Springer Spaniel Puppies: Complete Week-by-Week Care Guide
Everything you need to raise Springer Spaniel puppies — feeding schedules, vaccination timelines, potty training milestones, and first-year costs.
English Springer Spaniels are athletic, affectionate gun dogs with boundless energy and a nose that never stops working. Bringing home Springer Spaniel puppies is exciting, but their high drive, strong retrieving instinct, and sensitive temperament mean they need a more structured puppyhood plan than the average breed. This guide maps out every critical milestone from 4 weeks through 12 months so you know exactly what to expect — and what to do — at each stage.
When Should You Bring Your Springer Spaniel Puppy Home?
The AKC recommends waiting until a puppy is at least 8 weeks old before separating it from its littermates. For Springers, many responsible breeders prefer to keep puppies until 9–10 weeks. The extra time with siblings teaches bite inhibition and litter-mate social skills that are nearly impossible to replicate in a human household.
Springer Spaniels are prone to separation anxiety, and puppies removed too early often develop clingy, vocal behaviors that persist into adulthood. If your breeder offers a 10-week release, take it — the additional socialization buffer pays dividends for years.
Week-by-Week Milestone Timeline for Springer Spaniel Puppies
Weeks 4–8 (Breeder Phase)
- Physical: Eyes and ears fully functional; baby teeth erupting; weight roughly 4–7 lb (1.8–3.2 kg).
- Behavioral: Litter play intensifies — puppies learn bite inhibition from siblings. Startle reflexes develop around loud noises.
- Your role: If visiting, handle the puppy daily for short 5-minute sessions. Ask the breeder about early neurological stimulation (ENS) protocols.
Weeks 8–12 (Home Transition)
- Physical: Weight climbs to 8–14 lb (3.6–6.4 kg). Coordination improves rapidly but stamina is still limited to 10–15 minute play bursts.
- Behavioral: Peak fear imprint period (8–11 weeks). Negative experiences can create lasting phobias — avoid harsh corrections, loud environments, or forced interactions.
- Your role: Establish a consistent daily routine immediately. Begin name recognition, hand-feeding for bond building, and short crate sessions (15–30 minutes).
Weeks 12–16 (Confidence Building)
- Physical: Weight 14–22 lb (6.4–10 kg). Adult teeth begin pushing out baby incisors around week 14.
- Behavioral: Second fear period may emerge around 14 weeks. Independence increases — puppy may "forget" recall in distracting environments.
- Your role: Enroll in a positive-reinforcement puppy kindergarten class. Practice recall in low-distraction settings using high-value treats (freeze-dried liver, boiled chicken).
Weeks 16–24 (Adolescent Onset)
- Physical: Weight 22–35 lb (10–16 kg). Adult teeth fully in by 6 months. Growth plates still open — avoid forced running or repetitive jumping.
- Behavioral: Testing boundaries, increased mouthing, selective hearing. Retrieving instinct intensifies — expect sock-stealing and "trophy carrying."
- Your role: Continue training classes. Introduce structured retrieve games with bumpers or tennis balls to channel the breed's natural drive.
6–12 Months (Junior Phase)
- Physical: Approaching adult weight of 40–55 lb (18–25 kg). Growth plates close between 12–18 months.
- Behavioral: Sexual maturity (if intact). Energy levels peak — a bored junior Springer will destroy furniture, dig, or bark excessively.
- Your role: Increase structured exercise to 45–60 minutes daily. Introduce scent work, agility foundations, or field training to tire them mentally and physically.
Feeding Schedule: Portions, Frequency, and Food Selection
Springer Spaniels are prone to obesity, which worsens their genetic risk for hip dysplasia and joint disease. Feed a large-breed puppy formula (AAFCO-certified for growth) until 12 months, then transition to an adult maintenance diet.
| Age | Meals/Day | Approx. Weight | Total Cups/Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–12 weeks | 4 | 8–14 lb (3.6–6.4 kg) | 1.0–1.5 |
| 3–4 months | 3 | 14–22 lb (6.4–10 kg) | 1.5–2.0 |
| 5–6 months | 3 | 22–32 lb (10–14.5 kg) | 2.0–2.5 |
| 7–9 months | 2 | 32–42 lb (14.5–19 kg) | 2.5–3.0 |
| 10–12 months | 2 | 42–50 lb (19–23 kg) | 2.5–3.0 |
Key feeding rules for Springers:
- Use a slow-feeder bowl — Springers inhale food, which increases bloat (GDV) risk.
- Pick up uneaten food after 15 minutes to establish meal-time structure.
- Never feed within 60 minutes before or after vigorous exercise.
- Treats should not exceed 10% of daily caloric intake (roughly 60–80 kcal for a 4-month-old).
Vaccination Schedule for Springer Spaniel Puppies
The AVMA core vaccination guidelines recommend a series of puppy shots starting at 6–8 weeks. Springers follow the standard protocol — there are no breed-specific deviations.
| Age | Vaccine | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) | First dose; maternal antibodies may interfere |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPP booster + Bordetella | Bordetella recommended if attending puppy classes |
| 14–16 weeks | DHPP final booster + Rabies | Rabies required by law in most US states |
| 12–16 months | DHPP + Rabies booster | Then every 1–3 years per vet recommendation |
Lifestyle vaccines to discuss with your veterinarian:
- Leptospirosis: Recommended if your Springer will hike near standing water or live in areas with wildlife.
- Lyme disease: Consider if you live in or travel to tick-endemic regions (Northeast, Upper Midwest).
- Canine influenza (H3N2/H3N8): Worth considering for dogs that board, attend daycare, or compete in field trials.
Always consult your veterinarian to tailor the vaccination schedule to your puppy's specific risk profile and local disease prevalence.
Socialization Window: Weeks 3–14 Exposure Checklist
The critical socialization period closes around 14 weeks. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, puppies that don't encounter diverse stimuli during this window are significantly more likely to develop fear-based reactivity later. For Springers — a breed already predisposed to sensitivity and noise reactivity — this window is non-negotiable.
Safety rule: Until your puppy has completed the full DHPP series at 16 weeks, avoid public dog parks, pet store floors, and areas with unknown dog traffic. Carry your puppy or use a stroller for environmental exposure without ground contact.
Potty Training Timeline and Troubleshooting
Most Springer Spaniel puppies achieve reliable house training between 4–6 months, though some individuals — particularly females from show lines — may take until 8 months. Springers are eager to please, which helps, but their high excitement levels mean they often "leak" when greeting people (submissive urination). This is involuntary and resolves with maturity.
| Time | Activity | Potty Break? |
|---|---|---|
| 6:30 AM | Wake up, immediately carry outside | ✓ Yes |
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast | — |
| 7:20 AM | Post-meal potty break | ✓ Yes |
| 8:00 AM | Play/training session (10 min) | ✓ After |
| 9:00 AM | Crate nap | ✓ Before |
| 11:00 AM | Wake, potty break | ✓ Yes |
| 11:15 AM | Second meal | — |
| 11:35 AM | Post-meal potty break | ✓ Yes |
| 12:00 PM | Play then crate nap | ✓ Before |
| 2:00 PM | Wake, potty break | ✓ Yes |
| 3:00 PM | Third meal (if 3x/day) | — |
| 3:20 PM | Potty break | ✓ Yes |
| 4:00 PM | Training/play | ✓ After |
| 5:30 PM | Evening potty break | ✓ Yes |
| 7:00 PM | Fourth meal (if 4x/day) | — |
| 7:20 PM | Potty break | ✓ Yes |
| 9:00 PM | Water removed | — |
| 10:00 PM | Final potty break, crate for night | ✓ Yes |
| 2:00 AM | Set alarm for overnight break (8–12 wk only) | ✓ Yes |
Common Springer potty training issues:
- Submissive urination: Crouch sideways instead of looming over the puppy. Keep greetings calm and low-key. Never scold — it worsens the problem.
- Excitement peeing: Take the puppy outside before guests arrive. Ask visitors to ignore the puppy for the first 60 seconds.
- Regression at 4–5 months: Normal developmental phase. Tighten supervision, reduce freedom, and return to a strict schedule for 1–2 weeks.
Crate Training Progression and Teething Relief
A wire crate (36-inch for a growing Springer; use a divider panel) works best for this breed. Springers are den-oriented and typically accept crates readily, but their high energy means they need adequate exercise before crating — a tired puppy settles; a pent-up puppy screams.
Maximum Crate Time by Age
- 8–10 weeks: 30–60 minutes during the day; 3–4 hours overnight (with one potty break)
- 11–14 weeks: 1–2 hours during the day; 5–6 hours overnight
- 15–16 weeks: 2–3 hours during the day; 6–7 hours overnight
- 4–6 months: 3–4 hours during the day; 7–8 hours overnight
- 7–12 months: 4–5 hours maximum during the day; overnight sleeping is fine
Teething Timeline (3–6 Months)
Springer Spaniel puppies begin losing baby teeth around 12–14 weeks. By 6 months, all 42 adult teeth should be in. During this period, expect increased chewing, drooling, and occasional blood on chew toys.
Safe teething relief strategies:
- Kong Classic (size Medium, red rubber) stuffed with soaked kibble and frozen overnight
- Benebone Wishbone (puppy formula, softer rubber) — discard when pieces break off
- Frozen washcloth twisted into a rope (supervise; remove if threads come loose)
- Yak milk chews (Himalayan Dog Chews, puppy size) — monitor for large chunks
- Nylabone Puppy Chew (chicken flavor, flexible texture) — sized for 25+ lb dogs
Avoid: Rawhide (choking and intestinal blockage risk), cooked bones (splintering), tennis balls left unsupervised (abrasive felt wears down teeth and can be swallowed).
Common Springer Spaniel Puppy Problems and Solutions
Mouthing and Nipping
Springers are mouthy by nature — they were bred to carry game. Puppy nipping peaks between 8–16 weeks and resurfaces during teething. To stop puppy biting:
- When teeth touch skin, say "ouch" in a calm, flat tone and stand up, withdrawing attention for 10–15 seconds.
- Immediately redirect to an appropriate chew toy. Praise enthusiastically when the puppy mouths the toy.
- If nipping escalates during play, the puppy is overstimulated. End the session and offer a crate nap with a frozen Kong.
- Never hold the muzzle shut, yelp loudly (this excites some puppies more), or use physical punishment — these methods damage trust and can trigger defensive biting.
Whining and Vocalization
Springers are a vocal breed. Puppy whining usually falls into three categories:
- Needs-based: Potty, hunger, or discomfort — address the need immediately.
- Attention-seeking: Ignore completely. Do not make eye contact, speak, or touch. Reward the moment silence lasts 5+ seconds.
- Crate protest: Cover the crate with a breathable blanket, play white noise, and ensure the puppy is adequately exercised before crating. A Snuggle Puppy (with heartbeat simulator) helps many Springer puppies settle on their first nights.
Destructive Chewing
A bored Springer puppy will dismantle baseboards, shoes, and remote controls with impressive efficiency. Prevention requires:
- Puppy-proofing: Use baby gates to restrict access to carpeted rooms and keep all items off the floor.
- Rotate 4–5 approved chew toys weekly to maintain novelty.
- Provide 2–3 mental enrichment sessions daily (snuffle mats, treat-dispensing puzzles, frozen Kongs).
- Never leave a puppy under 6 months unsupervised in an open room — use a crate or exercise pen.
When Can My Springer Spaniel Puppy Go Outside?
Your puppy can explore your own fenced yard immediately after coming home, provided no unvaccinated dogs have access to the space. For public areas:
- Carried outings (8–12 weeks): Take your puppy in a sling or carrier to parks, outdoor markets, and sidewalks. Ground contact isn't necessary for socialization — visual and auditory exposure counts.
- Leashed walks on low-traffic surfaces (12–14 weeks): After the second DHPP booster, short walks on residential sidewalks are generally safe. Avoid areas with visible dog feces.
- Dog parks and high-traffic areas (16+ weeks): Wait until 7–10 days after the final DHPP booster at 14–16 weeks. Introduce dog parks gradually during off-peak hours.
- Puppy classes (10–12 weeks): The AVMA supports early puppy classes after the first DHPP dose, provided the facility requires proof of vaccination and sanitizes between sessions.
Exercise guideline: Follow the "5 minutes per month of age" rule for structured walks. A 4-month-old Springer gets 20-minute walks, twice daily. Free play in a yard doesn't count against this limit — let them romp and self-regulate.
First-Year Cost Breakdown for a Springer Spaniel
Budget realistically before committing. The figures below reflect 2026 US averages for a single Springer Spaniel puppy from a responsible breeder.
| Category | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy purchase (responsible breeder) | $1,200 | $1,800 | $2,500 |
| Initial vet visits (3 puppy exams + vaccines) | $350 | $500 | $700 |
| Spay/neuter | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Heartworm/flea/tick prevention (12 months) | $150 | $250 | $400 |
| Food (large-breed puppy formula, 12 months) | $400 | $600 | $900 |
| Supplies (crate, bed, leash, bowls, gates, toys) | $200 | $350 | $500 |
| Training (puppy class + basic obedience) | $150 | $300 | $600 |
| Microchip + registration | $50 | $75 | $100 |
| Pet insurance (optional, 12 months) | $400 | $600 | $900 |
| Total (without insurance) | $3,100 | $4,875 | $7,300 |
| Total (with insurance) | $3,500 | $5,475 | $8,200 |
Springer-specific costs to budget for: OFA hip and elbow screening ($200–$400 at 24 months), annual eye exams by a veterinary ophthalmologist ($80–$150; Springers are predisposed to progressive retinal atrophy), and potential ear infection treatments ($50–$150 per occurrence; their floppy, feathered ears trap moisture).
Frequently Asked Questions About Springer Spaniel Puppies
When should I bring my Springer Spaniel puppy home?
Ideally between 8–10 weeks. Many Springer breeders hold puppies until 9–10 weeks to allow additional littermate socialization, which reduces separation anxiety risk — a common issue in the breed.
How often should I feed my Springer Spaniel puppy?
Feed 4 meals daily from 8–12 weeks, 3 meals from 3–6 months, and 2 meals from 7 months onward. Use a large-breed puppy formula and measure portions according to the feeding table above. Adjust based on body condition score — you should feel ribs without pressing but not see them prominently.
When will my Springer Spaniel puppy be fully potty trained?
Most Springers are reliably house trained by 4–6 months with a consistent schedule. Some individuals take until 8 months. Submissive urination may persist until 12–18 months but is involuntary and diminishes with confidence building.
What vaccines does my Springer Spaniel puppy need and when?
Core vaccines include DHPP at 6–8 weeks, 10–12 weeks, and 14–16 weeks, plus Rabies at 14–16 weeks. Bordetella is recommended before puppy classes. Discuss Leptospirosis, Lyme, and canine influenza with your veterinarian based on your puppy's lifestyle and geographic risk.
How do I stop my Springer Spaniel puppy from biting and nipping?
Use redirection: when teeth touch skin, calmly say "ouch," withdraw attention for 10–15 seconds, then offer an approved chew toy. Praise enthusiastically when the puppy mouths the toy. If nipping escalates, the puppy is overtired — end the session and offer a crate nap. Never use physical punishment, which damages the trust essential for training a sensitive breed like the Springer.
When can my Springer Spaniel puppy go outside and meet other dogs?
Your puppy can explore your private yard immediately. For public areas, carry the puppy until the second DHPP at 10–12 weeks, then begin leashed walks on low-traffic surfaces. Wait until 7–10 days after the final DHPP (14–16 weeks) before visiting dog parks. Puppy classes are safe after the first DHPP dose if the facility requires vaccination proof.
Are Springer Spaniel puppies good with children?
Yes, well-socialized Springers are excellent family dogs. However, their exuberance can knock over toddlers, and their mouthiness may startle young children. Always supervise interactions and teach children to respect the puppy's crate and meal times.
Do Springer Spaniel puppies shed a lot?
Springers have a medium-length double coat that sheds moderately year-round with heavier seasonal blows in spring and fall. Start brushing 2–3 times per week from puppyhood using a slicker brush and steel comb to prevent matting in the feathering on ears, chest, and legs.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for health decisions specific to your puppy. If you suspect your puppy has ingested a toxic substance, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (24/7, consultation fee applies).
Marcus Aldridge
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
