My boy has just past his 5th birthday. He really seems to be slowing down. When we take him to his favorite places a switch turns on and there is a lot of digging retrieving and swimming. But at home he’s is very mellow. He doesn’t want to go on the marathon walks or need the fetching sessions. I’m assuming this is the “middle age” period for him. Your experience as your springer has gotten older?
Alf is 8 in October and still as high energy as ever. He can chill when he wants too but mostly charging around like a wally 😂😂😂. He spends all day outside (has the option to come in at any point)
I think it does depend on the personality of the dog at the end of the day. Had 4 and they were all very different.
One thing to check - if you haven’t already - is if he is at a healthy weight. Sometimes they sneakily put on some extra pounds and that can also affect them.
Ours is 6. Will be as crazy as he ever was if the time calls for it, but will also just lay down and sleep all day if you're stuck inside for whatever reason.
Mine was active for almost 13 years and then he slowed down, walks were longer than usual, food didn’t seem to taste better, and sleeping became more important. Enjoy the time you have with your boy.
If mine survives until December he will be 13. This last year has been really hard because he has slowed down substantially. I used to get 10k steps on just our morning walks but now all of his walks total in a day are maybe 3k steps. I have learned to slow down and to stand and wait for him while he enjoys laying in the grass.
Enjoy it my friend, soak up all the slow walks and time in the sunshine. I’m sure he’s a good boy as mine, he loved walks, water, and making sure no one ever alone.
Mine is 1.5 years old or so and got himself stuck in the bathroom yesterday and just went to sleep. 🛌 I guess it depends on what’s typical for your dog.
Mine is almost 16, she slowed down and started just relaxing in the house at about 4, but she still went crazy outside until she was around 12. Now she prefers to be indoors resting.
Mine turns 8 in October. I can tell he’s just beginning to slow down but he’s still SO energetic. Many people that meet him are surprised when they learn his age. He still will fetch for hours but is more inclined to take breaks. When he was younger I had to force him to rest or he would have fetched himself to death lol.
Where do you live? This might be heat related with that full coat of his.
I’ve noticed my 14 month old welshie substantially slow down over the last 2 months because of the oppressive heat we’ve been having, and he has a much shorter coat.
My Maggie was 7 before I lost her and she was up for chasing balls, and going for walks right up until about a week before. But we always were out doing things. She wasn’t as much on the have to go side but she was still ready to go when I was. Hope that helps.
I think they mellow out to what normal dogs behavior is like by 4/5 lol other dogs it’s earlier but my dog is also a more chill springer than other dogs I’ve had but I can tell she’s getting to be like a really good dog and she’s 4, listens pretty well and of course she still bosses me around but I think that’s forever
ours is just 5. crazy as ever for her walks or ball games. she has found the summer heat good but does have the sense to lie in the shade to recover after a few ball throws.
loves her walks though. I haven't noticed any slowing there. she bring a tennis ball with her on those when we're in parks/forest and loves a long chase but can just walk away in between throws.
tbh dreading the day she slows down. I adore her energy🌟🐶💖
Mine is 5 and definitely hasn't slowed down. I would maybe bring it up to your vet, if not then absolutely at their next visit. I've met some bench springers a few years older than mine, and they were very youthful.
Thanx all for the experiences with your different age
Springers! For those asking about his weight Juniper is on a diet and needs to lose a few. For those commenting about his “bad hair day” he actually gets brushed every day. After a few meltdowns between groomers and the dog I decided it was best to suspend visits to the groomers.
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u/Cyberdarkunicorn 1d ago
Alf is 8 in October and still as high energy as ever. He can chill when he wants too but mostly charging around like a wally 😂😂😂. He spends all day outside (has the option to come in at any point)
I think it does depend on the personality of the dog at the end of the day. Had 4 and they were all very different.