Cavalier king charles spaniels can get a lot of their exercise needs from play, however, just like other dog breeds, play will not suffice their natural instinct to walk. As owner, you definitely know that these lively little dogs need daily walk to keep their sanity intact in addition to getting fresh air and exercise. Walking is beneficial not only to your cavalier but to you as well.

The proper way to walk a dog is to walk either beside you or behind you. By doing so, you establish yourself as alpha or leader of the pack. This makes your dog easier to control and train knowing that he must submit to your commands being your follower. Allowing a dog to be the leader of the pack can cause many behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, aggression and/or neurotic disorders to name a few.

When you are ready to take your dog out, make your dog come to you and put the lead on. You can call him to come to you but you should never move toward him. Make him sit calmly before you put the leash on. Place the collar far up on the neck to give you more control over your dog.

When you are set to go, do not let your dog bolt out the door. Take him to the door and make him sit quietly there. Being the alpha, you must be the one to decide when it is time to leave, not your dog. When it is time to go, leave the house before your dog. If your dog runs out of the door before you, return him inside and start again. Remember, you are the one who decides when to leave.

While walking, it is important that you have to walk beside or in ahead of your dog. Do not constantly pull on your dog and never allow your dog to pull on you. If your dog is not obeying your command, getting too excited, starts to pull and/or not staying beside or behind you, give the leash a quick snap to get his attention back to you. You can also stop and make the dog sit until he is calm.

Do not allow the dog to sniff the ground or potty until you want him too. Let him understand you are in charge and he must concentrate on following you.

Relax. Walk your dog briskly and enjoy the moment.