Bringing home a Cocker Spaniel puppy is an exciting experience. They arrive as joyful, floppy-eared bundles of joy, with two working speeds: fast and even faster (with added wiggles). A key question for new owners is: How much exercise, sleep, and stimulation does my puppy actually need?

Getting the balance right is crucial. Cocker Spaniels are energetic, bright, busy, and often several steps (at least!) ahead of their humans. Too much exercise can damage developing joints. Too little mental stimulation can lead to frustration, barking, or sudden attacks of ‘selective hearing’. This article, written by our expert vets, breaks down what your puppy really needs, giving you clear, trustworthy advice.

How much exercise does your Cocker puppy need?

Cocker Spaniels may feel ready for any adventure from day one, but their growing bodies definitely aren’t. Exercise must be carefully managed to protect developing joints, bones, and growth plates, and to prevent injuries.

The general rule of thumb is:

5 minutes of structured exercise per month of age, twice a day

• 2-month-old = 10 minutes twice daily

• 6-month-old = 30 minutes twice daily

“Structured exercise” means calm, controlled activities, such as lead walks, short training sessions, or playing quietly with a calm, familiar dog. It does not include sprinting after squirrels, pursuing leaves in a whirlwind, or turning zoomies into an extreme sport in the garden.

What type of exercise is best?

• Short walks on softer ground, sniffing and exploring at their own pace.

• Playing quietly in the garden.

• Short training sessions (teaching ‘sit’, recall, basic retrieval).

• Supervising calm meet-ups with other vaccinated dogs.

Activities to delay

Cocker Spaniels can be enthusiastic to the point of recklessness. Prevent joint injuries, soft-tissue strains, and hyperexcited meltdowns by holding off on:

• Long-distance hikes, taking them running with you, or repeatedly throwing a ball.

• Playing games involving jumping and landing on hard surfaces.

• Rough-and-tumble play with larger dogs.

Mental exercise matters

Cockers were bred to work with both brain and nose. Sniffing, searching, and solving puzzles are effective ways to safely burn off energy. A short walk dedicated to sniffing to their heart’s (and nose’s) content can be every bit as rewarding as physical play.

How much sleep does a Cocker Spaniel puppy need?

18–20 hours per day!

Sleep supports their growth, learning, emotional regulation, and development of their immune system.

Why sleep is so important for puppies

Despite their perpetual enthusiasm, Cocker Spaniel puppies need a lot of sleep. Most behavioural problems come from puppies who are overtired, overstimulated, and unable to settle.

Signs your puppy is overtired

• Wild manic zoomies, nipping, seizing, and tugging clothing.

• Barking or whining, testing boundaries, or having difficulty settling.

• Overreacting to normal household noise or movements.

Far from being a sign that the puppy needs more exercise, this behaviour in Cockers usually means a quiet nap before the chaos gets any worse!

Create a safe place for naps

Puppies need a quiet, calm space to relax and get their much-needed sleep. This could be a crate, puppy pen, or a cosy corner with their bed. A soft blanket or comfort item with familiar scents is useful. Plugging in a pheromone diffuser can also aid settling.

Encourage frequent naps, especially after meals, training sessions, or playing. Puppies naturally sleep in short bursts. Allowing them uninterrupted rest helps them grow into calmer, healthier adults.

Safe toys for Cocker Spaniel puppies 

Cocker puppies explore everything with their mouths. Safe chewing is essential for teething comfort and for protecting your belongings (especially the slippers that Cockers find so emotionally appealing).

Toy safety checklist

Choose toys that are:

• Tough enough to withstand active spaniel chewing, large enough not to be swallowed, and made from puppy-safe materials.

• Free of small detachable parts and easy to wash.

Avoid:

• Sticks (splinter hazard) or stones (damaged teeth and intestinal foreign bodies!).

• Soft toys with stuffing that Cockers can liberate in seconds.

• Small objects that can be swallowed, cheap rubber toys, or hard antlers/bones (risk of broken teeth).

Ideal toys

• Puppy Kongs, soft but durable squeaky toys (if your nerves can cope!), and rope toys (supervised).

• Textured teething toys (chilled for comfort) and rubber balls designed for puppies.

Rotate toys to keep things interesting. Cockers love novelty and will quickly become bored with the same old selection.

Enrichment activities: Beyond walks and chew toys

Cocker Spaniels need mental and sensory stimulation as much as physical play. Here are some enriching activities that help them understand their world without overloading them:

1. Sniffing games

Scatter a few treats around a room and let your Cocker search. Sniffing is calming, satisfying, and taps into their natural hunting instincts.

2. Food puzzles

These slow down dogs who ‘inhale’ their food and encourage problem-solving: Treat-dispensing toys, lick mats, slow-feeder bowls, and puppy-safe puzzle feeders.

3. Safe socialisation

Introduce your Cocker gradually to:

• Different surfaces (grass, carpet, gravel, sand), new people, and calm, friendly, vaccinated dogs.

• Common household sounds and new environments (car, vet, quiet street).

Positive early socialising experiences will help prevent your spaniel puppy from becoming a nervous or overexcitable adult.

4. Short training sessions

Cockers are clever and eager to please (when they focus!)

• Teach simple cues, like ‘sit’, ‘down’, and ‘come’.

• Familiarise them with touch and handling, and simple recall/retrieval basics.

Keep sessions short; 2–5 minutes is usually enough for puppy brains.

Finding the right balance

Cocker Spaniel puppies thrive on routines that include:

• Short sessions of age-appropriate exercise and getting plenty of sleep.

• Safe, supervised play, positive socialisation experiences, and mental enrichment.

• Calm downtime.

Every Cocker Spaniel puppy is unique. Some are cuddle-obsessed cuties. Others are energetic whirlwinds, with ears that could double as wind turbines. Watch your puppy, get to know them, and adjust routines where necessary.

When you meet your Cocker puppy’s physical and emotional needs in a thoughtful and structured way, you’re setting them up to become a happy, confident, well-adjusted companion (and one who leaves your furniture blessedly intact!)

Cocker Spaniel Puppy Q&A

Q: When can I take my Cocker Spaniel puppy for a walk?

A: Most puppies can begin short, gentle walks around two weeks after completing their first course of vaccinations, at about 12 weeks of age. Always follow your vet’s advice to ensure your puppy is protected and safe.

Q: Can I over-exercise my Cocker Spaniel puppy?

A: Yes, it's easier than you think. Too much exercise can damage growing bones and joints. Stick to age-appropriate activities and watch for signs your puppy is tired - like lying down or losing interest in play.

Q: How much exercise does my Cocker Spaniel puppy need?

A: A general rule is 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. As an energetic and intelligent breed, they benefit more from short, frequent play and training sessions than long walks while their joints and growth plates are still developing.

Join us next month as we discuss anxiety in puppies - the early signs to watch for, what can trigger it, and practical ways to prevent it.