Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy Instructions
Caring for your new puppy
When parents find out they are having a new baby they make all sorts of preparations. You will need to make the same preparations for your new puppy, and think about the supplies you will need, the car ride home, puppy activities, feeding and health care.
Equipment
Your puppy is going to need a room or at least a place he can call his own. You can use a baby gate and section off a laundry room. Your puppy will need a crate – the one they really like is the black wire crate. They love this one because they can see out and be a part of the family. Never keep them in a travel crate that are used for transporting.
Of course the puppy will need food and water bowls, toys to chew on, a collar and leash, and plenty of training pads. My puppies are almost always doggy door potty trained when you get them. They learn by watching mom and at about 6 weeks they are starting to potty outside.
Another method is the "bell". You hang the bell from the doorknob. Ring the bell for them and say the word "potty" and before you know it the puppy will paw the bell to let you know they need to go outside.
The Car Ride Home
On this first trip home, we do not put them in a crate. Have someone other than the driver hold the puppy in their lap in a blanket and talk to them to distract them from the ride. Be sure to bring a collar and leash to let them potty, but avoid highly populated grassy areas until they have all their shots.
Getting a Health Check
One of the first things you need to do is take your puppy to a veterinarian. My health contract states you have 72 hours to do this. We do NOT give our puppies Leptospirosis because some Cavaliers have allergic reactions to this. Please ask your vet NOT to give a shot that includes Leptospirosis.
Feeding your puppy
We feed our puppies a grain-free diet, specifically "Taste of the Wild" (Bison flavor). We feed puppies 3 times a day. Most dog foods contain wheat, corn, or soy, which are proven to cause allergies in Cavaliers.
Grooming your Cavalier
Cavaliers are easy to care for. I bathe them every 2-3 weeks. I suggest you never have their coats professionally clipped or trimmed if you want to keep that soft, silky coat. Clipping often makes the coat grow back thick and coarse.
Check ears often for mats and clean them with a gentle solution. Dental hygiene is also critical; oral hygiene has been linked to heart problems in this breed. We recommend spaying or neutering between 9-12 months of age once growth hormones are finished.
I wish you much joy with your new Cavalier!
– Judy at Laurel Crown Cavaliers
