Our Process
At Cavalier Kingdom, we are dedicated to raising happy, healthy, and well-adjusted puppies. We work hands-on with every litter on a daily basis, including exposing them to Early Neural Stimulation during the first two weeks of life to set their little nervous systems up for a lifetime of stability and resilience.
For the humans, we are here to be a support system every step of the way. We provide weekly updates on the puppies as they grow and partner with you to select the puppy that would best fit into your lifestyle.
The Cavalier Kingdom Difference
Developmentally Driven
Our breeding program prioritizes the developmental needs of each puppy. Through methods like Early Neural Stimulation (ENS), we ensure that our puppies are not just healthy but also resilient, well-adjusted, and equipped for a lifetime of success and happiness.
By Puppy People, For Puppy People
We are passionate dog lovers who understand the joys and challenges of raising a puppy. Our breeding practices are rooted in personal experience and a deep love for our dogs, ensuring that every puppy is raised with the care and attention they deserve.
Generational Proof
Our breeding philosophy focuses on creating strong, healthy bloodlines that stand the test of time. By carefully selecting parent dogs and emphasizing health and temperament, we aim to produce puppies that will thrive across generations, bringing joy to families for years to come.
The Human Process
1
To guarantee your pick on a given litter, we ask you submit a deposit. This ensures your commitment and helps us prepare for your future puppy. The deposit is applied toward the total cost and secures your place in our upcoming litter.
Submit a deposit
2
Join our waitlist to be notified when new litters are available. As demand for our puppies is high, being on the waitlist ensures you'll be among the first to choose from our adorable and carefully raised puppies.
Join the waitlist
3
Once the puppies are born, you'll have the opportunity to select your new furry friend. We provide detailed information about each puppy’s personality and health to help you make an informed choice, as well as work with you to come visit in person or meet over video.
Select your puppy
4
After finalizing your selection, it’s time to bring your puppy home! We provide guidance on the transition and ensure that your new puppy is healthy, happy, and ready to become a cherished member of your family.
Take your puppy home
The Puppy Process
1
The mama moves into a dedicated whelping area in Jen’s bedroom. This space is quiet, secure, and designed to make the mama feel safe. It includes access to a private “mama’s yard,” a self-contained outdoor space where she can relax. Depending on certain factors, the puppies are either born in Jen’s bed or in the dedicated whelping area. The mamas are typically very dependent and often want Jen sitting with them, her hands on them during the whelping process, which can take anywhere from 3 to 16 hours. With 17 years of experience, Jen intuitively knows when to assist, when to call the vet, and when to simply be patient and supportive. Each whelping is a magical experience.
1 - 2 weeks before giving birth
2
As their eyes and ears start to open, the puppies undergo Early Neural Stimulation (ENS), a technique developed by the military to create resilient, 'super' dogs capable of thriving in stressful environments. Research shows that ENS improves puppies' immune systems, reduces tummy issues, and makes them less reactive to future stressors—benefits that last a lifetime. For more information about ENS, click here.
Days 1 - 16
3
3 weeks
The puppies and their mama are moved from Jen’s bedroom to the puppy room, located in the center of the house. Here, they have more space to explore, start using potty pads, and begin transitioning to canned puppy food mixed with warm water and puppy formula. Some puppies are eager to try solid food at three weeks, while others may take until five weeks to show interest. Jen closely monitors their progress and adjusts the weaning process to suit each puppy’s needs. Some mamas are eager to wean their pups, while others, like Sugar, would happily nurse them forever!
As the puppies grow, toys are introduced, much to their delight. They learn important social lessons from one another, such as play-biting limits and which siblings are more tolerant. Jen observes these interactions carefully, gaining insights into each puppy’s personality—identifying the confident leaders and the more reserved pups, those quick to learn from mama and those who persist in their ways. It’s during this time that the puppies' personalities begin to shine, and Jen can often tell which puppies will be calm and confident, and which might be a bit more spirited.
4
The puppies are gradually introduced to various people, household noises, and DogTV’s exposure shows. In the first week, DogTV plays more relaxing content to maintain a calm atmosphere for both mama and pups. If any puppies remain with Jen beyond eight weeks, they start spending time outside in the paved, enclosed mama-puppy yard, weather permitting. Older "keeper" pups in the puppy room often join in the fun, teaching the younger ones where to go potty outside and where the best parts of the garden are. The mommy yard is like Disneyland for the puppies, and it’s a joy to watch them romp and play.
3 - 8 weeks
5
6 - 7 weeks
The puppies are taken to Singing Hills Animal Hospital for a thorough vet checkup and their first set of shots. Dr. Tom provides each puppy with a report card to give to their new owners, complete with personalized veterinarian notes. Jen de-worms the puppies from week two onward, so their fecal exams are usually clear. If any issues arise, Jen ensures the puppies receive any necessary treatments before they go to their new homes, with this information also provided to the new owners for their veterinarians.
6
The puppies stay with their mama in a large whelping crate, where she knows they are safe from the curious eyes of other female dogs. Most mamas are highly protective and prefer other dogs to keep their distance. The room temperature is carefully maintained to keep the puppies warm without making the mama uncomfortable. If needed, doggie warming pads are used, allowing mama and pups to move around comfortably. The bedding is changed 2-4 times daily, depending on the stage of the puppies’ growth. During this time, mama gets plenty of water, extra food, and lots of praise and encouragement to support her while she nurses her pups. Initially, mama takes only minimal breaks, gradually increasing them as the weeks go by.