Need their minds occupied
First... consider doing things that will occupy their minds ! Kongs stuffed with peanut butter and frozen .... they take time to work through. There are a zillion things you can do to help them in this way. Toys that make them think etc....
Also.. consider constructing a proper fenced and floored dog run. The landlord isnt being picky... he wants his property in decent order.
Springer Spaniels are intense working dogs... (when you did your research before getting them you will have realised that) they cant just be 'left' they need occupation and interest. You are also going to have to put some time and re training in . This is a habit they have obviously got used to be able to doing (you said said they have been destroying garden stuff).
Start from square one with training... add alot of exercise.... ALOT ! Tired dogs are happy Furs !
You can turn this around !
Good Luck !
It can still be mended...
I too wondered as the young lady said she had researched this breed. BUT... what is done is done.. and as said... with some hard thinking and hard work this situation can be turned around.
Lolli clearly loves these dogs.. and with a bit more learning (library... or on line) and alot more exercise and fun and games she can get the dogs on a really good learning curve with her !
I also understand the lack of being able to work hard in the heat.. (its been 120F + here some days) but if she can get up EARLY and do a good hour of exercise with them , then leave them with some "brain games" and put in another hour come dusk... and with the weather cooling a bit now.... she CAN make this work. Also.... do more than that at weekends if possible. These dogs have had a long time to learn bad habits.. they have to UNlearn those with the reward being occupied minds and tired bodies !
The fact she is reaching out for help when she knows this is a bit of a mess shows she cares to try very hard to DO something about it all.
Slow down... write a Plan out..... EXERCISE !
Lolli... slow down...
Ok.. you have had alot of advice... now... sit down... take paper and pen... and work out a routine.
You want to make it right... no-one here doubts that... no-one...
There are lots of simple things you can do to make it alot easier and better for them and you.. and that wont cost alot of money.
SO.... first step... sit and prepare a plan.... and the very 1st thing on that plan that can make a difference is exercise... and mind games.. and teaching a few tricks.
Here are some links... not looked much at them.. but they willl give you a start.
http://dogs.thefuntimesguide.com/200..._in_a_kong.php
http://www.kongstuffing.com/?p=263
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/dog-t...og-tricks.html
List
Exercise
Games and Tricks to make them THINK
MORE Exercise !
Thats a good start... and you can start today.