When you bring your Cava Inu puppy home around week 8, it’s a crucial time for establishing routines and building trust. Always provide fresh water and a dry environment. Your pup will be happy at room temperature for the first few weeks after you bring them home. However, if it is winter and you are heating your home, watch for signs of overheating such as excessive panting or drooling. As Cava Inus are double-coated, they will thrive in cooler weather as they get older and may prefer to shelter from the sun. Providing them with a cool mat in summer, whilst not essential, can help keep them comfortable.
While crate training is always an excellent option, Cava Inus can be stubborn and vocal, and you may have greater success with other methods of reinforcement training. Having a den or crated area for your Cava Inu to feel safe and call their own space is wonderful, however, trying to confine them to that space against their will may lead to some toddler meltdowns, as they prefer to be near and part of their family pack.
It is best not to take your puppy outside for walks until two weeks after their second vaccination, which is usually a month after you get them (aged 12 weeks). You can venture into your own backyard for toilet training, or sit on your front lawn with them and watch the world go by, but it's important to remain aware of the risks of bugs and parasites at this time.
Socialization is key, so use these first four weeks at home to introduce your puppy to different people, sounds, and environments in a positive manner. Always supervise interactions with young children or other pets to ensure the experience remains safe and enjoyable. Cava Inus love treats, so keep plenty at hand!
It’s important to follow a recommended vaccination schedule for your puppy to protect them from common diseases. Below is a general guide:
Cava Inus are not well-suited to apartment living and ideally require a garden for outdoor play. They are an active breed that thrives on regular exercise. A daily walk is essential to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. If possible, more frequent exercise is recommended to ensure they stay healthy and engaged.
Around 6 months of age, you can begin transitioning your Cava Inu from puppy food to adult food. It’s important to do this gradually over 7-10 days to avoid stomach upset. Start by mixing a small amount of adult food with their regular puppy food, and increase the adult food portion while decreasing the puppy food portion each day. Cava Inus are medium-sized dogs, so choose a balanced diet specifically formulated for their size.
Cava Inus have a double coat, which means they will require regular grooming to keep their fur healthy and mat-free. Aim to brush your dog’s coat at least 2-3 times a week. During shedding seasons (spring and autumn), you may need to brush daily to reduce the amount of fur around the house and prevent matting. Occasional baths will keep their coat clean, but be careful not to over-bathe as it can strip their coat of natural oils.
Regular worming is important for your Cava Inu's health. Puppies should be wormed every 2 weeks until they are 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months. After that, adult dogs should be wormed every 3 months. Flea treatments should be administered monthly or as advised by your vet. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian will help ensure your Cava Inu is up-to-date with vaccinations, parasite treatments, and overall health assessments.
As your Cava Inu reaches 6 months and beyond, they’ll start settling into their adult life. Keep up with their regular vet visits, maintain their grooming routine, and continue providing a balanced diet. Exercise should include daily walks and playtime, which will help keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Training and socialization should continue to ensure they remain well-behaved and adaptable in various environments.