Basic training commands for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels include sit, down, paw, come, and beg. These foundational commands are essential for a well-behaved and happy dog.
Training Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Step-by-Step Guide
Here's a detailed breakdown of how to teach these essential commands to your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:
1. Sit Command
To teach your Cavalier to sit, gently guide their rear down to the floor while saying "sit". Use a hand gesture such as extending your right arm to the side, with your forearm pointing upwards and your palm facing forward in an "L" shape. Keep your hand on their rear initially, maintaining the position for 10-15 seconds, then release. Repeat this exercise several times daily. Consistency is key, and your dog should learn the sit command within a few days.
2. Down Command
To teach the "down" command, gently press on your dog's back while applying gentle force to encourage them to lie down. Use your other hand to extend their front legs, while giving the verbal cue "down". Accompany this with a hand gesture: raise your right hand, extend it forward, and point your palm downward. Hold them in this position, then release. If they do well, reward them with a treat. If they struggle, repeat the process. Keep training sessions under 15 minutes.
3. Paw Command (Shake)
Hold a treat in one hand and gently take your dog's right paw in your other hand. Gently move their paw up and down while saying "shake". Hold for a few seconds and then release. Repeat this until your dog understands the command. Reward them with a treat once they perform the action correctly.
4. Come Command
Start by getting your dog's attention by saying their name. Show them a toy or treat and say "come". Your hand gesture should be to extend your left arm to the side with your palm facing down. If your dog doesn't come, try moving backward, clapping your hands while crouching, or running in the opposite direction to encourage them to come towards you. When your dog approaches, praise and reward them with affection.
5. Beg Command
Hold your dog's front paws with both of your hands and lift them into a standing position. Gently move their paws together in an up and down motion, similar to a bowing action while using the command "beg". Hold this position for a few seconds then release. Repeat this command until your dog learns it. Avoid teaching a second command during the learning process of "beg", as this may confuse the dog.