Hi Anthea, Welcome to the list. I myself do not yet have a Cavalier (current breed is Goldens) and won't for quite some time but I can help you with some of your questions.
"Anathea B. Waitekus" wrote: > How have you dealt with your Cavalier's love to run? Is there any sort of > training or socialization techniques that help prevent this? The running > issue is my biggest concern. Unless you are in an enclosed safe area do not allow your dog off lead. I don't even let my competition obedience and field trained Golden off lead if not in a safe area. Use a 30 ft. flexi lead if you wish but maintain control and their safety. To build a solid recall (come command) always carry treats in your pockets and sporadically throughout the day suddenly call your puppy to you "Puppy come!" in an enthusiastic manner and then praise and give the treat. They learn to associate the come command means good and wonderful things will follow. Never ever call your puppy to you for a scolding. > Also, my husband and I don't have children, but may have a baby in a year or > so Begin way before the baby arrives. Buy diapers, baby powder and other things associated with "baby scent" and introduce it in a positive manner with you dog. Put the dog in your lap and just have a diaper next to you or a blankie sprinkled with a bit of baby powder calmly stroke your pup and speak in a soothing voice and give treats while pup is laying calmly in your lap. This way the pup learns to associate baby smells with good and "calm" things. While you are in the hospital after the expected day arrives have hubby bring home the baby's receiving blanket and do the same thing described above. Then you replace the blankie and diapers with the actual baby speaking calmly stroking the pup and giving treats. Do make sure that you set out time for "just the dog" so he/she doesn't begin to feel neglected or replaced. > Finally, are there any sort of training techniques you recommend for the > Cavalier? Any books on training that you have found helpful? Without a doubt "Mother Knows Best" is one of the best! > I am interested in agility training, not for competition, just for fun. I gotta tell you that even when you are competing it feels like you are doing it just for fun so go ahead and get the titles just for fun. Good luck and don't hesitate to ask any questions! Terrie:) ========================================================= "Magic Commands": to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL to start it up gain click here: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 1999 by its original author.
