Why Your Cavalier Puppy Acts Like a Puppy... for Years
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their affectionate, playful, and gentle personalities. But did you know they tend to stay puppy-like well into adulthood — and sometimes for life?
This slow-to-mature nature is totally normal and part of their charm. But what does that mean for you and your Cavalier puppy?
🐾 What "Slow to Mature" Looks Like:
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Longer Training Timeline
Cavaliers may take more time to fully grasp potty training, basic commands, and routines. They’re eager to please, but their focus can be short — like a typical puppy. -
Playful Energy
Even as adults, many Cavaliers retain a bouncy, joyful playfulness. They love toys, games, and romping around like they’re still just a few months old. -
Gentle Independence
They might not always be quick to follow every command — not because they don’t understand, but because their curious, puppy-brained personalities get easily distracted. -
Affectionate Dependence
Cavaliers tend to be very people-oriented and may stay more emotionally dependent for longer. They crave closeness and comfort, much like a puppy would.
💡 What You Can Do:
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Be patient with training and reinforce lessons gently.
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Stick to routines and use lots of positive reinforcement.
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Enjoy the snuggles and silly play — it’s a part of who they are.
The good news? That everlasting puppy spirit means you get a lifetime of cuteness, playfulness, and loyalty.
Home life
All of my puppies are raised right here in my home, surrounded by love, structure, and plenty of real-world experiences.
From day one, they’re exposed to everyday household smells, sights, sounds, and routines, helping them grow into confident, well-adjusted companions.
They interact with dogs of various sizes, and are gradually introduced to different noises and stimuli — including things like fireworks, storms, and loud sounds. As a result, none of my dogs are fearful of these common stressors.
Weather permitting, puppies begin supervised outdoor time around 7 weeks old, where they can explore safely and begin learning about the world.
Each puppy has also started crate trained before going to their new homes. Crate training is a key part of our program for several reasons:
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It helps prevent accidental ingestion of harmful items, medications, or toxins.
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It supports potty training and building healthy routines.
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It prepares puppies for emergency situations, travel, and vet visits — all while giving them a safe, familiar space of their own.
My goal is to give every puppy the best start possible — mentally, emotionally, and physically — so they can thrive in their forever homes.
New Puppy Parent Information
Potty training
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a toy breed, and like many smaller dogs, they can take a bit longer to fully grasp potty training. Combined with their slow-to-mature personalities, it’s totally normal for the process to take 6–8 months — and in some cases, even longer for particularly stubborn or independent pups.
But don’t worry — this is completely normal!
🗝️ The Keys to Potty Training Success:
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Positive Reinforcement – Praise, treats, and encouragement work wonders.
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Consistency – Stick to the same routine and potty area each time.
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Structured Routine – Offer regular potty breaks, especially:
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After meals
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After naps
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After playtime
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It’s easy to feel discouraged when progress seems slow, but patience is everything. Every puppy learns at their own pace, and with time, love, and consistency, your Cavalier will get the hang of it.
Grooming
Grooming is an important part of raising a healthy, happy Cavalier — and I begin introducing these routines early to help puppies become comfortable and cooperative.
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Grooming starts at 6 weeks old, so puppies are familiar with being handled and brushed by the time they go to their new homes.
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Brushing is recommended 3–4 times a week to keep their coats free of tangles and mats.
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Bathing should be done every 4–6 weeks, or more often depending on lifestyle and activity level.
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Regular brushing is also a great way to monitor your dog’s health, helping you feel for any lumps, weight changes, or parasites early on.
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I start nail trims at 1 week old, and continue regularly. Keeping nails short supports proper posture and helps prevent discomfort or changes in gait. I also trim paw pads to prevent slipping on slick surfaces, which can lead to injury.
To protect those signature Cavalier ears, I use snoods during mealtime. This keeps their ears clean and prevents them from chewing or ingesting hair coated in food — which can lead to sickness, mats, uneven growth, or even needing to shave the ears.
Proper grooming isn’t just about looks — it’s a key part of overall health and wellness.
Food
Nutrition is a hot topic in the dog world, and you’ll likely hear a wide range of opinions. The truth is, the best food for a dog depends entirely on the individual dog — there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
Here at Alchemyk Cavaliers, my puppies are fed Purina Pro Plan Sport 30/20. I carefully monitor their health, energy levels, and condition to determine what works best for each dog.
That said, I strongly advocate against grain-free diets for Cavaliers. Grain-free foods have been directly linked to DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy), a condition where the heart becomes enlarged and weakened. Since Cavaliers are already prone to heart issues, I believe avoiding grain-free food is a simple but critical step in protecting their long-term health.
If you’re ever unsure or would like help choosing the right food for your puppy, please don’t hesitate to ask me or consult with your veterinarian. Your puppy’s health is always the top priority.