Prevention card 01
Alone-time distress escalates
Why it happens
Strong attachment can make constant human access the puppy's only learned route to settling.
Early signals
The puppy shadows every movement, reacts to departure signals, cannot use food after separation begins or escalates instead of settling.
Prevent it now
Make alone-time practice the first priority: use easy planned separations, calm independent activity and returns made while the puppy can still cope.
If it has started
Stop testing harder absences, return to the last calm setup and change only one departure difficulty at a time.
When to get professional help
Seek qualified separation-focused behaviour help early if distress persists, the puppy cannot settle at very easy steps or safety is at risk; sudden change also needs veterinary assessment.
Prevention card 02
A frightening dog interaction becomes avoidance
Why it happens
A gentle, sensitive Cavalier can learn to avoid dogs after being frightened by a large or overwhelming social partner.
Early signals
Slowing, turning away, hiding behind the handler, freezing, tucked posture or defensive barking as another dog approaches.
Prevent it now
Choose calm partners, begin at enough distance for loose voluntary observation and let the puppy approach, pause or leave.
If it has started
Increase distance immediately, stop direct greetings and rebuild around calm observation rather than placing the puppy back into contact.
When to get professional help
Seek qualified reward-based help if fear generalises, recovery is poor at workable distance, or barking, lunging, growling or snapping develops.
Prevention card 03
Ear and silky-coat care becomes a struggle
Why it happens
Routine ear and coat checks recur throughout life, while forced completion teaches earlier and stronger avoidance.
Early signals
Turning away from the hand or brush, leaving the mat, body tension, pawing, mouthing or refusing a normally valued reward.
Prevent it now
Separate ear touch, gentle lifting, brushing, coat parting and paw checks into voluntary steps on a stable non-slip surface.
If it has started
Stop forced care, return to an easier body area or tool and release after one comfortable cooperative response.
When to get professional help
A sudden handling change or apparent pain needs veterinary assessment; persistent freezing, growling, snapping or biting needs qualified cooperative-care help.
Prevention card 04
Waterbirds pull recall toward the lake
Why it happens
Spaniel heritage can make bird movement highly interesting, and Perth lakes combine sudden take-off with open sightlines. Each successful rush makes the next turn-away harder.
Early signals
The mouth closes, pace slows, staring hardens, weight shifts forward, check-ins stop, or the dog tests the line toward a bird.
Prevent it now
Use a secured long line at generous distance and practise engage-disengage: mark the first glance, reward the turn back, then move away before staring hardens.
If it has started
Prevent another rush, increase distance and rebuild the simple rule 'see bird, turn back, get paid'. Do not unclip the line to test progress.
When to get professional help
Seek qualified reward-based help if the dog repeatedly breaches management, reaches water or wildlife, or cannot disengage at workable distances.