The short version
Preparing the sweet, gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to follow good behavior guidelines isn’t tricky. This graceful, fun-loving toy spaniel only wants to please you. With some planning, persistence, and a positive outlook, your puppy quickly takes to training.
Sandy Harrison, Recording Secretary of the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, acquired her first Cavalier in 2000. The former Cocker Spaniel (Parti-Color) and Pug breeder fell in love with the breed’s beauty and easy-going temperament.
Key Milestones: Birth-6 Weeks
Cavalier training begins in the whelping box. Before your puppy comes home, the breeder should provide a few basic lessons.
“When breeders begin handling their puppies daily from birth, they give them a good start,” says Harrison. “From day 3, Early Neurological Stimulation helps the pups take strange situations in stride later in life.”
At three weeks, the puppies can go into a crate while the breeder cleans the whelping pen.
Key Milestones: 7-10 Weeks
The breeder introduces a few basic skills to set your pup up for later success.
“At seven and eight weeks, I put collars on puppies and supervise a session with one pup dragging a leash around, but I don’t leave the leash on all the time,” says Harrison. “When the other pups pull on the leash, it simulates leash walking.”
To introduce housetraining, the breeder takes pups outside to potty after a nap, after a meal, and during playtime.
Key Milestones: 10-12 Weeks
Before your puppy comes home, stock up on the pet supplies you’ll need. Having them on hand gives you more time to spend with your pup.
Set up a room where the puppy can play and rest without getting into trouble. Use baby gates or room dividers to create a boundary.
Create a daily schedule for feeding, housetraining, sleeping, and playing. You can modify the timetable later. Following consistently helps your puppy learn what you expect.
Key Milestones: 3-4 Months
Cavaliers require regular grooming and professional dental cleaning. When you begin the routine early in life, they learn to accept and enjoy the pampering.
“Keep a loose leash and use food to lure them to follow you,” says Katz.
Until your puppy is fully vaccinated, use a pet stroller on outings to introduce your Cavalier to new sights, sounds, and people.
Key Milestones: 9 Months-1 Year
Cavaliers form strong attachments to their people and often dislike separation. Getting them engaged in other activities outside the home builds their confidence.
Some owners recommend taking their Cavaliers to obedience classes, while others prefer bringing in a private trainer.
Gail Katz strongly recommends taking a Cavalier for daily walks and passing the Canine Good Citizen Test.
Frequently asked questions
How to train a cavalier king charles spaniel?
The AKC walks through this step by step — the key points are covered above, sourced to the AKC article linked on this page. Preparing the sweet, gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to follow good behavior guidelines isn’t tricky. This graceful, fun-loving toy spaniel only wants to…
How to train a cavalier king charles spaniel puppy?
The AKC walks through this step by step — the key points are covered above, sourced to the AKC article linked on this page. Preparing the sweet, gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to follow good behavior guidelines isn’t tricky. This graceful, fun-loving toy spaniel only wants to…
Best way to train a cavalier king charles spaniel?
The AKC walks through this step by step — the key points are covered above, sourced to the AKC article linked on this page. Preparing the sweet, gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to follow good behavior guidelines isn’t tricky. This graceful, fun-loving toy spaniel only wants to…