The biology behind why English Springer Spaniels digging
English Springer Spaniels were selectively bred for centuries to flush game from dense undergrowth, which included pushing through, pawing at, and rooting into brush and ground cover — behaviors that translate directly into digging. Their high-energy, scent-driven nature means they are constantly following their nose, and when an interesting smell disappears underground, their instinct is to excavate it. Combined with a working dog's need for sustained physical and mental outlets, an under-stimulated Springer will readily turn the backyard into a dig site.
Why it gets worse before it gets better
Owners who leave their Springer alone in the yard for extended periods without sufficient prior exercise are essentially setting the stage for digging, as the dog self-employs to burn pent-up energy. Inadvertently rewarding the behavior by rushing outside and giving the dog excited attention — even if it's to scold — reinforces the cycle, as Springers are highly people-oriented and will repeat anything that draws their owner out.
Consistency is the mechanism of change: Even one instance where the behaviour is reinforced sets progress back significantly. The dog only persists because it has worked before.
The most common owner mistakes
These are the patterns that keep English Springer Spaniel owners stuck in a cycle for months or years:
Punishing After the Fact
Scolding a Springer minutes or hours after digging has zero corrective effect — the dog cannot connect the punishment to the behavior, and it only erodes trust with this sensitive breed.
Assuming Tiredness Equals Enough Exercise
Many owners give a Springer a short walk and consider the job done, not realizing this breed was built to work full hunting days and requires far more vigorous output before self-control in the yard is realistic.
Filling Holes Without Addressing the Trigger
Simply refilling excavated holes ignores the underlying scent or boredom trigger driving the behavior, so the dog just starts a new hole nearby — often in the same session.
What a proper fix requires
Solving digging in a English Springer Spanielis not a single technique — it's a protocol built across multiple phases. What genuinely works involves:
What an effective protocol looks like for this breed
The exact sequence, timing, and progression for your specific dog depends on their age, how long the behaviour has been reinforced, and your environment. That's what a personalised plan accounts for.