When training always remember that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (puppies/dogs) respond best to positive reinforcement. Do not yell at your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (puppy/dog) and if you feel frustrated call it a day by ending on something simple and positive and then try again tomorrow. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (puppies/dogs) can feel your tension so do not even try to pretend with them. Always use positive reinforcement like treats, verbal comments like "good boy/girl", and I like to use the under the chin quick pet at times as well.

There is a process to training. The key is to get your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (puppy/dog) to perform the action and at that exact moment you give the command for the action, then praise your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (puppy/dog) and reward with a treat. After a while, your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (puppy/dog) will associate the action with the command.

Train Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Puppy/Dog) to Down

Down is not to be used when he is jumping up on you - that is off. Down will mean to lay down.

Get your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (puppy/dog) to sit. If he is sitting next to you, reach over and push your arm from behind his front legs. As you say "down", slowly and gently force his legs forward, and his body will go down to the ground. It should not take much effort on your part since it is a natural reflex for him to move his own legs once they are being botherred. As soon as he is in lying on the ground, say "good boy" (click). He will probably pop right back up. That's fine because he did lay down. If you prefer, you can have him sit in front of you. Grab both of his front legs, down by the bottom, and gently pull them out toward you as you say "down". Say "good boy" (click) as soon as he gets all the way down. Each time you give the down command, try to have your own body less stooped or bent over. If you continually are bent over when you give a command, he may not respond later when you give the command from a standing position.

Down is used for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (puppy/dog) to lay down right where he is when you say it - immediately - as part of the obedience training session. Go lay down is used outside of the obedience training, comfortably and relaxed around the house or yard. Go lay down means go pick a good spot yourself.