How to Prepare for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy

Welcoming a Cavalier puppy into your life is not very different from bringing home a human baby. Both require careful preparation, and one of the first things that you need to do before your pup's arrival is to puppy-proof your home. To keep your curious Cavalier safe and out of trouble, be sure to put away everything they're not supposed to get into, such as breakables, valuables, and potential hazards. You can also install baby gates to block off sections of the house that are off-limits. If you have a yard, fencing is highly recommended as Cavaliers have strong hunting instincts and may run off after an interesting scent or creature. Of course, your puppy will also need essentials such as dog food, bowls, toys, treats, a bed, a crate, a collar and leash, and grooming tools.

Create a schedule and assign tasks, if in a multi-person household, prior to your Cavalier's homecoming to make the adjustment period smoother for everyone in the family. Who will be in charge of making vet appointments for vaccinations and deworming, feeding the puppy three to four times a day, and taking them outside for walkies and potty breaks? Note that Cavaliers can be clingy and become depressed if left alone for long periods, so ideally, someone should be at home with them at all times. Like many toy breeds, Cavaliers can be more challenging to housetrain, but sticking to a schedule and giving them lots of opportunities to potty outside helps tremendously. Your Cavalier pup will adjust to their new life much faster if a consistent routine is followed.

Being in an unfamiliar place with strange people can be stressful for your Cavalier pup, so keep the mood mellow and pleasant during the first few days. If there are children in the house, prevent them from chasing or barking at the puppy. Spend as much time as you can with your pooch to make them feel safe and encourage bonding. Cavaliers have a dependent personality, so you can expect your pup to follow you around everywhere, including the bathroom.