The Complete Guide to Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Complete Guide to Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

By Craig Daniels

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Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2013 For Dogs Sake! All rights reserved.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Copyright © 2013 Kevin Winslet

Author: Craig Daniels

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-908793-13-3

Table of Contents

1 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Decisions

The Right and Wrong Reasons For Purchasing A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

-- The Right Reasons

-- The Wrong Reasons

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels And Social Responsibility

Where To Purchase Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

-- Private Sellers

-- Breeders

-- Shelters and Rescues

-- Puppy Farms

-- Pet Shops

General Equipment You Will Need

Choosing The Right Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

-- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels As guard dogs

-- Family And Child Friendly Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

-- Working Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

A Breed Guideline

-- Barking And The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

-- Children And The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

-- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels On Their Own

-- Active Lifestyles And The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

-- Exercise And The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Mixed or Pure Breed Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

Conclusion

2 Your Chosen Breed- The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed Standard

Personality And Temperament Of The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed

The Reality- Life With A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

-- The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel And Children

-- The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel And Families

-- The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel And Lifestyle

-- The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel And Other Animals

3 All About Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppies

Choosing The Right Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy

-- What to Look For In A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Owner Or Breeder

-- When Is The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy Old Enough To Leave The Mother

How to Choose the Right Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy

-- What To Watch For

Paperwork

Questions to Ask

Bringing The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy Home

-- Preparation At Home

-- Arrival

-- Introducing The Family

Keeping A Healthy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy

-- Good Nutrition

-- Vaccinations And Vet Visits

Common Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy Health Problems

-- Puppy Diarrhea

-- Bloat

-- Allergies

-- Fleas And Ticks

-- Puppy Vomiting

Exercise

In Conclusion

4 The Rescue Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Owner’s Manual

The Truth Behind Rescued Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Why Adopt From A Rescue Home?

-- Misconception: Anyone Can Get A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel From A Breed Rescue

-- Misconception: As soon As You Put In Your Name And Are Approved You Will Get A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

-- Misconception: It Is Easy To Get A Puppy At A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue

-- Misconception: Rescues Will Take In Vicious Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

-- Misconception: Rescued Cavalier King Charles Spaniels All Have Personality Or Temperament Problems

Older Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Versus Younger Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

-- How Does This Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Behave Around Children?

-- How Does This Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Respond To strangers?

-- What Routines For Feeding And Exercise Is This Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Currently On?

-- What Food Or Diet Is This Cavalier King Charles Spaniel On And What Treats Are Being Provided?

-- What Unique Behaviors Or Personality Traits Does This Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Have?

-- What Commands Does This Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Respond To?

Process For Adopting A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

1. The First Step Is Research

2. Contact The Rescue In Your Area

3. Be Patient

4. Renew Your Application When Necessary

5. Follow Through

6. Consider Volunteering

Common Issues With Rescues Cavalier King Charles Spaniels And How To Deal With Them

-- Fear

-- Biting

-- Rescues Anxiety

-- Housetraining

Particular Problems With A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue Dog

A Final Word

5 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health

General Considerations For Keeping Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Healthy

-- Spaying And Neutering

-- Regular Vet Checks

-- The Importance Of Exercise

Exercise Requirements Of The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed

-- Grooming And Living Conditions

Typical Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Health Issues

-- Fleas

-- Ticks

-- Worms

-- Weight Loss / Weight Gain

-- Diarrhea

-- Vomiting

-- Coughing

-- Trouble Breathing

-- Bad Breath

-- Hip Dysplasia

-- Walking Dandruff

-- Canine Arthritis

-- Ear Infections

-- Eye Infections

-- Constipation

-- Heat Stroke

Allergies

Specific Dog Health Issues For The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed

-- Eye Diseases

-- Skin Allergies

-- Dental Problems

-- Bladder Infections And Stones

-- Patellar Luxation

-- Deafness

Non-Medical Emergencies

-- Missing Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

-- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Safety In Cars

-- Ventilation And Overheating

-- Cold

-- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: Bites And Liability

In Summary

6 Bathing And Grooming Your King Charles Spaniel

Tools

Bathing

Ear Care

Nail Clipping

Anal Glands

7 The Good Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Food Guide

The Importance Of The Right Diet

Changing Types of Food

Keeping a Routine

How Much and What to Feed

Making Your Own Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Food

Foods to Avoid

Specific Feeding Advice For The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Weight, Dieting And Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

-- Feeding Obese Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Diabetic Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

BARF

Health Foods for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Homemade Treats

A Final Comment

8 Working And Showing Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Options For Working Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The History Of Working Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel As A Guard Dog

Training Your Own Guide Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels For Therapy

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels As Herding Dogs

Obedience

Working Trials

Agility

Doggy Dancing

The Problems of a Working Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Showing Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

-- Choosing The Perfect Cavalier King Charles Spaniel For Show

-- Ringcraft

-- Grooming The Show Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

-- Transporting And Caging Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

In Closing

9 Training Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Training Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy

Basic Commands

Common Puppy Problems

-- Housetraining

-- Puppy Barking

-- Biting Or Nipping

-- Jumping Up

-- Leash Problems

Choosing a Trainer or a Class

Training Your Adult Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Particular Training Challenges With A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Common Adult Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Problems And Solutions

-- Biting And nipping

-- Barking

-- Chasing Other Animals

-- Aggression Towards Other Animals

-- Chewing

-- Digging

-- Anxiety

-- Running Away

-- Pulling On The Leash

-- Coprophagy

-- Constantly Distracted

A Closing Word

10 Breeding Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Basic Breeding Information

Breeding Checklist

Finding the Perfect Partner for Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Pregnancy And Beyond

Whelping

Special Notes On Breeding A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Puppy Care

Registering the Puppies

Choosing Good Homes For Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppies

The Transition

Summary

11 The OAD Care Guide: Old Aged Cavalier King Charles Spaniel And Canine Bereavement

Older Cavalier King Charles Spaniels And Their Needs

-- Weight gain

-- Diet

-- Exercise

The Aging Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Environmental Modifications

Health Problems And Older Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Dealing With Grief

-- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels And Grieving

-- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels That Lose Their Owners

Preparing For The Worst

-- Euthanasia

-- Planning For burial

-- Dealing With The Loss

A Last Word

1

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Decisions

The Right and Wrong Reasons For Purchasing A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Planning to purchase a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a big decision and one that should not be entered into lightly. Owning a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a huge responsibility. Often potential owners see a tiny puppy and forget that this small, little bundle of energy will one day be a full grown animal that needs constant exercise, attention and love; as well as training, food, and healthcare. Owning a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a wonderful, rewarding experience but people need to realize that there are right and wrong reasons for owning such a unique breed of dog. There are right and wrong decisions to make about Cavalier King Charles Spaniels largely based on your living situation, as well.

The Right Reasons

There are many right reasons for purchasing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, depending on your living space, lifestyle, and financial status; both now and in the future. A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel requires love, attention, space, and exercise, as well as veterinary care and good quality food. If you are able to provide these factors for the animal, then purchasing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is probably a good decision. Remember, however, that a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will usually live at least 10 years. Know that this purchase is a lifetime commitment and ensure that you are financially and emotionally able to take on this commitment.

Some of the right reasons for purchasing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel include:

<> You want to participate in daily exercise with a pet that will always be ready to go for a walk, romp or run, no matter what the weather.

<> You want to be responsible for caring for another living thing that will provide you with years of unconditional love and attention.

<> You can make the time commitment to train and work with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel both now and in the future.

<> You have the ability to provide food and healthcare as required to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The average cost of raising a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is approximately $250.00/£160 per year in vet fees plus an additional $100.00/£65 per month in dog food. For those that have Cavalier King Charles Spaniels that require special food types, the cost of feeding can be closer to $150.00/£100 to $200.00/£145 per month. Flea and tick medications and heartworm medicine usually costs $30.00/£20 to $50.00/£25 per month. These costs are per Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, so families with more than one pet will pay significantly more per year.

<> You want to have a companion to spend time with that will just be happy to be with you.

<> You have spent time researching breeds and have determined the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will best suit your lifestyle, both now and in the future.

<> You have researched breeds, rescues, or private owners and have determined the best purchase to make.

<> You have the space, both inside and outside, and have the room to exercise and house the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in a quality home environment.

<> You have completely thought through the purchase, consulted with other family members, and are in agreement that getting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a good decision.

Ensuring that other family members agree with your decision is an important part of the right reasons to get a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

The Wrong Reasons

Sometimes people end up owning pets for the wrong reason. Unfortunately, these wrong reasons often lead to loving pets being left at rescues or shelters or simply being given away to another owner. Try to avoid purchasing or taking a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from someone else for one of the wrong reasons listed below:

<> Purchasing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel based on emotion rather than planning and thought. All puppies are cute and adorable, but they do grow. Rescues for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are full of dogs that simply grew much bigger than the owner had anticipated. A little research on the breed would have avoided this problem.

<> Purchasing a trendy breed. Different movies, videos, or even various celebrities posing with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can influence individuals in purchasing a particular breed. Buying a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel without knowing what the breed is like in personality or training demands is not a good idea. Avoid purchasing the breed that is currently in fashion.

<> Purchasing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to send a message about yourself. Many breeds have become popular simply due to their reputations. The truth is that this breed needs an experienced and mature owner who wants more than a status symbol.

<> Feeling guilty about a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and taking it home. Sometimes people are pressured into buying or accepting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel even when they know they cannot properly care for it.

<> Taking home a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel when your financial situation or lifestyle will not accommodate for the responsibility of caring for the pet.

<> Purchasing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for a small child or family member. They likely will not be able to care for it on their own if you are not able to provide assistance and support for the pet’s training and care.

Research and an honest evaluation of why you want a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will help avoid these potential pitfalls.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels And Social Responsibility

There are several considerations that a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owner must keep in mind when owning an animal, regardless of its breed or size. Often there are more responsibilities than ever imagined. It is the owner’s job to keep the pet safe, as well as visitors to the property and individuals within the community.

The following responsibilities should be considered with regards to owing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:

<> Travel

Will you bring your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with you? Who will provide care for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel while you are away? Some hotels and motels allow dogs, and most dogs can be transported in planes, provided they are properly caged and behaved. Training your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to be comfortable in a cage when traveling is a great idea. For those Cavalier King Charles Spaniels that are being left behind, either boarding them or having someone dog sit, is an important consideration.

<> Vaccinations

Not only should all Cavalier King Charles Spaniels be vaccinated to prevent them from developing diseases, but to prevent the spread of disease through other dogs. Even Cavalier King Charles Spaniels that have no contact with other pets may get outside, become lost, or have contact with other dogs in social areas. Vaccinating your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel on a regular basis eliminates any worry.

<> Kennelling

Finding a professional kennel owner that knows your pet and will care for them while you are away is an important responsibility. Be sure to visit the kennel and talk to the people that work there prior to leaving your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

<> Car Safety

Teaching your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to ride in the car, in a crate or using a leash seat belt, is important. These devices keep the dog safe and prevent them from being injured or thrown through the window in the case of an accident or sudden stop.

<> Biting and Other Legal Issues

Keeping your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in a yard or on a leash is the best way to prevent biting or other legal issues. If you are buying a dog, check with local authorities to determine what you need to do to prevent any difficulties with specific breeds. Some breeds may not be allowed in some communities.

<> Insurance and Micro chipping

Many insurance companies offer coverage for medical issues or even death for dogs. There are several different options and it is best to read through all policies before deciding which one is the best for you and your pet. Micro chipping is a great way to permanently identify your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. A small microchip is inserted just under the skin and allows identification of your dog at any vet’s office, shelter or rescue center. Your vet can complete this process at any time.

Where To Purchase Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

After you have made the decision and completed the research on the breed, the next step is to decide where to buy the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. There are several different options for purchase or adoption, all which have pros and cons. The following section will describe the various methods for purchasing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and indicate the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Private Sellers

Sometimes known as backyard breeders, private sellers are individuals that have either purebred or mixed breed Cavalier King Charles Spaniels that have litters of puppies.

<> Advantages

Usually the parent Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, at least the female, are family pets and are well cared for and socialized. Often the owners have the litters in the house so the puppies are used to being handled and may also be started in basic training and socialization with people. Most private sellers love their Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and do their best to care for them. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels from a private seller may be registered or unregistered depending on the breeder.

<> Disadvantages

The owners are usually not showing the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel so, although they may be purebred, they may not be eligible for show depending on their characteristics or faults. The price of puppies from some private sellers may be just as expensive as from a breeder with a proven kennel, without the extras provided by the breeder. The owner may not have checked the male or female for hereditary conditions and usually will not offer a health guarantee. This is considered a buyers beware market and researching the breed is very important before making a purchase from a private seller.

Breeders

Breeders are those individuals that actively show and raise Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies. Their goal is to enhance the development of the breed and there is not a for profit emphasis on the sale of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies.

<> Advantages

Breeders are registered with a Kennel Club and must uphold the ethical standards of the club. They are required to health check the male and female parents for genetic conditions, as well as avoid breeding any lines that have known health problems. A reputable breeder will offer a health guarantee for the puppy, as well as provide a return option should the puppy not adjust to your home. Many breeders will also have the new owner sign a contract that prevents the re-sale of the dog; rather it is to be returned to the breeder. Most puppies, unless otherwise indicated, will be