Right, let’s talk about that moment. You know the one – you’ve just returned from an hour-long walk, your spaniel’s had a good drink, and you’re settling down with a cuppa thinking “job done.” Then you look over, and there’s your cocker, staring at you with those bright, mischievous eyes that clearly say “Right then, what’s next?”
I see it constantly. Beautiful, athletic spaniels who’ve had their daily constitutional but are still bouncing around the house like furry pinballs, eyeing up your favourite cushions with suspicious interest. Here’s what I’ve learned after years of working with these magnificent, high-energy dogs: a tired spaniel isn’t just a walked spaniel – it’s a properly challenged one.
The problem is, we’ve bred these dogs to work all day. Their ancestors were covering miles of rough terrain, making complex decisions, using every sense they possessed. A simple walk around the block? That’s just a warm-up for a proper working cocker.
If your spaniel is still causing mayhem after their daily exercise, you need games for energetic dogs that match their energy and intelligence. Not gentle brain teasers – proper, high-octane challenges that leave them properly satisfied.
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Our Top 3 Games for Energetic Dogs
Game 1: The Flirt Pole – The Ultimate Prey Drive Solution
Let me introduce you to the single most effective tool I know for exhausting an energetic spaniel: the flirt pole. Think of it as a giant cat toy for dogs – a long pole with a rope attached to a toy or rag at the end.
How to use it safely:
- Start with short 5-minute sessions – this game is incredibly intense
- Keep the toy moving in unpredictable patterns close to the ground (jumping can damage joints)
- Always end with a “drop it” command and a calm reward
- Let your spaniel “catch” the toy occasionally – they need to win sometimes!
Here’s why it’s absolutely brilliant for spaniels: it taps directly into that intense prey drive that’s hardwired into every single one of them. You know that look they get when they spot a pigeon? That focused, intense stare that says “I was born for this moment”? The flirt pole gives them a safe, controlled way to satisfy that ancient instinct.
The beauty of flirt pole work is that it’s not just physical exercise – it’s mental too. Your spaniel has to track the movement, predict where the toy will go next, and time their approach perfectly. Ten minutes of flirt pole work can leave them more satisfied than an hour of steady walking.
What you need: Interactive Tug Dog Toy (around £20) is hands down the most durable option I’ve tested. I’ve seen cockers who’ve destroyed “indestructible” toys in minutes, but this thing keeps going. The bungee system means it flexes with your dog’s movement, making it safer and more engaging.
Game 2: Structured Fetch – The Thinking Dog’s Chase
Now, before you roll your eyes and think “we already do fetch,” hear me out. Most fetch games are just mindless ball chasing – your spaniel runs, grabs, maybe brings it back if you’re lucky. That’s not challenging; that’s just cardio.
Structured fetch turns the simple chase into a complex training exercise that engages both body and brain. Here’s how to transform basic fetch into a high-energy mental workout:
The Rules:
- Mandatory “stay” before every throw – Your spaniel must sit and wait for your release command
- Perfect recall to hand – The ball comes back directly to your hand, not dropped at your feet
- Vary your throws – High, low, left, right, short, long. Make them think about each approach
- Add obstacles – Throw around trees, over logs, up hills
- Include a “drop it” command – They must release immediately when asked
What makes this exhausting isn’t just the running – it’s the constant decision-making. Your spaniel has to control their impulses, read your body language, adapt to different throws, and follow commands even when they’re excited. It’s like CrossFit for the brain.
Pro tip: Start each session with easier throws and gradually increase the complexity. A mentally tired spaniel makes mistakes, and we want them to succeed and build confidence.
Equipment that works: ChuckIt! Ultra Ball (around £6-£8 for a 2-pack). I’ve tested dozens of balls, and these are the only ones that consistently survive spaniel enthusiasm. They bounce unpredictably, which adds an extra challenge, and they’re bright orange so you won’t lose them in long grass.
Game 3: High-Energy “Find It”
The basic “find it” game is lovely for gentle mental stimulation, but we can turn this into a proper workout with a few strategic tweaks. Instead of hiding treats around the living room, we’re going to make your spaniel work physically for their reward.
The High-Energy Version:
Start by showing your spaniel their absolute favourite toy (not treats – we want something that will really motivate them for a longer search). Get them properly excited about it, then ask them to wait in another room while you hide it.
Strategic hiding spots:
- Upstairs in the spare bedroom (they have to climb stairs)
- Bottom of the garden behind the shed (long-distance search)
- Tucked under outdoor furniture (crawling and investigation required)
- In the car boot (if it’s safe and accessible)
The key is making the search itself the exercise. Your spaniel should be covering serious ground, using their nose, climbing, investigating, and problem-solving to find their prize.
Level up the challenge:
- Hide multiple toys in sequence
- Create a “treasure hunt” with toys leading to a final mega-reward
- Use weather to your advantage – fresh rain makes scenting more challenging
- Hide toys in containers they need to open or move
The brilliant thing about high-energy “find it” is that it satisfies their hunting instincts completely. They get the search, the discovery, and the “kill” (grabbing the toy), plus all the physical exercise of covering the search area.
Success tip: Always end on a win. If they’re struggling to find the final toy, give them hints or make it easier. We want them to finish feeling like successful, satisfied hunters.
The Perfect Combination
Here’s what makes these three games so effective: they each target a different aspect of your spaniel’s working heritage. The flirt pole satisfies their prey drive, structured fetch engages their retrieving instincts and impulse control, and high-energy “find it” puts that incredible nose to proper work.
Rotate between them to keep things interesting – maybe flirt pole on Monday, structured fetch on Wednesday, and “find it” adventures on Friday. Your spaniel will never know what’s coming next, which means they’ll never get bored.
The result? A properly tired dog. Not just physically worn out, but mentally satisfied in a way that only comes from doing the job they were bred for. These high-intensity games provide the perfect solution for working cocker spaniel boredom, giving your energetic dog the challenge they crave.
And on quieter days, when you want gentle mental stimulation without the high-energy workout, these games pair perfectly with our DIY brain games for a well-rounded enrichment routine.
Trust me – try these games for a week, and you’ll discover what a truly contented spaniel looks like. It’s a beautiful sight.
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