hi all.
Im looking after my workmate mark's Springer spaniel for the weekend, he is a lovely boy well behaved, get's on well with my Bell'e(best buddies) and would think he would be an excellent specimen for his breed.
I think however he might be bored, I have been walking, and playing with him, giving him loads of attention, when i stop he seems to just go down in the dumps, any suggestions.
Thank you.
Jenny.

Could he not just be missing his owner?  I would have thought this is all it is, he'll probably just need some extra TLC :)

Hi Jenny,
Unfortunately Springers have a wonderful way of making you feel sorry for them its the way they look at you with their pitiful eyes and usually it works, he is probably in a strop because his owner has left him, mine do this when I leave them and when I get back they ignore me, bless them. They are wonderful dogs but know how to get pity.
Sandie.

He could be missing his owner but i have looked after him before he seems fine when im playing or walking ect, i have checked him over and maybe its just me,  as he is a muscular and well toned springer, but he does seem a bit ribier if that makes any sense should i be concerned.
Kind Regards.
Jenny.

I think if he's happy and bounding around when you play with him then he's probably fine. Like the others say, maybe missing his owner and wanting you to feel sorry for him. My Springer can look totally cheesed off sometimes, even does grumpy moans and groans too, but mention going outside and she's immediately leaping up and down. :D

Perhaps mention it to his owners when they return so they know to keep an eye on him but otherwise just enjoy having him :)

Kath.

( just to explain better what i mean by ribier)
He looks bigger, and rounder, around his rib cage???? not massive but enough for me to have noticed it standing out more?????
any suggestions.
Thanks Jenny.

My springer is "ribby" and I know just what you mean.  I think you might just find that he is just a little unsure about the change of routine and therefore he is playing it for all it's worth!  Sandie is right, Springers know just how to wind you round their paws and get just what they want, in his case it's more play or walkies!  Mine sulks for all it's worth if my son goes out without him, especially if dressed in "work" clothes.

I have a cocker spaniel who does this wonderful routine when anyone tells her how beautiful she is as if to say "aw, aren't you kind, I've never been told that before"!! 

I am sure he is fine, take this opportunity to give him that bit of extra fuss.

Jacky

Thanks for those replys, iv'e been giving him a load of fuss today but if anything, he seems to be down even more as he's not playing much with bell'e?
I cant get hold of mark(left him a message)
should i pop him to my vet in the morning so he can be given the once over, as mark's not back till monday evening.
Thanks Jenny.

I think he'll be ok, mine is very similar, she gets on the settee, sits upright and then flings her head back with a huge sigh (Honestly!!)
This only happens when she has met with Herman the great dane, her friend so it's almost like she's love sick ;)
As long as he's eating and drinking i think he should be fine or just to rest yourelf pop him to the vet.

Sarah

Thanks to you all for the replys.
Seems he was pulling my leg as he has been fine today, (thank heavens),perhaps hearing mark's voice made all the difference.
Springer spaniels seem very very bright, the one i am looking after has never been to a training class for anything, but he is so well behaved its brilliant.
Jenny.