Cavalier Talk

First we need to build the behavior, then we’ll attach our verbal “Leave It” cue and finally we’ll then generalize the behavior.

In a familiar environment to your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, free from any distractions (other people or animals) sit down in front of your Cavalier. In one hand place an ordinary “Leave It” treat (some kibble or other plain dry treat) in the other hand place your Cavalier’s very favorite “jackpot” treat (liver, hotdog, cheese etc.). With the ordinary “Leave It” treat resting on your open palm, extend your hand out towards your Cavalier. Don’t say anything. When your Cavalier reaches forward to gulp down the treat, quickly close your hand - don’t let him get it. If he withdraws his interest, immediately say “Yes” and give the jackpot treat from your other hand. Alternatively, if he is really persistent and determined to get at the kibble treat in your closed fist, just hold it out of his reach and ignore him.

Do it again. This time if he doesn’t dive straight in after the “Leave It” treat, enthusiastically say “Yes”, give the jackpot treat from your other hand and give him a loving scratch behind the ear. If he goes for the ordinary “Leave It” treat straight away, close your fingers over it again. He will probably look up at you in a quizzical, puzzled manner - which is good. As soon as his attention is off the treat say “Yes” give the jackpot treat from your other hand and praise his good work.

Repeat many times (repetition and consistency are two of the vital keys to successful Cavalier King Charles Spaniel training). Pretty soon your Cavalier will catch on that if he doesn’t go for the boring old “Leave It” treat he will be rewarded with a monster “jackpot” treat from the other hand.

Now your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel understands the basic behavior it’s time to attach your verbal “Leave It” cue. This is so we can request the behavior whenever the need arises. Continue practicing exactly as you have been except you now say “Leave It” just as you begin to extend your hand (the one with the ordinary treat) towards the Cavalier. This step builds an association in your Cavalier’s mind between you saying “Leave It” and the act of him leaving an object alone.

Now you’ve got the behavior and you’ve got it on cue it’s time to add some other variables. This step generalizes and proofs the leave it command so we can rely on it in any circumstance. One at a time introduce the new elements listed below - don’t move too quickly for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, take it slowly.

* While practicing the Leave It command hold your hand in different positions - close to the ground, up at your dog’s eye level etc…

* Hold off with saying “Yes” and giving the jackpot treat until your Cavalier actually looks you in the eye.

* Put the ordinary treat straight down onto the ground in front of your Cavalier and say “Leave It” - if your Cavalier goes for the treat quickly cover it with your foot.

* Take your training sessions into other rooms and eventually outside.

* Say “Leave It” when you are at varying distances from your Cavalier.

* Practice in the presence of distractions such as other people and dogs.

* Practice when you are out on your daily walk - with your Cavalier on leash drop some treats on the ground and then walk past them.

For more training tips please visit out training page on our website at http://www.cruisincavaliers.com/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-training.htm