Cavalier Talk

Off is the correct command when your Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is jumping up on you or the couch. If your Cavalier has jumped up on the couch, literally push him off while saying “off“. You can also pick him up and put him on the floor. As soon as he is off the couch, say “good boy”. If you have allowed him to get away with this in the past, it may take many tries before he learns it.

Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel likes to jump up on your dress with muddy paws just before you leave for the office. But, he is only trying to give you a hug or get some attention, but he has to learn that this is not acceptable. As he is jumping up, turn your body away from him while saying “off” He should then simply sit down, at which time you immediately pet him on the head and tell him he is a “good boy”. He wants your attention, not your back! Even if he has already jumped on you, turn away.

Or, since you already know that he will jump up on you, you can try to beat him to the punch. As he starts to jump up, put your hand out quickly and pet him on the head and start to bend over. This action would encourage him to stay off or to sit. This is an acceptable position for him to be in when he first sees you in the morning or when you get home at night. If he is sitting patiently waiting for you to pet him each time, go greet him quickly by petting his head (while saying “good boy“) or bending down to take his paw and saying “good boy“. He won’t see the need to jump on you to receive a greeting if you greet him first.

A third method is to stick your knee out and say “off”. if you see him starting to jump up. Jumping up into your knee is not comfortable. When he is off you, say “good boy”.

Continue either of these actions until he actually stays off, then give him extra praise and some petting and say “good boy”. This may start him jumping up again because he may get excited, so you continue the same method until he really gets the idea. Eventually, you will be able to tell him to get off anything or anybody from any distance.

To reinforce all of this, it is best to always have your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sit before you greet him or give him a treat or anything else. This way he will soon learn that he won’t get any of these things unless he does sit nicely and calmly.

For additional training tips for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel please visit our website at www.cruisincavaliers.com