English Springer Spaniel care on Cape Ann

The AKC says daily exercise keeps a springer healthy and happy, in the form of long walks, hikes and play sessions, and that the breed enjoys obedience, tracking, agility and rally. It also says the springer wants to be with its family and that undesirable behaviors can result if it is regularly left alone for long periods. A springer home alone on a workday is a dog with a full tank and nothing to do.

A full day of daycare at $42 in a playgroup of 7 to 10 active dogs matched by size and temperament covers the miles. Dogtown Academy, $89 a full day, adds a training session with our trainer, scent games and the sensory garden, which put a bird dog's nose to work. On the days at home, a 60-minute at-home walk at $55 is the right length for this breed; ask us whether we cover your address. Each of these starts with the free evaluation, weekdays between 6:30 and 9:30 AM.

The AKC suggests regular neatening of a springer's feet, the area around the head and neck, and under the tail, along with weekly brushing with a slicker brush or metal comb. Trimmed ear fringes and tidy feet carry fewer burrs, less sand and less mud into the house, and they make the tick check faster. Our springer spaniel grooming page explains the field and show coats and the full price list.

In short: a springer of 26 to 50 pounds is $85 for full service, which neatens the feet, head, ears and tail, or $65 for a bath; over 50 pounds it is $110 and $75. Between full grooms, the $10 face trim tidies the hair around the eyes, muzzle and ears, and nail clipping is $16. The AKC also advises checking the ears regularly for signs of infection, so dry them after every swim and ask your vet about a cleaning routine.

At the time of writing, Gloucester's beaches are closed to dogs in summer and open in the off-season: Good Harbor on even-numbered days from October 1 to March 31, Wingaersheek on odd-numbered days from October 1 to April 30. Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea admits licensed, vaccinated dogs from October 15 to April 14, two per person, under the town's Singing Beach rules. Rinse the salt out of a swimming springer and dry the ears and feathering the same day.

The AKC says the owner should be in control at all times, because the springer is an active and forward explorer. On an off-leash beach day that means a recall you trust near gulls and other dogs, or a long line until you have one. On daycare days, the Pup Van collects in Rockport, Gloucester, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea for $10 each way.