While there is no doubt that English Springer Spaniels are closely attached to their humans and are continuously striving to please them, it isn’t easy to see if they are truly happy or not.
You can tell that an English Springer Spaniel is happy if they constantly maintain eye contact, check in regularly with you in unfamiliar environments, display excited or relaxed body language signals, are highly responsive, and often seek physical affection by leaning into you for a cuddle.
Although it might appear easy to raise a contented English Springer Spaniel, they are smart and highly energetic dogs that need extra care to live a fulfilling life. So, if you want to know what makes your best friend truly happy – read on!
English Springer Spaniels Dog Breeds
It is believed that this loveable Spaniel dog breed originated in Spain centuries ago and was used as hunting dogs in the 16th century to flush out small animals and game birds by springing on them before the advent of guns.
Modern-day English Springer Spaniels are enthusiastic, eager to please, and have a great sense of humor. They are also sociable animals who are highly affectionate and love nothing more than spending time with their humans, so they are often used as therapy dogs.
While they are excellent hunting dogs, beloved by sportspeople, these high-energy, smart dogs are great family pets and fantastic companions if exercised and trained regularly.
These “live wires” are highly energetic, and great outlets for their pent-up energy are agility and obedience training, tracking, or flyball activities.
However, English Springer Spaniels need constant stimulation, so they tend to become destructive when bored and are prone to nuisance barking if left alone due to separation anxiety.
5 Signs That Your English Springer Spaniel Is Happy
We all want the best for our lovable four-legged friends. So, without further ado, here are five tell-tale signs (excuse the pun) that your English Springer Spaniel is happy and content.
1. Eye Contact
While making eye contact with someone can be perceived as a challenge or even a sign of aggression in the world at large, it also signifies a loving bond between two parties.
In fact, establishing eye contact with your dog is normally the first lesson dog owners are taught at obedience training schools, as it helps a dog to focus on various commands and establishes a strong bond between a dog and its trainer.
Therefore, if your dog regularly makes eye contact with you and loves staring into your eyes with utter devotion, they are happy in your presence and trust you implicitly.
2. Regular Check-Ins
While English Springer Spaniels form close bonds with their humans, it does not mean they don’t like chasing after the odd pigeon or anything that catches their attention for a few seconds.
However, the fact that they regularly check in with you, especially in an unfamiliar environment, means that you have built a close bond and that you are their safe place.
3. Body Language
Although it is abundantly clear to see that your dog is excited to welcome you home after a long day at work, a further way to gauge their state of mind is by reading their body language.
A relaxed dog who feels super comfortable in your presence will display the following non-verbal ques:
- Relaxed facial expression with slowly blinking eyes
- A slightly gaping mouth with a lolling, relaxed tongue
- Rolling over on their back for a tummy rub
- Bowing as an open invitation to play
- Wagging their tales from side to side
- When they nap on your feet or by your side
4. Responsiveness
Happy and content dogs are more likely to respond when you call them, and their obedience is a strong indicator that they have built a close bond with you.
In fact, a dog’s ability to respond when you call them is essential as it can keep them safe, and let’s face it – seeing their excitement when they run to you is the best feeling in the world!
5. Physical Affection
A recent school of thought is that dogs don’t like hugs as much as humans do. However, it does not mean they don’t appreciate or need physical affection.
Besides, physical affection is a simple tool to form a close connection with your dog. So, if your four-legged friend insists on being petted, snuggled, or leaned into you, consider it a compliment, as dogs only do that if they love someone.
English Springer Spaniels: Care Requirements
So, now that you know how these loveable dogs show, they are happy. Let’s look at other aspects of raising, and caring for our best friends, like general health concerns, including their grooming, training, and exercise requirements.
1. Health Concerns
While English Springer Spaniels are a relatively healthy dog breed, they are sometimes prone to specific conditions you need to be aware of.
This dog breed is also genetically predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia, including eye conditions, and responsible breeders normally screen their puppies for those conditions. It’s also essential to brush your dog’s teeth often and screen their ears for possible infections.
2. Grooming Requirements
These dog breeds are relatively easy to groom if you brush their coats weekly to remove excess loose hair, dirt, and matting.
Most importantly, don’t forget to regularly trim their nails, as long nails can impede their ability to run and walk and may become painful over time.
3. Training Needs
Springers are incredibly smart and active dogs, so it’s vital to start with puppy training lessons, let them socialize with other dogs if you want a well-trained dog, and continue providing gentle, firm guidance as they mature.
4. Exercising
Although Springer loves spending time with their humans indoors, they are hunting dogs and need exercise regularly. Otherwise, they might become bored or dig a mini-swimming pool in your garden!
They are ideal outdoor companions for running, walking, hiking, or swimming, and their favorite exercises involve fetching balls or being chased around. Including exercises that stimulate them mentally like agility, tracking, or obedience training
While having a large, enclosed yard where your dog can run around and play is ideal, these dog breeds can live in small homes or apartments if exercised daily to eliminate excessive pent-up energy.
Conclusion
English Springer Spaniels are always focused on pleasing their human families, so it’s often hard to gauge whether they are happy and content.
However, there are numerous clear signs that a Springer is happy, ranging from gazing deep into your eyes to leaning in for a cuddle; it’s their special way of expressing love and contentment.
