How to Train a Cavalier Puppy

To housebreak your Cavalier puppy (train it not to go to the toilet indoors), you need commitment and perseverance. Every puppy is different, and some take longer to train than others. Crate training is a common method of housebreaking and, provided it is done correctly, should be very successful in encouraging good habits in your puppy. Never use the crate to punish your puppy for doing something wrong, because this sends mixed signals.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Cardboard boxes
  • Puppy treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain a crate that is just big enough for a fully grown Cavalier to stand up and turn around in. Place a cardboard box at the back of the crate to reduce the size of it (smaller boxes can be used as your puppy grows bigger until the box can be removed entirely).

    • 2

      Put your puppy to sleep in the crate every night and securely close the door. Greet it every morning with the question "Do you want to go out?" then immediately release it from the crate and carry it outdoors. Take the puppy to the same spot every morning and remain by its side until it relieves itself. Give the dog plenty of time to find the right spot, and do not distract it. Repeat a phrase while it is relieving itself -- such as "go quickly" -- to teach the puppy to associate the act with that particular phrase.

    • 3

      Praise your Cavalier after it has been to the toilet. Give it a small treat, so that it associates the act with a reward. Take it back indoors to play for up to 15 minutes. Increase this play time after the first few days until it has 30 minutes of play time after a few weeks. Supervise play time to make sure it is not getting in to mischief. Put the puppy back in the crate at the end of play time. Repeat this process throughout the day. Do not leave the puppy in the crate for longer than two hours at a time during the day. After two hours, wake it up, ask "Do you want to go out?" and take it outdoors.

    • 4

      Follow the "going out" procedure after every meal. Make sure your puppy is either sleeping, outside going to the toilet, having supervised play time with you or sitting on your lap for the first few weeks. This reduces the opportunity for it to make a mistake.

    • 5

      Continue with the process until you are confident that your Cavalier knows to go outdoors to do the toilet. After a few months, it should be happy to spend up to four hours at a time in its crate.