Cavalier Connection Message Board

[charlie's mom]

[Leigh Ann]

[Linda]

I have two males, I also have 3 Human Males.

I really really wanted a female, but I can honestly tell you these boys are so in love with us it is amazing. I would still one day like to add a female to my family just so I can say I did have a little girl.

Dudley was not overly impressed when Darby came home, it took him a good month before they were best buddies.

I am not so sure how they would handle having a little sister, but knowing the love I have received from my boys if I at least had a Human Little girl I would not think twice about getting another boy.
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Linda & The Boys
Dudley 6 Years Old
Darby 4 Years Old March 29/09

[Suzie]

You know, my (human) son is more "cuddly" and affectionate than my daughters. So, where do things change when they turn into men?
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~Suzie
Bandit-Blen-M (6-08 )
Lizzie-Tri-F (8-08 )
Lad-collie
Kaya-Malamute
Pixie at the bridge. (8/07-6/08 )

[Linda]

[Joyce]

Our two boys were 8 years and we decided to add a new girl to our pack. We ended up adopting TWO 12 week old girls from a Cav Rescue (not siblings). When we brought them home, the boys were not too excited.

We kept them separated, but it took about four months before we let them all together. The reason it took longer was that the boys were 8 years old and not used to be bothered by puppies attacking them.

Now they are great buddies, snuggling up together, and sharing their food with no problem.

I have to add, boys are very affectionate...and so are the girls...you can't go wrong.
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Martini & Rossi and Thelma & Louise (no pics yet)

[WoodHaven]

[PrincessB]

Well, we placed a deposit for a puppy with our breeder and we designated it for female Blenhem, so it looks like it will be a little girl. My husband has always had females and he wasn't ready to change. So now the wait begins...the litter is due April 8th!
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[Gemma's Mom]

Congratulations! That is very exciting news! I am sure you will love having two! It's twice the fun!
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Lynn - Razz & Gemma's Mom and Lucky & Sparky's Aunt. RIP My Little Jewel.

[CTORRESCAT]

Congrats....just wait til you add your third just kidding I'm so excited for you. You will love having two!!
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Cathy
Loving mommy to Jake, Shelby and Micah

[Debby and Barkley]

OOOOOOOOOH how very exciting!!!!
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Debby with a Y, Barkley the Cavalier, and Sweet Pea the ETS

[PrincessB]

Thanks everyone! I am visiting the breeder on the 31st, and she has invited Bailey to come with us...I will take pics of the mom and dad and be sure to post them!! We get to visit the babies when they are 2-3wks old and then choose around 5 weeks. We have 1st choice for a female!
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[JessicaC]

I'm a bit late to respond, haven't been on here in a while, I've been chasing around my new 3 month old Cavalier puppy... I recently was questioning whether to get a female or a male puppy, though we preferred a male and ended up with a male. The general consensus among trainers/behaviorists is that if you already have a girl then you'll have the best chance for success (compatibility between the dogs) if you get a boy. Also, two boys are generally fine. That said, Cavaliers tend to be the exception to this "rule" and gender isn't as big of a deal as with other breeds. A very experienced puppy trainer told me that a good indication is how the breeder's females get along. If the breeder's females get along well then a female puppy should be fine in a household with another female. As many other posts mentioned, personality is key. I looked for a puppy who would compliment my current dog's personality (not the same, but compatible).

What great advice about properly introducing a puppy to your current dog. Setting a positive tone right away truly is key. It is a bit of an adjustment at first (though some dogs get along fabulously right off the bat) and it's very important to still give lots of attention to your current dog and practice her training as well. Make sure she's still getting lots of exercise and regular walks. I find the perfect time to do this is when your new puppy is in his or her crate taking a nap or working on a Kong/chew. Also avoid second dog syndrome, some people figure that their current dog is sufficient socialization for their new puppy, not so. If you have puppy socials in your area, I'd take the new pup to some. It's really beneficial for puppies to interact with other puppies their age and meet lots of different puppies of all different breeds, personalities, sizes etc. I'd also recommend always feeding them separately, giving them chews and Nylabones separately, basically anything that might be perceived as high value should be reserved for when they are separate since conflicts can arise over such resources. Personally I've always separated dogs during feeding or when giving them high value chews even though I've never owned a dog who guards, I just find it easier.

I'd highly recommend reading Before and After You Get Your Puppy by Dr. Ian Dunbar. I LOVE the book, it is the BEST guide for puppy raising I've come across. I find myself frequently re-reading parts with the new puppy. It gives you all the tools you need to raise a socialized, well-mannered, happy puppy and help him or her develop into a delightful dog.

Congrats on adding a new puppy to your family soon

[Gemma's Mom]

[JessicaC]

That's basically the same book. There are two separate books: Before You Get Your Puppy and After You Get Your Puppy, both by Dr. Ian Dunbar. Before You Get Your Puppy is available for free online on the link above and I think also on the Sirius puppy training website. I have this one: http://www.amazon.com/Before-After-Getting-Your-Puppy/dp/1577314557/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268708240&sr=8-1, which is both books in one book... I had read both before I got my first Cavalier in 2008. I gave my boyfriend the Before & After book for Christmas to get ready for the new puppy.