Does Your Sprocker Know How to Rest?
Discover why rest is just as important as exercise, and learn how to help your Sprocker relax, recharge and enjoy a healthier, happier life.
At Sprocker Assist and Rescue, we know just how intelligent and energetic spaniels can be. These dogs don’t just want to work — they need to. But work doesn’t have to mean long hikes or formal obedience drills. Sometimes, it looks like a puzzle, a short game, or a quiet moment of focus.
Movement puzzles and focus-and-follow games are brilliant tools to help spaniels learn, burn off energy, and build an unshakable bond with their humans. They’re simple to play at home, cost next to nothing, and can make a big difference in your dog’s wellbeing — especially for rescue dogs adjusting to a new life.
Movement puzzles are games that ask your dog to think, move, and engage with their environment — often involving low-impact challenges or tasks that require sniffing, nudging, or interacting with you. These types of puzzles build problem-solving skills, confidence, and connection.
They’re perfect for:
A brilliant game for encouraging focus, calmness, and loose-lead walking — this version teaches your dog to stay close and pay attention.
How to Play:
If your dog gets distracted or stops following you:
Stop walking. Continue saying “one… two… three,” dropping a treat only when they return to your side.
Why it works: Your dog learns that the reward happens when they’re close to you — and that you are more interesting than distractions!
“When I tried this with my Sprocker, Poppy, I was amazed. We tried to distract her with all sorts — people, smells, sounds — but she didn’t budge. She was locked in on the game! I honestly think she picked it up faster than I did!” – Alex., SAR Fundraiser and Digital Marketing; and proud Sprocker mum
Encourages sniffing, problem-solving, and — eventually — communication and teamwork.
Stage 1: Easy Win
Hide treats in a towel or toy and place it loosely in a basket. Let your dog retrieve it.
Stage 2: Make It Tougher
Use more layers, push the item deeper into the basket, or make it harder to reach.
Stage 3: Ask for Help
Wedge the toy in a way your dog can’t easily retrieve. Wait for them to look at you or nudge you for help — then assist and reward!
Why it works: Teaches your dog not just how to solve a puzzle, but also how to work with you to get what they want — a powerful skill for rescue dogs learning to trust.
These games are ideal for strengthening your dog’s ability to tune into you — perfect for walks, training, or just spending quality time together.
Teach your dog that sticking close to your side is the best place to be. Walk slowly — reward when they’re glued to your leg. Change pace and direction as they progress.
Toss a treat and say “find it.” As your dog finishes, move away and cheerfully say “this way!” Reward when they catch up beside you.
Say “switch!” and change direction mid-walk. Reward when your dog turns to follow. This encourages focus and quick responses to your movement.
Take a few steps backward. When your dog looks at you or comes toward you, mark the moment and reward. Builds a strong response to name and eye contact.
Walk in a straight line. If your dog moves away or ahead, stop. When they return to your side, reward. Teaches calm, close walking without pressure.
Say your dog’s name and drop a treat behind your heel when they turn or come close. Reinforces that responding to their name brings rewards near you.
“Since starting classes with Poppy, I’ve learned so much about just how clever she is — and how much she loves working things out. Honestly, she tires out faster doing 15 minutes of puzzles than she does on a walk!
But the biggest reward has been how close we’ve become. These games help us work together and understand each other better.
With a busy life, it’s not always easy to make time for enrichment at home — which is why going to classes has been such a great way to keep us both learning and connected.”
Whether you’re fostering, adopting, or just supporting Sprockers from afar, these focus-and-follow games are a fantastic way to meet a dog’s needs and strengthen your bond.
Note – the 123 game and the Chicken in the Basket were introduced to Alex. & Poppy by Nicola Davies of Davies Dog Sports
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