1. Preparation
2. Feeding
3. Grooming
4. Training
5. Health

1. Preparation – Bringing Your Puppy Home

PHILOSOPHY
Roycroft has been in existence since 1976. My goal has always been to produce the most temperamentally sound, healthy and beautiful Cavaliers I possibly can. That is why every single Cavalier used in my breeding program has been officially tested for hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and inherited eye problems before being bred; as well as being cardiologist cleared of Mitral Valve Disease within one (1) year of the date of breeding. Also, when necessary, DNA testing is done for all Cavalier issues. If both parents are double clear, the puppies are automatically DNA clear by parentage and DNA testing is no longer necessary. This is because if each parent didn’t inherit a gene for the issue from either of its parents, it doesn’t have the gene to give to offspring. Offspring are then automatically clear. These test results are part of my Puppy Packet to you as I am proud of my commitment to produce the best Cavaliers possible, but good health does not end there.

CARE
I want your dog to get the best of natural care you can possibly provide. This includes living in a "clean" environment. What this means is that lawn chemicals should be limited to the areas of your yard where your puppy will not regularly walk or play in. Flea preventatives should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Do not feed your Cavalier "junk" food--occasional treats are okay. Do NOT overfeed your Cavalier--I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH!!!Make sure your Cavalier has yearly checkups (every six months for elderly dogs) and that your vet checks everything I listed in my Manual. Preventative maintenance is the best policy. Treat your Cavalier just as you would a child.

BRINGING YOUR PUPPY HOME
Before you bring your Cavalier puppy home, you would be wise to have in your possession the following items. Some of these items are pictured. Suggestions on where to purchase them are:  www.amazon.com, www.revivalanimal.com, and www.cherrybrook.com.

**Crate**
Either an 18 X 24 inch or 21 X 30 inch wire crate,
or a 200 Vari-Kennel Size

**Mats/Bedding**
for the bottom of the crate

**Water Bowl**
a 1 quart size metal or ceramic bowl

**Food Bowl**
a 1 pint size metal or ceramic bowl

**Dog Food**
More on that under Feeding

**A flat natural bristle brush (below top)**
**A slicker brush (below bottom)**

**A fine or medium toothed comb**

**A flea comb (both below)** 

**A blunt-nosed scizzors**
for tangles and feet

**A nail cutter (below)** 

**Dog Shampoo/Conditioner (below)**
White on White is great for blenheims and tricolors
There are others for rubies and black & tans
Some of my favorite brands include Isle of Dogs
and Chris Christensen

**Collar or Harness**
My favorite collar is the Coastal adjustable collar.
It is a nylon type, about 3/8 inches wide, fully
adjustable from puppy to adult, with an easy
on/off snap closure. They come in many colors and patterns.

 
Shown below is a harness.

**A regular 4 or 6 foot lead**
Either a leather one, a webbed one, or one that matches the collar

**A show lead** shown above
This is a small nylon loop lead, approximately 4 ft. long.
This is excellent for indoor training.

**Toothbrush**
Finger brush or small soft-bristled children's type

**Doggie Toothpaste**

**A clicker**

**Some dog toys and raw marrow bones**
Some favorite toys are fleecy ones, buster cubes which you put
treats into, kong types.  I do not suggest rawhides, pigs ears, etc. due
to risk of salmonella poisoning to the humans in the family, plus many
digestive obstructions that need surgery are due to these items.
There are better choices.

Track down a veterinarian if you don't already have one--before the puppy arrives--as you will need to take your puppy to your vet within the first few days of its arrival. Ask your friends, relatives and neighbors for references if you don’t already have one. Visit vets, check out their clinic and personnel--rely on your common sense to tell you if this is the place you want your dog's health attended to.

Your puppy will come with a Health Record signed by the vet who checked the puppy out. Record of vaccinations can be found on this certificate. All puppies are wormed every 2 weeks from age 4 weeks to 10 weeks.