Sanflorian Cavaliers

First a word about behavior.....

A very common cause for behavior problems in dogs, particularly happy little
companion dogs like Cavaliers, is the tendency for some owners to think of their
canine companions as little people in fur suits. Dogs are an incredibly interesting
species in their own right, and it does them a tremendous disservice when we ignore
what makes them dogs. Two excellent books that deal with the differences between
dogs and people and why we often get into trouble raising and training dogs are The
Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell and The Culture Clash by Jean
Donaldson

Cavaliers are generally happy dogs and can be easy to train. (Obviously there are
exceptions!) Positive training methods (rewarding the behavior you want) rather than
aversive training methods (punishing the behavior you don't want) have worked very well
with our dogs.

There are a number of excellent books that describe positive training methods - how they
work, why they work, and how to teach specific behaviors. If I could only choose one to
recommend, it would be Purely Positive Training by Sheila Booth.

Reading about training can provide a wealth of information, but we strongly encourage pet
owners to also attend training classes. Classes provide a structure for teaching some basic
behaviors and have the benefit of a professional who can watch your progress and offer
pointers. Be sure to check out the instructor and/or school before you begin. Choose an
instructor who uses positive methods and whom you feel you can trust and respect. If at
any point during a class you feel uncomfortable with something the instructor is suggesting
you do, don't do it. Discuss it with the trainer AFTER class. As with all things, be true to
yourself and your dog.

In addition to training, socialization is of the utmost importance. While your dog is a puppy,
you must get him used to a wide variety of people, places, and things. A good breeder will
have begun this process for you, but you must continue it. If you want your dog to travel
well in the car, then take your puppy with you regularly as you run errands. If you want him
to readily accept petting from strangers, then introduce him to lots of new people
frequently and make sure the encounters are positive for him. Whatever you want your dog
to do as an adult, begin teaching him as a puppy if you can.

This all sounds like a lot of work and can easily get overwhelming. Just take it one step at a
time. Love your dog, set some limits, and enjoy him. Keep training fun for both of you and
don't forget to PLAY!

If you find that you enjoy training your dog, perhaps you would be interested in taking the
training further and investigating some of the dog sports. There are many, many fun
activities you can do with your dog. We are certainly enjoying learning about agility, rally,
and obedience. Check out some of the sites on our links page to find out more!