Fun Ways to Exercise Your Brittany Spaniel

Brittany Spaniels—with their perky ears, boundless enthusiasm, and natural bird-dog instincts—are a breed built for action. Originally bred to hunt game birds, they thrive on exploration, mental stimulation, and interactive play. Unlike more laid-back breeds, a Brittany Spaniel left with boring exercise will quickly become restless: they’ll dig holes, chew shoes, or pester you for attention—not out of mischief, but because their curious, energetic minds crave fun and purpose.​

For Brittany owners, the key to keeping exercise consistent isn’t just “making them tired”—it’s “making it exciting.” Traditional walks or fetch sessions can get repetitive, but slatmill for dogs offers a fresh, engaging way to blend their hunting instincts with physical activity. Unlike generic treadmills that feel like a chore, slatmills let you turn exercise into a game that taps into their love of chasing, exploring, and working with you. Let’s share fun, Brittany-specific exercise ideas, why ordinary workouts fall flat, and how a slatmill can make every session something your pup looks forward to.

Key Takeaways

• Brittany Spaniels need 60 to 90 minutes of fun exercise every day. This helps them stay happy and healthy.

• Keep your Brittany interested with different activities. Play fetch, go hiking, or use a petsite treadmill. This stops boredom and helps them behave well.

• Use positive reinforcement and toys that match their instincts. This will help you bond and keep your Brittany excited.

Why Brittany Spaniels Need “Fun” Exercise (Not Just “Enough” Exercise)

Brittany Spaniels are energetic dogs that love to be active. They need at least 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise to feel happy and healthy. But it’s not only about the time; it’s also about making the exercise fun and exciting. Here’s why fun exercise is important for your Brittany.

They’re Born to Hunt (Chasing = Happiness)

Brittany Spaniels were made to be hunting dogs. This means they naturally want to chase and retrieve. Doing activities that let them use this instinct is very important. Here are some reasons why:

• They need several walks each day and can’t just have a quick walk.

• Games like fetch, running, and hiking match their hunting skills.

• They need different activities to support their natural instincts.

When you let them chase, you’re not just helping their bodies; you’re also meeting their instincts. This makes for a happier, more balanced dog.

They Get Bored Easily (Repetition Kills Motivation)

Brittany Spaniels are smart and curious. If you do the same thing every day, they will get bored fast. Here’s what you should know:

• Not enough exercise can cause more behavior problems.

• They learn quickly and are eager when their energy needs are met.

• Doing different activities keeps their minds active.

To keep your Brittany excited about exercise, change things up! Try new games, paths, and activities. This variety will keep them motivated and stop boredom.

They Bond Through Play (Exercise = Quality Time)

Exercise is not just about moving; it’s also a way to connect with your Brittany. When you play together, you make memories that strengthen your bond. Think about these points:

• Regular play-based exercise meets their high energy needs, stopping boredom and bad behaviors.

• Playing games like fetch and running builds a strong bond between you and your dog.

• Brittany Spaniels are friendly, which makes their playtime even better.

By adding fun exercises to your routine, you’re not just keeping your Brittany fit; you’re also creating a stronger connection. So, make exercise a fun part of your day together!

Traditional Exercises That Fail to Excite Brittanys

Many owners try standard dog exercises, but they often leave Brittanys bored or unfulfilled:

“Long Walks” Are Too Slow (No Chase, No Fun)

You might think a long walk is enough for your Brittany. But it usually isn’t. Brittany Spaniels love high-energy fun. Slow walks don’t give them the mental challenges they need. If they don’t get enough excitement, your dog may get bored. This can cause problems like barking too much or chewing things.

“Fetch in the Yard” Gets Repetitive (No New Challenges)

Playing fetch in the yard can get boring for your Brittany. They need more than just the same throws to stay interested. If you always play the same game, it won’t give them the new experiences they want. This can lead to boredom and bad habits. Try changing the game with different toys or places to keep it fun.

“Dog Park Visits” Can Be Overwhelming (Too Much Chaos)

Dog parks can be good and bad for Brittany Spaniels. They like to meet other dogs, but busy parks can be too much. If they haven’t exercised enough before, they might act hyper or destructive. It’s important to introduce them to other dogs carefully for a good time.

“Treadmill Sessions” Feel Like a Chore (No Instinctual Drive)

Using a treadmill might sound good, but it limits how your Brittany moves. Treadmills don’t let them run freely, which can make their stride shorter. Instead of feeling excited, your dog may see treadmill time as a boring task.

Doing different outdoor activities can help meet your Brittany's needs. Activities like hiking, agility training, or dog sports can give them the fun and challenge they need to stay happy and healthy.

Fun Exercise Ideas for Your Brittany Spaniel (Plus How a Slatmill Fits In)

The best exercises for Brittanys blend physical movement with their hunting instincts and love of play. Here are actionable, fun ideas—with a focus on how a slatmill elevates each one:

Idea 1: “Bird Chase” Slatmill Sessions (Tap Into Their Prey Drive)

Brittanys live to chase birds, and a slatmill lets you mimic this hunt safely indoors.​

How to do it: Attach a feathered toy (like a small bird decoy) to the front of the slatmill, just out of your Brittany’s reach. As they walk or trot on the slatmill, the toy will “flit” along with the belt, triggering their natural “point and chase” instinct. Encourage them with excited calls like “Get the bird!” or “Good chase!”​

Why it works: The slatmill’s self-paced design lets them speed up or slow down to “keep up with the prey,” making it feel like a real hunt. After 15–20 minutes, let them “catch” the toy as a reward—this satisfies their instinct and makes them eager to do it again.

Idea 2: Slatmill “Obstacle Challenges” (Mix Play with Training)

Set up an obstacle course on the slatmill! This fun challenge mixes play with training. Your Brittany will go through different obstacles, which helps their muscles, flexibility, and coordination. Here’s a quick look at the benefits:

Idea 3: “Scent Hunt” Slatmill Warm-Ups (Combine Smell with Movement)

Brittanys have an amazing sense of smell—using scent during exercise adds a fun, instinctual layer.​

How to do it: Before your slatmill session, hide small treats around the room (under a chair, behind a pillow). Let your Brittany sniff and find them—this gets their brain and body ready to move. Once they’ve found all the treats, guide them onto the slatmill for a 10–15 minute trot. Afterward, hide a few more treats for them to find as a cool-down.​

Why it works: The scent hunt wakes up their natural curiosity, and the slatmill session burns off physical energy. The combination of “sniffing” and “running” mimics a day of hunting, leaving them mentally and physically satisfied.

Idea 4: “Team Relay” Slatmill Games (Bond Through Play)

Brittanys love working with you—turn slatmill time into a team activity.​

How to do it: Stand in front of the slatmill with a toy your Brittany loves (like a soft frisbee). As they walk on the slatmill, toss the toy a short distance (just far enough that they have to step off the slatmill to get it). Encourage them to “fetch” the toy and bring it back to you—then guide them back onto the slatmill to repeat. Keep the game fast-paced but gentle, with lots of praise.​

Why it works: The relay game makes the slatmill feel like part of a bigger play session, not a separate task. Your Brittany will associate the slatmill with fun time with you, making them excited to jump on it.

Idea 5: “Morning Hunt” Slatmill Routine (Start the Day with Fun)

Brittanys are morning dogs—use the slatmill to create a fun, consistent morning routine.​

How to do it: Every morning, start with 5 minutes of “slow sniffing” around the house (let them check their favorite spots for “prey”). Then, guide them onto the slatmill for 15 minutes of trotting, with a feathered toy attached to the front for “chase.” End with a short training session (teach them a new trick or practice old ones) and a small breakfast reward.​

Why it works: The routine gives them something to look forward to each day, and the mix of sniffing, running, and training covers all their needs. The slatmill keeps the morning exercise consistent, even on rainy or cold days.

These activities for a Brittany can easily add to outdoor exercise, making sure they stay happy and healthy. Remember, keeping things fresh and exciting is important to stop boredom!

How to Make Slatmill Sessions Safe and Fun for Your Brittany

When you use a slatmill for your Brittany, safety and fun should come first. Here are some tips to make sure your sessions are safe and enjoyable!

Keep Sessions Short and Fast-Paced (Avoid Boredom)

Start with short sessions to keep your Brittany interested. Aim for 5 to 10 minutes at a time, especially if they are new to the slatmill. As they get used to it, you can slowly increase the time. Mixing jogging and sprinting can also make it exciting. Always watch for signs of tiredness. If your Brittany looks tired, it’s time to stop.

Use Instinctual Toys (Feathers, Balls, Scented Objects)

Use toys that match your Brittany's natural instincts. For example, a flirt pole can give them a fun chase that feels like hunting. This kind of play keeps them engaged and gives them a good workout. Interactive puzzle toys can also make their minds work while they exercise. These toys challenge them to solve problems, making it more rewarding.

Praise and Reward Generously (Positive Reinforcement)

Positive reinforcement is important for making exercise fun. Always have treats ready to reward your Brittany during workouts. Use different rewards to keep them excited. Happy verbal praise can really boost their energy. When they link exercise with good things, they’ll want to join in more. Remember, using the same commands helps avoid confusion.

Let Them Set the Pace (Self-Paced = Less Stress)

Let your Brittany choose their own speed during slatmill sessions. This helps prevent overdoing it or getting hurt. When they can change their speed based on how they feel, training becomes easier and more fun. You’ll see they feel more relaxed and involved when they control their pace.

Mix It Up (No Two Sessions the Same)

Keep your slatmill sessions interesting by changing things up. Switch the activities, the toys, and even the speed settings. This variety stops boredom and keeps your Brittany excited about exercise. You can also add mental challenges with physical activity. For example, hide treats around the area for a fun scent hunt. This engages their body and mind.

By following these tips, you can create a safe and fun space for your Brittany during slatmill sessions. Remember, a happy dog is a healthy dog!

To keep your Brittany Spaniel happy and healthy, you need to exercise them regularly. Here are some important things to remember:

• Brittany Spaniels are strong and active. They need daily exercise to release energy.

• Regular walks help lower anxiety and bad behavior. This promotes their overall health.

Add these fun activities to your routine, and see your furry friend thrive! ��

FAQ

What is the best way to exercise my Brittany Spaniel indoors?

You can use a slatmill, play tug-of-war, or create an obstacle course to keep them moving inside.

How often should I exercise my Brittany Spaniel?

Try to give your Brittany at least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise each day to keep them happy and healthy.

Can I use a slatmill for my Brittany Spaniel?

Yes! A slatmill is a great way for your Brittany to use energy and follow their instincts safely.