here’s the crucial part: working the brain is the most important component.
Physical exercise matters, but mental stimulation is what truly tires out an intelligent breed like the Springer. A dog who walks for two hours on the same predictable route, sniffing the same hedges, may still have plenty of energy to burn. But a dog who spends 20 minutes doing scent work, problem-solving, or training exercises? That dog is using their brain, which is far more tiring than legs alone.
Consider adding:
• Scent games and nose work
• Training sessions (short and frequent)
• Puzzle feeders and interactive toys
• Varied walking routes with leash exercises that require attention and decision-making
You don’t necessarily need to walk for three hours daily. But you do need to tire the brain as well as the body.
“He Mouths and Nips Constantly”
“Not aggressive, but always has something or someone in his mouth. Is this a Springer thing?”
Springers are retrieving dogs—they were bred to carry birds in their mouths. It’s natural for them to want something in their mouth much of the time. That said:
Some dogs are simply nippier than others. Nipping isn’t always a breed thing.
If your Springer is mouthy, address it the same way you would with any dog: redirect to appropriate items (toys, chews), end interactions when mouthing occurs, and be consistent. Don’t assume it’s “just what Springers do” and therefore tolerable.
A mouthy puppy may seem cute, but a mouthy adult dog with a powerful jaw is not. Address it early, regardless of breed.
“My Springer Is Reactive on Leash but Fine Off-Leash”
“Why the difference? And I can’t let him off-leash if he won’t recall.”
This is a common pattern, and it makes perfect sense once you understand the dog’s perspective.
Off-leash, a dog can move away if they feel threatened. On leash, they cannot.
When your Springer sees another dog, person, or animal while on leash, they’re essentially trapped. They can’t increase distance if they’re uncomfortable. They can’t approach on their own terms if they’re curious. They have no control over the situation.
This lack of control creates tension. And tension creates reactive behaviour—lunging, barking, pulling.
Off leash (assuming the environment is safe), the same dog can make choices. They can move closer if curious, move away if nervous, or simply continue about their business. The pressure is removed.
What does this mean for you?
It’s up to you to make sure your dog feels safe with you on a leash.
This means:
• Don’t force your dog into situations they’re uncomfortable with
• Increase the distance from triggers when you see your dog tensing
• Practice calm behaviour at distances where your dog can cope
• Build trust that you will manage situations—they don’t have to
And regarding recall: you’re right that you can’t let a dog off-leash if they won’t come back. Building a reliable recall is essential before off-leash freedom, especially with a breed that has strong hunting instincts.
When to Get Professional Help
Springer Spaniels are wonderful dogs; intelligent, affectionate, eager to please, and endlessly enthusiastic. But their working heritage means they need more guidance, more exercise, and more mental engagement than many owners initially expect.
If you’re struggling with:
• Jumping that doesn’t improve despite your efforts
• Barking that’s affecting your life (or your neighbours’)
• Pulling is so walking is miserable
• Reactivity to wildlife, other dogs, or people
• Any form of aggression or sudden behaviour changes
It may be time to work with a professional trainer who can assess your specific situation and create a plan tailored to your dog.
At Bark Busters, our in-home training approach means we address behaviours where they actually happen—at your door, in your neighbourhood, with your specific triggers. For an energetic, context-dependent breed like the Springer, this often yields faster results than group classes in unfamiliar environments.
Our Written Lifetime Guarantee means we’ll support you through every stage of your Springer’s life—including those challenging adolescent months when it seems like all your training has evaporated.
Find your local Bark Busters trainer to discuss your English Springer Spaniel’s behaviour and get started on a calmer, happier life together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common behaviour problems in English Springer Spaniels?
The most common issues are jumping, barking, pulling on the leash, and reacting to animals outside—especially birds and other wildlife. These behaviours relate to the breed’s hunting heritage and high energy levels.
Is Springer Rage Syndrome real?
Yes, it is real, but it is also very rare. It’s a neurological condition similar to a seizure disorder. Most aggression in Springers has identifiable causes (fear, frustration, resource guarding) and is not Rage Syndrome. If you have concerns about sudden, unprovoked aggression with no apparent trigger, speak to your vet.
Can I train my Springer to ignore birds?
You cannot remove the hunting instinct—it’s inherent to the breed. However, you can train your dog so that responding to you becomes more important than following its instinct. This requires consistent work to build focus, engagement, and a strong relationship.
How much exercise does an English Springer Spaniel need?
Individual needs vary, but a working-bred Springer needs about 2 hours of exercise daily. Mental stimulation is the most important component—a tired brain leads to a calmer dog more than tired legs alone.
Why is my Springer reactive on leash but calm off-leash?
On leash, dogs cannot control their environment—they can’t move away if uncomfortable or approach on their own terms. This lack of control creates tension. Off leash, they have choices, and the pressure is removed. Your job is to help your dog feel safe and trusting while on leash.
Is constant mouthing a Springer trait?
While Springers are retrieving dogs who may enjoy carrying things, constant mouthing or nipping isn’t exclusively a breed trait. Some individual dogs are simply nippier than others. Address mouthing through redirection and consistent training regardless of breed.