How to Exercise a Clumber Spaniel: A Complete Guide
The Clumber Spaniel is a wonderful dog breed that thrives on regular exercise and activity. As a large, sturdy breed, Clumbers have high exercise needs to remain fit and healthy. Providing enough daily physical and mental stimulation will prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Here is a complete guide to properly exercising your Clumber Spaniel.
Clumber Spaniel Exercise Needs
- 60 minutes per day - The recommended amount of exercise for an adult Clumber is 1 hour daily. Puppies and adolescents need less when still growing.
- High stamina - Clumbers were bred as gundogs to work all day in the field. They have great endurance when adequately conditioned.
- Moderate pace - These dogs enjoy a steady trot rather than running full speed. Their heavy build is not suited for intense sprinting.
- Mental stimulation - In addition to physical exercise, they need activities to engage their mind like training, interactive toys, and hunting games.
Daily Exercise Routine
Creating a regular daily exercise routine is important for your Clumber Spaniel’s health and happiness. Mix up activities to prevent boredom.
Morning Walk
- 30 minutes
- Easy pace sniff walk around the neighborhood
- Chance to go potty and explore
Afternoon Play Session
- 15 minutes
- Interactive play fetching balls or frisbee
- Chance to run and play off leash in safe area
Evening Stroll
- 15 minutes
- Leisurely walk around the block
- Wind down time before bed
Weekend Adventures
- 2-3 hours
- Hiking, swimming, hunting games
- New sights and smells to provide mental enrichment
Activity Ideas for Clumber Spaniels
There are endless ways to provide adequate exercise for a Clumber Spaniel each day. Rotate through different activities to keep your dog engaged.
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Playing fetch
- Frisbee
- Tug toys
- Flirt pole
- Hide and seek
- Nosework games
- Agility equipment
- Walking/jogging on leash
- Off leash running in safe areas
- Food puzzle toys
Mental Exercise is just as important as physical activity. Use training sessions, puzzle toys, hunting games, and new experiences to exercise your Clumber's brain.
Tips for Exercising Clumber Spaniels
Follow these tips to keep your Clumber happy, fit, and healthy through exercise:
- Start early - Begin leash training and socialization as a puppy to make exercise easier later on.
- Build duration - Start with short sessions and gradually increase over time to avoid overexertion.
- Mix high and low intensity - Balance high energy activities with periods of lower exertion.
- Play to their strengths - Take advantage of their stamina and love of scentwork.
- Prevent obesity - Monitor diet and provide adequate exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
- Protect joints - Avoid excessive jumping until fully grown. Keep nails trim to prevent splayed feet.
- Check paws - Inspect feet afterwards to remove debris and ice buildup in winter.
- Bring water - Always provide access to water during and after activity.
- Respect limits - Let your Clumber rest when they’ve had enough. Overdoing exercise can cause injury.
Potential Exercise Issues
Be aware of these common health and behavior issues that may affect exercising your Clumber Spaniel:
- Obesity - Clumbers love food and can easily become overweight, limiting exercise ability. Stick to a recommended feeding schedule and portion control.
- Heat intolerance - Their thick coat and short face make them prone to overheating. Limit exercise times and provide access to shade and water.
- Joint problems - Their large size and weight makes them prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Keep them lean and avoid too much high impact exercise.
- Bloat - Clumbers have deep chests and are at risk for this life threatening condition. Avoid intense activity after eating.
With the right amount and types of daily exercise, your Clumber Spaniel will thrive for years to come. Pay close attention to your dog’s needs and cues as their exercise abilities change with age. A happy, healthy Clumber is a tired Clumber at the end of the day!