How To Bathe And Groom Your Cavalier

A thorough demonstration of how to properly give your dog a bath, and grooming with brush and comb. Focus is on Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

[@ashleyschmidt2413]

Cavies of all ages have the best expressions but the older ones just melt my heart 🥺❤️

[@saraw6710]

Awwww you’re Blenheim is just like my last girl used to be so so sweet. We now have a wonderful Ruby boy ❤❤❤ best dog in the world. Thanks so much for doing this I really needed some advice

[@shirleyypy]

She might not have anywhere to go after a bath but she gets to be viewed and admired by thousands of fans from different parts of the world. I count that as a success 😊😊

[@francescrocker3878]

This video was so very helpful ; my beautiful Miss Annie passed on July 14 2023. She looked😊 so very much like Tag. If I should ever be so fortunate to own another Cavalier, this video will save me a great deal on grooming. My sweet sweet Annie was 13 years old ❤

[@heathermoller2768]

I am so sorry that you had to say goodbye yo ypur girl. My Bsilry passed on 01 Msrch 2024. Still mourning her departure. The pain is unbearable at times. Will definately get another one. No one will ever replace her. Once a Cavvie owns you, it is game over. They fall feet and all into your heart forever.

[@danielleshelbourne220]

Tag is so pretty, what a little darling - she definitely has the characteristic sweet nature that I so deeply love in Cavs. I have two of my own, Dave & John, and we keep their coats natural (i.e. no clipping). While I understand why many clip their Cavs, there’s nothing like a full cavalier coat. 🐶

[@GabrielBadwolf]

Tag is so well behaved. My cavaliers get after bath Zoomies

[@alijames180]

Yeah don’t they all it’s so funny 🤣

[@theduchessofspring2395]

What a good, sweet, and patient girl Tag is!

[@donnawhitfield6820]

I loved watched Tag’s eyes during the entire grooming process. Looking great Tag

[@charlesTBear]

Sweet Tag ❤😢❤

[@janeyrevanescence12]

Aw she’s leaning against you as you’re trimming her nails! It’s so cute!

[@Halezyeah]

Tag is such a lady! She is so calm! Sweet girl

[@jerrireneahayden390]

She’s so beautiful! Makes me even more excited to bring home our little cavalier puppy next month! We have a cavapoo puppy who is 1 1/2 years old and we get to get a cavalier from the same breeder. They are half siblings. I love how well cared for and loved your dogs are!

[@birdsndog5819]

Just adopted a geriatric Cavalier from local shelter. My first dog of this breed. He has such a sweet disposition. (Apparently a hallmark of the breed.) This video has been very helpful. As soon as we are past the post-op (neuter) surgery period, will be trying these grooming techniques out. Even better, you use mostly household equipment.- we can do this.

[@karenjohnston9201]

Lovely video - thank you - so fun to watch. She’s a lovely cavalier🐶❤️

[@nellie23102010]

Tag is so beautiful!

[@sharynmontclair]

Tag is such a doll! And so many good tips. Thanks Charlie!

[@Lena-ui7wb]

What a fantastic groom. Thanks for the tips.

[@francesgarrigus9404]

Oh beautiful Tag. A beauty before and after a grooming. Thanks Charlie. Great video.

[@juliewilson8702]

Tag is so well behaved. Great video. I always learn and enjoy what you share with us.

[@lancekowalski9674]

She is so adorable! 🥰

[@fabianabianchi]

She was taking a nap. How cute!

[@FullmetalGirl94]

Thank you so much for the tutorial! I just got a Cavalier puppy recently, and even though she won't be a conformation show dog, I'm dying to treat her coat like she will be!

[@wt0416]

U trained tag soooo well to stay on the table wrappd up like a burrito. Super cute.

[@beverlyfrazier4370]

Tag is so beautiful and very well behaved.

[@dimebag31]

looks like a senior cav like my howie, such good dogs, i love them

[@colleendobbertien4723]

Thank you so much! So helpful! Tig is amazing! She literally is falling asleep during the whole process! I did not know one could train one’s dog to fall asleep while drying in the towel-my little boy likes to run around the room drying himself off on towels I have placed on the floor. It would be great if you could demonstrate how you trained your guys to fall asleep in a towel in a future video. Once again, many thanks for all the advice!

[@chaskat35]

he towel has to be wrapped in a certain way - like swaddling a baby. When they are young, we then put them on the table, with a pillow under their head. They quickly learn that they can't easily get out of the towel, and they might as well go to sleep.

[@blakevictor6072]

I also want to know how this is done. My girl knows I have a blow dryer and sits on my lap wet until dry. I was super impressed by the calmness of this cavalier just wrapped in a towel. Mine is 4 y/o... maybe age helps?

[@stackenali7059]

Thank you for the tip about using Dawn. What a great idea! My Cavaliers hated sitting in a tub for bath day, so I tried putting them in the shower with me. What a behavioral difference. They literally can't wait for shower day now!

[@christinewhite2718]

My Daisy would push the bathroom door open and jump straight in (we had a shower over the bath) had to make sure I had locked the bathroom door if I wanted to shower alone

[@TailWaggyDog]

I've just started as a groomer and have noticed that the long silky eared dogs' ears never seem to look..well they still looked greasy, even after very careful washing. Your explanation and using Dawn makes great sense to me, however, there is a lot of fuss about pH balance in pet shampoos, so do I need to rewash with the dog product after to correct this balance, or is the dawn pH correct? I'm not questioning your use, I trust you entirely, that's why I'm asking. There is a lot of marketing and disinformation out there.. Thanks for the great video. Much appreciated, from Australia!

[@handyandy6050]

Lovely fluffy fur baby!

[@pilarmontesfrechina1032]

Me acuerdo cuando Tag comía y tenía la banda para sujetarle las orejas intacta en la cabeza❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@paullefur6213]

Awww such a good girl !!!!

[@sydneypowell1579]

Thank you Beautiful Tig!

[@betsybrennan7101]

Thanks so much. Very helpful the dogs are so beautiful!

[@thomashanks1033]

Hello Betsy how are you doing. I believe you are healthy and also having a nice weather where you are. I live in Virginia and I'm looking for a new friend Ok!

[@TheRealLeewon]

What a sweet girl! She looks very sleepy

[@chrisnolan2330]

That was so informative and my, what a good girl Teg is!

[@michellemyshelle]

Thankyou, how good your dog is.

[@vla287]

So sweet how she fell asleep in the towel.

[@TheBurr75]

Tag is so adorable

[@kathrynmettelka7216]

Tag may not have places to go, but she is a matriarch and must uphold appearances so that she receives proper respect from the younger dogs and puppies. Regular attention to her grooming also maintains her beauty, and she is a gorgeous Blenheim. A little vanity is acceptable for a lady.

[@cavscockaliers4587]

Thank you for this video

[@annalovesanime1]

this pup is such a vibe

[@maureenbrooks6171]

Tag is such a good girl!

[@susanjohnson747]

Thank you and blessings to you all🙏💖🙏Ive appreciated your advice, wisdom, and knowledge of their breeds and so does Mister Bentley, he's gained so much weight and doubled his size like overnight 😱 He is doing so much better and more each day that passes. I am partial to the tri-colored. As is Mister Bentley😁

[@lelialar]

Thank you so much. Oh my goodness she’s so calm and well behaved, reminds me so much of my late boy. Cavaliers are just the best. Will be taking all on for the next one. I’d love to know how your pre show grooming differs - I imagine a few spray treatments!!

[@chaskat35]

Not an awful lot of difference prepping for a show. Cavaliers are supposed to be shown "naturally" according to the Breed Standard. Some exhibitors tease and fluff the ears to the point where they look like a couple of balloons hanging from the head, or trim the side feathering along a perfect curve. I don't do that, and as a judge I'm generally turned off by that.

[@lelialar]

@@chaskat35 balloons! 😂😂😂

[@susankolpack7044]

Thank you for demo shampoo 🐶

[@alijames180]

Tag is such a lovely girl ❤️

[@virginiawright961]

I had a dream I found a dog like this a year ago . I saved the dog in my dream it was all red I remember saying in my dream I was keeping it I fell in love with it . That sent me looking to see what kind of pup it was . I have two female Malteses and I love them both with all my heart and hopefully will add one of these Lil ladies to my family. And yes they are work but worth every bit of it . 🥰

[@observer1242]

That is one mellow dog.

[@joyce5091]

Tag is beautiful! It seems like you are very rough when using the slicker brush!

[@chaskat35]

It may look rough, but it's a very effective way to remove tangles, and it doesn't hurt them a bit if used properly.

[@susanjohnson747]

I'm sorry to comment again but who could even think much less give a 👎 on this or any of their videos. I have learned so much from them and they care deeply about their fur babies and it's obvious. While others tend to talk more about themselves than the facts and what the video is about. It's why we watch. Subscribe 😊

[@fritzde9585]

My dream dog pet

[@carmaarmstrong9743]

Tag is beautiful! If she has no place to go, you can send her to me in Iowa!!!

[@johnedwards5575]

Getting the dog comfortable with the tools is key I think. Our six month old Blenheim doesn’t have much of a coat, but even with daily attempts to brush, it turns in to an event trying to chew the brush in hand. Nail trimming is a two person job trying to distract long enough to cut. Almost thinking a harness of some kind may help for now until he’s comfortable enough. I’ve got no chance turning on an electric trimmer right now. Thankfully he’s alright with taking a soak and shampoo in the sink.

[@kc3669]

It sure is key. I started doing the whole grooming and brushing teeth thing right from 7 weeks (unfortunately the breeder was on wildfire evacuation so we got him early, a little too early ☹). He is 5 months now and super good with everything. Like you said getting them used to it is key!

[@todortodorov940]

Our 4-months old Blenheim is not keen on brushing either. As long as he hasn't seen the brush, it is ok. But once he has seen that it is the brush grooming him; "The brush must die".

[@lindabrandse8060]

Thank you for your wonderful tutorials. I always look forward to learning from you. Could you please tell us what brand of shampoo & conditioner you use?

[@chaskat35]

I use Vellus show shampoo and conditioner.

[@midlifeblessings]

Thank you for making this video! So helpful to see the process! Do you use anything to clean inside their ears, or does putting any kind of product in the ear canal just encourage infection?

[@chaskat35]

We only clean the ears when there's evidence of a problem, which is usually a yeast infection. Then we get an ear wash and medication from our vet. However, this happens so seldom that the safest practice is just to keep the ear canal as dry as possible.

[@brokentuba5442]

@@chaskat35 Thank you!

[@shellskitchengarden4630]

Thank you for all your videos. I am learning so much as I am a real newbie here. I am getting my Cavalier puppy in 5 weeks. She is a Blenheim, very similar markings as Tag. I know you should brush your dog every couple of days but how often do you bathe them? Also could you please do a video on ear and eye care. Thank you!

[@chaskat35]

We try to get them bathed about once a month. The exception is when a dog is entered in several days of dog shows - they could get bathed 2 or 3 days in a row.

[@jodiehebert8285]

Please tell me do you trim your Cavis inner ear hair? My Cavi is getting yeast in ears and I want to get this clean and cleared, going forward. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks for this great video and your dog is beautiful! ❤❤

[@chaskat35]

We don't trim the inside hair on the ears - with ears, the less you do, the better. When bathing the dog, be careful not to get any water in the ear, because it can lead to other problems. The only time we wash ears is when there is an infection, such as a yeast infection, and then we use a special ear wash from the vet. You can detect an infection by a sort of musty smell coming from the ear.

[@dogie1070]

Now I know how to properly bathe my Charlie🐶

[@iceberrypink4350]

What are your thoughts on conditioning sprays to detangle the coat before a bath? Would you use them to maintain a coat after a bath? Appreciate your thoughts, and Tag's coat looks great!

[@chaskat35]

I don't find much of a difference using detangling sprays. When it comes down to it, good old-fashioned brushing and combing is what does the job.

[@RLB759]

We are planning to get a Cavalier. May I ask you…do you use a flea and tick preventative? What would you recommend? We live on a 100 acre farm, and ticks are a big problem here. Thank you in advance for any help! I LOVE your Cavaliers and your videos are so informative. Thanks!

[@chaskat35]

We are very cautious about using flea/tick prventatives, because many of them have been associated with severe, sometimes fatal, reactions. I never use any of the topical treatments, such as the drops applied to the back of the neck, or any kind of collar. I've seen some awful reactions to those. We monitor our dogs closely for any presence of fleas or ticks. Our first recourse is to treat the environment - clearly easier for us than it would be for you with 100 acres. If we find an infestation, and if it has spread to the dogs, we give our dogs ONE dose of Nexgard. It works well, but there have been some bad reactions to it, so we don't give it on a regular basis.

[@RLB759]

@@chaskat35 thank you for your reply. I plan to have a small area fenced for our little one, so I guess we will have to limit activity to that area. Another question if you don’t mind…what to you recommend for heart worm preventive? Some of them also have flea/tick prevention. Keep those videos coming…I so enjoy watching.

[@chaskat35]

We don't use any heartworm preventative, and we have not had a single case of heartworm in over 40 years with the breed. In the northeast US, the climate is cool enough that it is very difficult for the heartworm larvae to survive, and although adverse reactions to the drug (ivermectin) are rare, I would rather not give it to my dogs if it's not necessary. We recently placed one of our puppies with a local veterinarian, and we asked her if she sees any actual cases of heartworm in this area. She said yes, she does, but ONLY in dogs that come here from states like Florida or Georgia. So if you live in a warm climate, you should consider using Heartgard during the mosquito season. If you are in a climate like ours, you should make an informed decision about whether or not you want to use the medication.

[@joycejenner9262]

What brand of shampoo do you use

[@chaskat35]

Vellus makes a show shampoo that works very well, but I also use a little bit of dishwashing detergent in the paws and ears to help strip out the oils that make them look flat and lackluster.

[@Anisky123]

My boy is almost two and his coat is more than to the floor. He was tripping on his bib and his feathers so I did trim his bib and feathers. I’m not sure what to do about his feathers as he sometimes gets some pee on his tummy and front feathers if it’s windy. Any advice? Thanks! Your dogs are beautiful.

[@chaskat35]

For the boys, we sometimes trim a little around the pee delivery system, so that they don't smell. But I've never had one with coat down to the ground. I imagine that, if I did, and if it was not a show dog, I'd go ahead and trim it to an inch or two above the ground.

[@julievanderleest]

This video is so helpful. Thank you! My dog has very similar fur to a Cavalier. He hates it when I groom him and I can never get to his nails either. I never knew that you could use the hair trimmer on their paws either. I’m going to have to try this because his hair gets really long around his feet. Is there a particular kind of slicker brush you use? I’ve tried a couple in the past and they seem to hurt my dog a little bit. Not sure if it’s his sensitive skin or what the issue is but he will often times yelp when I use that kind of brush. Would you do a video sometime on how you trained your dogs to stay on the towel for a while after their bath? That’s just genius and I would love to have my dog do that too.

[@chaskat35]

The towel has to be wrapped in a certain way - like swaddling a baby. When they are young, we then put them on the table, with a pillow under their head. They quickly learn that they can't easily get out of the towel, and they might as well go to sleep.

[@val_baby7478]

She’s soooo cute!!!!!

[@lindasmith3422]

She takes that ear combing like a champ. I have had 3. Being on my 3rd, she still doesn't like her ears combed regardless of what I use. Any suggestions?

[@chaskat35]

Start very gently, and don't pull hard to work out the knots at first. Regular brushing and combing, starting gently, will get her accustomed to your grooming.

[@dufocar566]

The use of metal comb is to verify that there are no more mats in the coat. Please do not pull on knots, it hurts them... And trim around each paw at the end. Round the tip of ears as well.

[@chaskat35]

I use the metal comb AFTER using thinning shears on the knots. That way, there's very little resistance, and it doesn't hurt them. Rounding or shaping the ears is against the Breed Standard, so we don't do that - especially on the dogs we show.

[@kimberlyfamoly9445]

It would be nice if you linked the products you use or would recommend.

[@chaskat35]

I don't want my videos to turn into a commercial enterprise with endorsements. If you want specific information, email me at [e-mail], and I'll give you my personal recommendations.

[@kathrynmettelka7216]

Forgot to ask about ear infections. A friend with a standard poodle told me that dogs with long floppy ears have a tendency to get ear infections because there is little opportunity for air to reach the ear canals. Is that true for Cavaliers?

[@chaskat35]

Yes, but you can minimize the chance by making sure you don't get water in the ear canal when you bathe them. Once in a while, they will get a yeast infection. It's easy to detect from the smell, and it's easy to treat.

[@kathrynmettelka7216]

@@chaskat35 Glad to know it's easy to treat. The puppies and adult dogs are wonderful and I'm sure you are taking care of them. I've seen some videos by groomers who find the dogs have not been adequately cared for, especially with regard to ear infections and coats so matted that it looked like the dogs had sheets of felt hanging from them.

[@nicolascavalier1074]

Tag is soo well trained that she is in pain and not reacting, poor sweet girl. Brushing from top to bottom causes more knots and creates unnecessary damage, breakage and pain! When untangling, start a few inches from the bottom (the ends) and work your way up (to the roots). Move closer to the skin once you've taken care of all the tangles in the section you're working with. She is sweet and very well trained but this looks really painfull. Her eyes looks sad not sleepy 😞

[@chaskat35]

I do use the back-brushing technique quite a bit when there are tangles. Maybe I should address that in a future video - I tried to keep this one simple.

[@nicolascavalier1074]

@@chaskat35 not sure if back-brushing is what I mean by "start from the bottom". but I would love to see that in future video

[@Grannyblack]

How do you clean their face and tear stains? Thank you!

[@chaskat35]

We don't have much of a problem with tear stains, but there are moistened wipes you can buy for that purpose. I wouldn't use any of the internal medications that are available - the only ones that work are the ones with antibiotics, and it's not a good idea to have a dog on them on a regular basis.

[@crystallevy5948]

She's so beautiful! We are getting a tricolor baby girl December 23! 🥰 Anyone have name suggestions? Unique, cute, royal names??

[@betsybrennan7101]

Duchess

[@emmajames139]

Which shampoo and conditioner is that that you use?

[@chaskat35]

We use a premium show shampoo made by Vellus. It's pretty expensive, but it leaves a silky coat with a nice fragrance. I buy it on line.

[@rdstobbart]

Why is Tag so sleepy when it seems the brushing is pulling hard? Is she tranquilized? Just wondering.

[@chaskat35]

Not tranquillized. First of all, she is old, and most of them mellow when they get older. Second, she is a seasoned show dog, and has gotten accustomed to being combed, brushed, etc. Third, she has a very calm personality, and rarely gets too excited (except about food).

[@donnablankenship6623]

Wish my cavapoo would be that good.

[@Transcreations_]

Your dog are so well trained! My cavalier acts like I'm murdering him any time I try to cut his nails! I've never cut the quip btw he's just a drama queen.

[@isabelsalas7124]

Does all that tugging on the hair hurt? I know my head would hurt if I pull my hair that much ☺️☺️☺️

[@chaskat35]

The only time they react is when I'm combing really hard on a knot of hair. That's when the thinning shears come into play.

[@misspittsburgh6073]

I guess I was under the impression that you were going to "groom" Tag meaning cut or trim her. 🤔 I wish I could find a good groomer who specializes in grooming a Cavalier. Nobody here in Tennessee seems to know what they're doing. My baby is 4 years old now and she's 22 lbs. She does not fit in the kitchen sink anymore so I bathe her in the bathtub. I notice different sizes of this breed. They aren't all 16 or 18 lbs. They vary in size. I was hoping she would be smaller in size when she grew to full size but it just wasn't the case. Her mother had a litter of 5 and she was the only female. I love and adore her just the same.

[@chaskat35]

Cavaliers should not be cut or heavily trimmed, so grooming for them does not include this. They need their top coat and undercoat, so the "puppy cut" is not good for them. The feathering, which requires regular combing and brushing, gives them their characteristic look, so it also should not be trimmed.

[@misspittsburgh6073]

@@chaskat35 Right....I would like to keep her back hair growing long but the groomer forgets and trims it. I tell her to keep her leg hair long (just trim) and keep her "skirt". The last time she shaved her face and whiskers. That's a big no-no in the grooming industry unless you are "showing" a dog, a dog's whiskers should not be shaved. Am I right? I will say something to her next time I see her, but I was pretty mad when I saw what she did. She has never done that before unless she had someone else do her face, not sure. Also I noticed she shaved very close to her eyes where it almost looked like she had razor burn. It was too close. 🤬

[@chaskat35]

Whiskers should never be shaved off. If I were you, I would be looking for a new groomer - one who will listen to what you want.

[@alijames180]

I brush my girl’s ears every day so that when she sees her groomer each week or fortnight. I clean her ears with a baby wipe every day too, it’s very humid here in Queensland AUSTRALIA.

[@chaskat35]

I wish every Cavalier owner did that!

[@pmccoy5511]

Bless you for all your caring. Merry Christmas and happy Boxing Day!

[@puppysmummy]

gosh you really pull her hair hard. My dogs would scream if i pulled their hair like that. I hold the roots while i tease the ends first.

[@carolgemmell1060]

Thought you were going to pull her of the table poor soul

[@bwigiwigington4360]

Ouch! Is she drugged? You were pulling so hard on her hair!

[@melissachacon2181]

Here’s a tip, look for no sulfates fast hair growth shampoo.

[@CatherineCalonlan]

Cavaliers are single coated

[@chaskat35]

There is quite a bit of diversity on this issue. All you have to do is Google it, and you'll see them described as double-coated on some sites, and single-coated on others. I lean toward the double-coated point of view, because in my experience, when a Cavalier is shaved down, the coat simply does not come back the same - ever.

[@Liondoggirl]

Yes the vet told me at her puppy wellness check mine has curley hair on chest and legs not silky feathering unless you have to train the hair

[@Alwaysquestion7856]

A better quality hair dryer would be WAY more quiet.

[@galinababutkaya7792]

Так грубо чесали бедного песика.

[@Sealust50]

There is also an aparatus known as a COMB. There should be absolutely NO NEED to cut out a tangle or debris. This is why DAILY BRUSHING AND COMBING is so important.

[@chaskat35]

Unfortunately, most dog owners don't comb and brush daily. The usual solution they turn to is to have a groomer clip everything short, which is not good for the dog's coat. I was giving them an alternative to clipping. Even we, as dog show exhibitors who groom our dogs regularly, will find knots in our dogs' coats from time to time. With their long coats, Cavaliers are very prone to these tangles and mats, and they develop literally overnight. What I demonstrated is a way to remove them without compromising the overall condition of the coat.

[@paulawalters5618]

Gosh...he's so rough with his brushing. Poor dog