Independence is the priority skill
Cavaliers attach closely and struggle when left. Practise separation in short, calm, daily doses from the first week home.
Toy Group
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A genuinely soft, sociable companion that fits most households. The training work here is less about control and more about building a dog that can cope on its own.
AffectionateGentleAdaptable
What to work on first
Three things that matter more than the rest
Keep the weight down
A low-energy breed with a high interest in food gains weight easily, and extra weight worsens the heart conditions the breed is prone to.
Know the health picture
Buy from breeders who test for heart and neurological conditions, and learn what early signs look like.
Where it usually goes wrong
Common challenges with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Separation distress
- Weight gain
- Ear and eye care
Behaviour that involves biting, real fear, or a sudden change in an adult dog is not a training problem until a vet has ruled out a medical one.
Recommended equipment
What our guidance for this breed calls for
Chosen against the training plan above, not against a supplier's bestseller list.
Also in the Toy group