Preparing for Your Puppy
A Welcome Guide for New Cavalier Families

Bringing home a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy is a joyful and meaningful moment. This guide is designed to help you prepare, protect your puppy’s health, and understand my ongoing support as your breeder.

1. Your Puppy’s First Vet Visit

Your contract includes a 72-hour health warranty, so please schedule your puppy’s first vet exam within three days of going home. This visit helps:
• Establish care with a trusted veterinarian
• Review the vaccine schedule
• Discuss parasite prevention
• Create a plan for nutrition and growth
You’ll also receive your puppy’s current food, feeding schedule, and instructions so their routine stays consistent during the transition.

2. Protecting Against Parvovirus (Parvo)

Parvo is highly contagious, is often fatal, and can survive a long time in the environment, which is why careful prevention is so important for young puppies. Puppies can be exposed through:

• Soil, sidewalks, and public grassy areas
• Shoes, clothing, or car tires
• Unvaccinated dogs or places where unknown dogs go

Your puppy is most vulnerable until they are fully vaccinated (around 16 weeks).

To Keep Your Puppy Safe Until Then:

• Avoid dog parks, pet stores, apartment dog areas, and public grass
• Carry your puppy in public — no walking yet
• Only allow interaction with known, fully vaccinated adult dogs
• At the vet, keep your puppy off the lobby floor
• Ask visitors to remove shoes or stay in clean indoor areas

Your home and private yard are safe exploration zones as long as unknown dogs haven’t had access there. Home exploration is important and encouraged.

Watch for Possible Signs of Parvo:

Vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), lethargy, or loss of appetite
If you ever see these symptoms, contact your vet right away. I emphasize this because your puppy’s safety matters deeply to me — and early caution goes a long way.

3. Introducing Your Puppy to Resident Dogs

A calm, thoughtful introduction helps everyone start off on the right foot.

Start with scent: Let your resident dog smell a blanket or cloth with the puppy’s scent.

Choose a safe space:
• Indoors (living room or hallway), or
• Your private yard if unknown dogs haven’t accessed it

Keep things relaxed:
• Indoors: use baby gates or pens rather than leashes
• Outdoors: your adult dog may be on a loose leash; puppy should be off-leash so they don’t feel trapped

Go slow: Keep first interactions brief and positive. Avoid toys/chews in early meetings.

Watch body language: Stiffness, growling, or avoidance means it’s time for a break.

Manage meals and toys: Feed separately for the first week or two and put away high-value items.

Supervise closely: Even if things are going well, young puppies can overwhelm older dogs. Short, supervised sessions work best.

I’m always here if you want help with routines or introductions.

4. Spay/Neuter Guidance

Your contract requires that your puppy be spayed or neutered. Occasionally veterinarians have differing opinions on ideal timing, and I want families to have the flexibility to make the decision that feels right for their dog under their vet’s guidance.

However, per contract, the procedure must be completed no later than 16 months, unless your veterinarian believes there is a medical reason to delay and provides documentation. This is a hard cutoff, not a recommended timeline — I do not suggest waiting that long unless absolutely necessary.

Delaying neutering in males can increase marking and hormone-driven behaviors that become difficult (or impossible) to reverse. For females, an accidental pregnancy can be physically and emotionally difficult and may put them at significant health risk.

For these reasons, I encourage families to schedule the procedure well before there is any chance of encountering intact dogs or risk of accidental breeding.

If you ever have questions about timing, heat cycles, or what to expect, I’m always happy to help.

5. Your Puppy’s Long-Term Health

I truly care about these puppies long after they leave my home. If your dog ever develops a health concern — even years later — please let me know.

This helps me:
• Track patterns within bloodlines
• Adjust future pairings if needed
• Strengthen and improve my breeding program

You’re never bothering me. I appreciate being kept informed.

6. If You Ever Need to Rehome Your Dog

Life can change in unexpected ways. While no one plans to rehome a dog, I understand that sometimes it becomes necessary.

If rehoming is ever needed:
• Please notify me
• Inform the new owner that I was the breeder
• Let them know they are welcome to contact me with any questions or concerns, and I am always available to offer guidance.
• If you are unable to find an appropriate home, I will assist you

For your dog’s safety, please do not rehome through Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or unvetted rescue groups. These routes are unpredictable and often unsafe.

My priority is always the lifelong well-being of every puppy I raise.

7. Dental Care for Cavaliers

Cavaliers are prone to dental disease, which can also impact heart health. Good dental care from puppyhood can make a tremendous difference.

Helpful habits:
• Begin tooth brushing early
• Use dog-safe toothpaste only
• Provide safe dental chews
• Schedule regular dental checks
• Follow your vet’s recommendations for cleanings

Keeping their mouth healthy is one of the best long-term gifts you can give your Cavalier.

8. Puppy Sleep & Crate Expectations

Puppies need 16–20 hours of sleep per day. Naps throughout the day are normal and essential.

Crate training provides a safe, cozy place to rest and supports:
• House training
• Healthy sleep habits
• Preventing overstimulation
• Creating a predictable routine

If you ever need help with crate schedules or settling techniques, I’m here to help.

9. Potty Training Basics

Potty training takes consistency and patience — accidents are normal.

Take your puppy out:
• After waking
• After eating/drinking
• After play
• After excitement
• Anytime they begin sniffing with focus

General rule: A puppy can usually hold their bladder about 1 hour per month of age (to a limit).

Keep potty trips frequent and upbeat. Avoid punishment — it causes confusion. With consistency, your puppy will learn quickly.

A helpful cue many owners notice is when a puppy suddenly puts their nose to the ground and begins sniffing with purpose — this often means they are looking for a spot to potty and should be taken out right away.

I’m always happy to help troubleshoot or create a routine.

10. The Socialization Window (8–16 Weeks)

This is an important period for building confidence.

You can safely socialize at home by offering:
• Exposure to everyday sounds
• Gentle handling of paws, ears, and mouth
• Short car rides
• Wearing a harness indoors
• Exploring different textures
• Meeting calm, fully vaccinated adult dogs you know well

Avoid public areas until vaccinations are complete, but continue safe experiences at home.

Always feel free to ask if you’re unsure whether something is safe.

11. Puppy Biting / Mouthing

Puppy mouthing is totally normal. They use their mouths to explore, play, and learn. Early redirection helps prevent habits from forming.

Tips that help:
• Immediately offer a toy when biting begins
• Avoid finger-play or rough games
• Use chew toys, frozen washcloths, or frozen Kongs during teething
• Give breaks if your puppy gets overly wound up

Most puppies grow out of mouthing with gentle guidance. If you need help, I’m here.

12. What Your Puppy Goes Home With

Your puppy will come home with:

• Up-to-date veterinary records
• A small bag of their current food
• A blanket with their siblings and mother’s scent for comfort.
• A toy
• Registration paperwork

13. Items You Might Find Helpful

You don’t need everything — these are just common, helpful items:

• Crate (24” x 18”)
• Playpen or gated area
• Puppy food (same current brand)
• Bowls (stainless/ceramic)
• Soft bed or blanket
• Lightweight collar & leash
• ID tag
• Training treats
• Chew toys & teething toys
• Enzyme cleaner
• Brush & basic grooming tools
• Puppy-safe shampoo
• Nail trimmers or small grinder
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Travel carrier or car restraint
• Poop bags
• Baby wipes or grooming wipes

If you ever want specific product recommendations, just let me know.

14. I’m Here for You

I will love these puppies for their entire lives, and I want to support you in giving them the happy, healthy future they deserve.

If you ever have questions, concerns, or need guidance, I’m always here to help. Your puppy’s well-being matters deeply to me, and you never have to hesitate to reach out.