Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our FAQ page! Here, we've compiled a collection of notes and personal experiences on the topics that are most frequently asked about. Our aim is to provide you with clear and informative answers to help you navigate your questions. Whether you're seeking guidance or simply curious, we hope this page helps with the insights you're looking for!
The Early Days
Welcome to the Early Days! Bringing home a Cavalier is a joyful milestone, but we know those first few weeks come with plenty of questions. Rated a "10 out of 10" for trainability, Cavaliers are eager to please and remarkably smart. Whether they are excelling in obedience or simply learning the house rules, success comes down to one thing: consistency. > Below, we’ve gathered our best tips on housebreaking and crate training to help you and your pup get off to a perfect start.
Coming Home
Bringing a new puppy home is a whirlwind of emotions—for both you and your Cavalier! While they are eager to please, the transition to a new family and a new environment can be a lot for a 9-week-old pup to take in. Want to know the secret to building instant trust? At this age, your puppy is experiencing everything for the first time without their littermates. They are looking to you for cues on how to act and who to trust. While we prioritize early socialization and noise exposure here at the house, remember that you are a new face! Focus on creating a calm, predictable environment. By setting clear boundaries from day one—like "no potty in the house"—you help them feel secure and successful in their new home.
Crate Training
Is the crate a "jail" or a "bedroom"? The way you introduce the crate in the first 48 hours will determine how your Cavalier feels about it for the rest of their life. Here is how we use the "Night-Night" method to ensure peaceful sleep and zero accidents... We recommend a 24" crate with a divider. Start small—pups only need enough room to lie down comfortably, which naturally discourages them from soiling their sleeping area. The "Night-Night" Routine: We feed all our dogs in their crates to create a positive association. When it's bedtime, we use the phrase "Night-Night," and they head right in! Pro Tip: Expect a few 3:00 AM wake-up calls initially. If you hear whining, take them straight to potty and then right back to the crate. Consistency now means a dog that sleeps through the night later!
Potty Training / Bells
Did you know Cavaliers are often rated a "10 out of 10" for trainability? With a little consistency and our favorite "Potty Bell" trick, you can actually beat the national average for housebreaking. Are you ready to ditch the puppy pads and master the bell? Housebreaking is all about timing and vocabulary. Take your pup out every two hours, plus immediately after naps, play, and meals. The Power of the Bell: Hang a bell by the door and have your pup touch it with their nose or paw every single time you go out. Say the word "Potty" repeatedly so they link the sound, the action, and the result. Leash Up: Even in a fenced yard, use a leash during training. It keeps them focused on the task at hand rather than exploring. When they succeed, give them "Academy Award" level praise! A simple "Yay, good potty!" goes a long way with this breed.
Health & Wellness
A healthy Cavalier is a happy Cavalier! While this breed is known for its adaptable and sweet nature, their long-term wellness depends on proactive care—starting with what goes into their bowl. Because Cavaliers are a specialized breed with unique heart, joint, and coat needs, we don’t leave their health to chance.
Below, we share our family’s "gold standard" for nutrition, grooming essentials, and tips for keeping your pup in peak condition from their tiny paws to their signature long ears.
Nutrition: Fueling a Long, Happy Life
A Cavalier's heart is literally connected to their stomach! Because this breed is prone to certain health issues and a "laid-back" (okay, lazy!) lifestyle, what you put in their bowl matters more than almost anything else. Are you using the right vitamins to support their joints and heart? : The Menu: We exclusively feed Royal Canin Dry Puppy Food. It’s specifically formulated for the unique jaw shapes and nutritional needs of small breeds. The Vitamin Edge: We swear by NuVet Plus vitamins. They provide a crucial immune system boost that standard kibble often misses. You can learn more about why we use them by going to our Favorites page. Weight Watchers: It is very easy for a Cavalier to become overweight, which puts massive strain on their heart and hips. Always follow the feeding guide on the bag and check with your vet to ensure they stay at a healthy, "tucked" weight. Hydration Tip: Some owners find that switching to distilled water helps reduce the severity of tear staining!
Grooming: The Secret to the "Cavalier Glow"
Yes, they shed! But that famous, silky coat is easier to manage than you might think. From preventing the dreaded "behind-the-ear" mats to the simple trick for keeping their faces smelling fresh, here is our family's routine for keeping a Cavalier looking like a show dog (without the stress)... : Brushing: Aim for 1-2 times a week. We start puppies with a soft slicker brush and move to a metal comb as their adult "feathers" come in. Focus on the friction points: behind the ears, the rear, and under the "armpits." Bathing: Every 3-4 weeks is plenty. We love using mild, moisturizing brands like Burt's Bees or Vet's+Best. Pro Tip: If your pup gets itchy, a tiny bit of coconut oil in their food works wonders from the inside out! The "Face" Secret: Because of their beautiful big eyes, Cavaliers can develop tear staining and bacteria in their facial folds. We use daily face wipes to keep them clean and prevent that "unpleasant" smell. Ear Care: Those long ears are magnets for infection. A quick weekly wipe-down during your brushing session is the best way to keep them healthy and happy.
Children: Building a Respectful Bond
Cavaliers and children are a match made in heaven—if the introduction is done right. While they are famously gentle, a 5-pound puppy is much more fragile than a toddler! Here is the age we recommend for new owners and the "golden rule" for kids... : The Magic Age: We personally recommend waiting until a child is 5 years old before bringing a Cavalier into the home. This ensures the child can understand boundaries and handle the dog safely. Supervision is Key: Never leave a young child and a puppy unattended. We highly recommend reading the AKC’s guide on Teaching Children to Respect Dogs to set your whole family up for success.
Biting & Barking: Communication, Not Misbehavior
To a puppy, the world is one big chew toy! While those tiny "shark teeth" and sudden barks can be startling, your Cavalier isn't being "bad"—they are simply trying to talk to you. Because this breed is so sensitive and eager to please, you don't need harsh corrections. You just need to learn their language.
Below, we’ve outlined our favorite gentle "scare" and "redirection" techniques to help your pup learn that quiet voices and soft mouths get the most rewards.
The "Ouch!" Method (Hand Biting)
Puppies explore with their mouths, but those "shark teeth" can be painful! We use a simple, high-pitched vocal technique that mimics how littermates communicate. Ready to teach your pup that hands are for patting, not for chewing? : When your pup nips at your hands or fingers, give your hand a quick, gentle shake and emit a sharp, high-pitched "Ouch!" > * Why it works: This mimics the "yelp" a littermate would give, signaling that the play has become too rough. The Follow-up: As soon as they pull back, offer them a soft toy instead. Consistency is key here—if you allow it sometimes but not others, they’ll get confused. Stick to the "Ouch!" and they'll learn soft mouths get the most love.
The Redirection Trick (Chewing Furniture/Shoes)
Is your favorite pair of shoes looking like a snack? Biting household items is a longer learning process, but the "Swap & Praise" method works wonders. Here is how to communicate "not that, but this" to your Cavalier... : If you catch your pup chewing on shoes or furniture, use a high-pitched tone or a loud clap to get their attention and interrupt the behavior. The Swap: Immediately hand them a designated puppy toy and say, "Play with your TOY!" (use an excited, distinct tone for the word 'toy'). The Reward: When they begin chewing the toy instead, shower them with "Academy Award" level praise. You are teaching them that chewing is okay, as long as it’s on the right things!
Managing the Bark
Cavaliers are generally quiet, but they can be "alert barkers" when they hear a new sound. Instead of shouting "Quiet!" (which they think is you barking along with them), try our "Clap & Reset" technique to restore the peace... : When your pup starts barking, avoid yelling, as this often encourages them to bark louder. The Distraction: Clap your hands loudly once or make a distinct "Psst!" sound to break their focus. The Reset: As soon as they stop barking and look at you, immediately offer calm praise or a small treat. This reinforces that silence is the behavior that earns your attention.