Activities For Sprocker Spaniels

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Introduction

Developed by breeding two types of spaniels, the Springer Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel, the Sprocker Spaniel is a hybrid that you can expect to have a lot of energy and require a lot of activity. The Sprocker Spaniel will require a good amount of exercise to stay healthy (preferably 60-80 minutes per day) both physically and mentally and as working dogs, they will do well having a job to do.  Fortunately, there are plenty of activities that you can engage in with your Sprocker Spaniel to ensure that they get the activity they need, from taking several walks a day to playing a few rounds of fetch.

Treibball

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Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Eight Fitness Balls
Treats
Waste Bags
Activity description
Originating in Germany over 10 years ago, treibball means "push ball". The game does not cost much for the items that are needed to play and it is a low impact sport that can be played by just about any dog and their person.  Grab a few fitness balls and some treats, along with some enthusiasm for working with your pup. Your dog will seek to push the balls to you in a controlled fashion. As the game is timed and only one dog and their person are on the field at a given time, even dogs struggling with behavior can give the game a try. You and your spunky Sprocker Spaniel will need plenty of space for treibball, making it a good activity to engage in outdoors when the weather is pleasant.
Step
1
Learn about treibball
If treibball sounds interesting to you, why not learn more about it and see if it is a good fit for you and your pup? A competitive dog sport utilizing positive reinforcement, the game involves your dog moving eight large fitness balls across a field and into a goal. Your dog will seek to move one ball at a time towards and into the goal (this is timed in competition and takes about 15 minutes). You can learn all about the activity by searching online; while you are at it, see if there is a treibball group in your area. If there is, then you can look into participating with your pup, which will be a great way to learn more about the activity while you and your pooch make new friends!
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2
Get started
If, after some research, you want to give treibball a try, you will first want to acquire some fitness balls. While the competitive activity involves eight balls, you can start working with your dog with fewer than that. Once you have the fitness balls, as well as some treats, choose a soccer field or open space of comparative size. When you and your pup are on the field, you can begin by teaching your Sprocker Spaniel the idea of the game. You will want to show them how to push the ball toward the soccer goal at the other side of the field as well as teach them commands like "roll" or "push" so that they can learn to follow directions on what to do with the ball. Be sure to reward your dog with a treat and plenty of praise as they learn to follow your commands. It is likely you will have to demonstrate what you would like your dog to do, so make sure you are dressed comfortably!
Step
3
To the next level
As your dog gets the idea of the game, you can work on calling commands to them while they do the physical act of moving the balls down the field and into the goal. Over time, as your dog gets better at the activity, you can begin timing them and then you can work together on beating the fastest time!

Swimming

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Sunny Day
Free
Easy
30 - 90 min
Items needed
Canine Life Jacket
Treats
Ball or Frisbee
Towel
Waste Bags
Activity description
The parent breeds of the Sprocker Spaniel typically enjoy swimming, which means that it is likely that your Sprocker Spaniel will enjoy the activity as well. You can decide where to take your pup for a swim; consider the ocean, a river or a lake. If you don't have access to a body of water to swim in, you can set up a private pool for your pooch by purchasing a plastic kiddie pool that you can fill with water. Not only can your pup enjoy a swim, but you can keep things interesting by playing fetch IN the water!
Step
1
Where to swim
First, you will have to decide where to take your dog for a swim. This will likely depend, in part, on where you are, what is nearby and how far you are willing to drive. It is also a good idea to consider your pup's experience in water. A calm lake may be preferable for a pup who has not yet spent much time in water.
Step
2
Swim supplies
You will likely want to bring a few things with you when you take your dog for a swim. First, if you are not sure of your pup's comfort level in water as well as their swimming ability, a canine life jacket may be a good idea. You will also want to bring a towel or two, as you will want to dry off both yourself and your pup before getting back in your vehicle. If your pup enjoys playing "fetch" on land, bring along a ball or a frisbee so that you can introduce them to fetch in the water.
Step
3
Patience and encouragement
Once you arrive at the water source that you have chosen, allow your dog to check it out. Depending on your dog's experience with water, they may head right in or they might be a bit more hesitant. Be patient with your pup as they check out the water and get in at their own pace. You can join your pup for a swim or watch from land. A great way to engage your pup is to throw a ball or frisbee into the water for them to fetch and return to you. Be prepared to go in should they forget their retrieval skills! Going for a swim will keep you and your pup cool and ensure that they get the activity that they need.

Bubble Chase

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Any Day
Cheap
Easy
5 - 20 min
Items needed
Dog-safe Bubbles
Water
Leash
Waste Bags
Activity description
You may remember chasing after bubbles as a child. It turns out that running after bubbles is not just an activity for kids; your dog will want to chase bubbles as well! All you need to do is purchase some bubbles that are non-toxic and find a safe place outdoors where you and your Sprocker Spaniel can spend time. The area should be fenced-in so that you don't have to worry about your pup's safety as they chase after the floating bubbles. You can sit and relax while watching your canine best friend have a blast.
Step
1
Bubble location
First, you will want to choose a good place for you and your pup to play with bubbles. As bubbles tend to float all over and it is likely your pup will be chasing them, make sure to choose a place where your dog be safe. A fenced-in yard or a park is an ideal location for you and your dog to go to play with bubbles.
Step
2
Get the bubbles going
It's time to get the bubble fun going! You can blow them in any direction that you like; your pup will quickly notice them and likely be very interested. Watch your pup as they chase after the bubbles, attempting to catch them. Keep on blowing bubbles and enjoy seeing your pup frolicking outdoors attempting to catch the elusive bubbles. Balance and coordination will come into play with this activity. If your Sprocker Spaniel is super keen on bubble play, consider investing in a bubble making machine and dog-safe bacon flavored bubbles!

More Fun Ideas...

Let's Dance

When you have a high energy canine like a Sprocker Spaniel, why not let loose and dance with them? Turn your favorite music up and start moving. You will receive no judgement from your pup who will likely get caught up in the fun and dance along with you. You and your pup can dance for as long as you like, whether indoors or outside. Dancing with your dog is a great workout for you and your pooch, as well as an excellent bonding activity.

Treat Toss

An active dog like your Sprocker Spaniel is always ready to play treat toss. To play this simple game with your pup, grab a handful of their favorite treats. These can be store-bought treats or a yummy human food like cheese or bacon. It is likely that your pooch will know that you have something special in your hand and be hanging out nearby. Just turn toward your pup and show them a treat. As they show interest, go ahead and toss the treat toward their mouth. Your pup will do their best to catch the tossed treat. If the treat does not quite make it into their mouth, no problem; they can get it from the floor. This is a game your pup will be happy to play for a while!

Scent Games

The Springer Spaniel often works as a scent dog; it is likely that the offspring of the Springer Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel share the strong scenting ability of the parent breed. You and your Sprocker Spaniel can engage in scenting games together that will challenge your pup and meet their need for mental and physical activity. Show your pup a treat or a favorite toy. Then, hide the item and have them find it. Start simple, even hiding the item in plain sight. As your dog gets the hang of the game, you can make the hiding spots more challenging so that they have to use their scenting ability to find the hidden item.

Conclusion

Sprocker Spaniels tend to be pretty energetic and will have high activity needs. It is important that you help your pup get the activity that they require or they may try to occupy themselves (which could lead to their causing some trouble). There are a number of ways to engage your Sprocker Spaniel so that they can get the physical and mental activity that they need while the two of you can enjoy quality time with one another. Regardless of what activities you and your pup decide to engage in, you will further develop your bond while making memories that will last a lifetime.