Before You Bring Your Puppy Home
Puppies are Babies
They just don't know until you teach them...
House and Garden
Safe Environment
Think ahead and create a home where your pup is least likely to get into trouble. Avoiding getting into bad habits is best for everyone.
Make sure your home is safe and fun. Scatter toys and chews.
Lift up anything that you don't want chewed up or soiled.
Do a walk though from pups perspective, think of cables, shoes, rugs, low shelves, bags, toys or anything else within reach.
Training Plan
Consistency is Key
Keep the young mind and nose working. Scattered toys and chews allow the pup to find treasures that are ok to play with and chew.If the pup picks up a human item simply swap it, say 'No' taking it away and 'Toy' as you give the approved alternative. The same strategy can be used outdoors if they dig or bark.Above all decide what is ok and what is not. Even if they are adorable doing something naughty, no means no, always.
Supplies you Need
Shopping Time
Food and water bowls.
Puppy food dry and wet.
Puppy bed.
Adjustable collar and lead.
Car harness and seatbelt.
Toys and chews.
Some owners might need or choose to use:
Puppy toileting pads.
Smaller fencing for temporary use.
Rope or cable ties to attach it.
A Sling for carrying your fur baby.
Continued...
Environment continued…
Is the garden well fenced?
All gaps bigger than 50mm (5cm) need to be considered. A gap of 70mm (7cm) is a wide open space for the tiny fluff ball, they will just walk right through it; they will do it fast and quiet so it is imperative that you secure your yard well for the first months.
The adult's head is about 90-100mm (9-10cm) wide. Most animals can fit through gaps that fit their heads. Although your cavie might not try to escape (after all why would they) you also don't want them to get their head stuck somewhere while following their spaniel nose.
Training continued…
Decide on voice and hand commands.Be an opportunistic teacher, they learn by association. Say 'Sit' when pup sits, say 'come' when you see them moving towards you and use a high pitched voice and make sure they get to you.Be consistent or pretend you don't see it. If you say 'No' you will probably have to get up and redirect pup's attention to a desired behaviour. Don’t let their name or word “no” become a background noise.Please consider puppy school and later obedience school. Cavaliers are very smart and it is a perfect way for you to bond.
Toys continued…
Toys and chews need to come in various textures. We also hang some interesting items so dogs can jump up to it. It is best to avoid anything stuffed. Soft toys are okay to cuddle and carry around, but soon the pup will make a hole and pull the contents out. This means a ‘winter wonderland’ for you to clean up and threat to your pup. Vets warn that rope and stuffing can become lodged in the digestive system and require emergency surgery. Sharp plastic, metal and some bones may puncture intestines.There are lots of homemade toy ideas on the net.