Grooming your Cavalier
Grooming Tip #1 - Brush your Cavalier 2-3 times per week. A boar bristle brush will distribute oils through out the coat and leave it glossy. Pay particular attention to any matted hair prior to a bath. Do not wash matted hair as water makes the mat tighter.
Grooming Tip #2 - Trim the hair from pads of the feet to give your Cavalier a solid footing. Long hair growing between the pads can cause a dog to slip on wood and tile surfaces. The long hair can also trap stickers and thorns. Use a small hand held clipper to scoop out the hair.
Grooming Tip #3 - Use your first finger and thumb to rapidly pluck long hairs from the top of your Cavalier's head to maintain the lovely Cavalier head shape.
Feeding your Cavalier
Feeding Tip #1: - An adult Cavalier will eat roughly 2/3 - 3/4 cup of dry kibble per day. Keep in mind that treats add up quickly! Keeping your Cavalier at a moderate weight is very important to his or her heart health.
Feeding Tip #2 - When you feed your Cavalier, leave the bowl down for 20 minutes then pick it up. Leaving food available all day can encourage your dog to eat too much or too little. For the picky eaters, picking the bowl up teaches the dog that food will not be available at all times so it needs to eat when offered food. Don't be alarmed if your dog skips a meal or two when changing your routine from leaving the bowl down to picking the bowl up. Keep in mind that you offered the food and the dog has made the decision not to eat. Do not offer food again until the next mealtime.
Feeding Tip #3 - Use Weight Management food short term for weight loss only. The Weight Control food has less fats and proteins needed to support healthy skin and coat. When your Cavalier reaches its ideal weight, feed a smaller amount of his/her regular kibble to maintain.
Training
Canine Good Citizen - The CGC is an award given to dogs that exhibit good manners and perform very basic obedience. It is a good starting place if considering an obedience title for your dog. For more information on the CGC award click here.
Rally is the newest Obedience event offered by the AKC. In Rally, you are allowed to talk to and encourage your dog much more than in the Obedience Ring. Many people use Rally as a stepping stone toward competing in the Obedience Ring.
Travel with your Cavalier
Travel Tip #1 - Cavaliers make wonderful traveling companions. Always travel with your Cavalier in a plastic crate. This will provide a safe place for your dog to nap while you drive. It will also protect him or her in the event of an accident. Plastic is preferred over wire because wire can bend, break and impale in the event of an accident. Don't forget to secure the crate with a seatbelt or bungee cords!
Travel Tip #2 - Cavaliers should be backseat passengers! The safest place for your beloved Cavalier is in the backseat or cargo area of your vehicle. In the event of an accident a crate or dog riding in the front seat would take a powerful blow from the airbag. If placing a crate in the front seat is unavoidable, position the crate door so that it does not face the airbag.
Housetraining
Housetraining Tip #1 - There are many products on the market that are designed to help housetrain your dog or puppy. Potty pads and litter box systems are available at most pet supply stores. These offer alternative solutions for people that are in inner-city apartments where the grass is limited.
Housetraining Tip #2 - Crates can be invaluable in housetraining a puppy. A puppy naturally does not want to soil his/her immediate environment. Always crate a puppy when you are unable to watch it. (Sorry, watching TV in the same room does not qualify as "watching" your puppy.) The first thing you do when you take the puppy out of the crate is pick it up and carry it immediately outside. The last thing you do before you put the puppy in the crate is take it outside.
Housetraining Tip #3 - The general rule of thumb for puppies is as follows. A puppy can hold it's bladder approximately 1 hour for every month of age. (ie. a three month old puppy can go three hours without going potty) This time doubles for night time hours. Taking your puppy out at proper intervals will increase his/her chance of success.
Therapy Dog Work
Therapy dog work can be very rewarding for both owner and dog. When considering a dog for therapy you may want to look for a Cavalier with substance over a petite Cavalier. Keep in mind your dog will be exposed to children and elderly that may not realize how hard they are petting the "little doggie".
AKC Events
AKC offers many events for AKC registered dogs.
Conformation shows are to evaluate the dog's structure. Ideally, the show process will help a breeder determine if the dog is of sufficient quality to be bred.
Obedience trials are held all over the country. Dogs are judged based on their skill level. Obedience challenges not only the dog but the trainer as well. Many times, the dog learns very quickly but the trainer needs practice to be consistent.
Agility has become a very popular sport. Dogs race through an obstacle course under the direction of their trainer. Dogs love agility as it is fast paced. Agility is a wonderful way to build confidence in a dog.
Rally is a more relaxed obedience trial. In rally, the trainer is free to talk and encourage the dog during the exercises.
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