Expressions of Interest Julie on 0211588445 bettercavs@gmail.com www.bettercavs.co.nz Welcome Let’s get to know you This is not a test and there is no perfect home on paper. Renting, working, having children, being a first-time owner, or not having a fully fenced section are not automatic negatives. Your answers help BetterCavs understand your household, match the right puppy where possible, and give you useful Better Path guidance for a safe, confident start. Please answer openly. We’ll explain why each question matters as you go.Your full name *So each application and email can be clearly identified.Your email address *We’ll use this to reply to your application.Best phone number *Town, city or region *Best time for a phone or FaceTime chatOptional — morning, afternoon, evening, or particular days.Household Your household A puppy settles into a whole household, not just one person. These answers help us provide age-appropriate information for children, introductions for other family members, and any extra transition support that may help.Who lives in your household? *Please include the adults, children’s ages (not names), and any children who visit regularly.Is there anything we could explain or provide to make the puppy’s transition easier for your household?Optional — for example, information for children, a first-time dog owner, an older family member, or accessibility needs.Who will be the puppy’s main caregiver? *You may list more than one person.Is everyone in the household comfortable and supportive about bringing home a puppy? *If anyone is unsure, please tell us — it helps us support a calm and realistic transition.YesNot yet — we would like guidanceHome safety A safe place to grow These questions are not pass-or-fail. They help us spot practical risks and give you useful guidance before puppy arrives — such as gates for stairs, leads near roads, safe toileting arrangements, and plans for pools, balconies or livestock. Puppies do not automatically understand edges or stairs. We generally discourage repeated stair use, racing and jumping while they are growing. A gate, non-slip surfaces, carrying when practical, and calm, controlled introductions can help.Are dogs permitted at your current property? *Owning your home is not required. We only need to know that the puppy is permitted and whether any landlord or body-corporate conditions apply.YesYes, with conditionsI still need to confirmIs the outdoor area fully fenced and secure for a small puppy? *Not having a fully fenced section is not an automatic negative — tell us how you will manage safe access.YesPartly fencedNoPlease describe your home and the puppy’s toileting or outdoor area *For example: house, apartment or lifestyle property; private garden, courtyard, balcony or shared area.How will you manage outdoor access and any safety risks? *Please describe gates, leads, supervision or changes you plan to make. It is fine to say that you would like guidance.Which of these are part of the puppy’s environment? *Select all that apply so we can send the most relevant safety information.Road or busy drivewayPool, pond or other open waterStairs or split levelsBalcony, deck or open railingsLivestock or large animalsNone of theseFirst few weeks The first few weeks Your puppy will arrive as an absolute baby. We need to understand who will help them feel safe and how unavoidable absences will be managed during the first few weeks — not just the first day or two. Being home should not mean the puppy is never separated from you. Once settled and feeling safe, begin very short, positive periods in a secure pen or sleeping area while you are nearby, then extend gradually. This builds confidence and reduces the risk of separation anxiety. It does not mean leaving a baby puppy for long periods or using “cry it out”.Who will be with the puppy during the first few weeks, and what will their role be? *Please include work-from-home arrangements, leave from work, family members, neighbours or a puppy sitter.What is your plan if the puppy must be left during those first few weeks? *Tell us who can help, where puppy will be safely contained, and how toileting, comfort and supervision will be handled.What secure pen or sleeping area will you use, and how will you practise very short, positive separations? *It is completely fine if you would like Better Path guidance on setting this up.What will the puppy’s usual routine be after the settling period? *Please include typical work hours, school runs, regular time away and who will provide care.What is the longest you expect the puppy to be alone at one time? *An estimate is fine. This helps us discuss age-appropriate expectations and support.Safe world Protected from disease, not isolated from life Young puppies need safe, positive exposure to the world while their vaccination protection is still developing. They can join you on carried outings or in a clean carrier, pram or on their own blanket, and visit trusted private homes or gardens with healthy, fully vaccinated dogs. Until your vet confirms the puppy is protected, avoid putting them down on public grass, dog parks, high-use footpaths, carparks, pet-store floors and communal dog areas where unknown or unvaccinated dogs may have been. Short, happy experiences and calm introductions build confidence without taking unnecessary health risks.Please tell us about any animals already in your homeInclude species, age, sex, temperament, health status and how they respond to unfamiliar dogs.How will you introduce the puppy to your existing animals?It is fine to ask for Better Path guidance on slow, supervised introductions.Where do you expect to take the puppy before their vaccinations are complete? *This helps us tailor safe socialisation advice to your plans.Which safe early experiences are you interested in providing? *Select all that apply.Carried outings to see and hear the worldA clean carrier, pram or personal blanketTrusted private homes or gardensCalm contact with healthy, fully vaccinated dogsGentle household sounds, surfaces and handlingI would like guidance on thisWill you follow your veterinarian’s vaccination advice before allowing the puppy onto public ground? *We will also provide BetterCavs guidance for balancing disease protection with safe socialisation.YesI would like to discuss this firstPuppy match Finding the right fit Colour and sex preferences are useful, but temperament, energy, household rhythm and the puppy’s individual needs matter just as much. These questions help us understand what you hope life with your Cavalier will feel like and where you may be flexible.When would you ideally like to welcome a puppy? *Please give a rough timeframe and mention any dates that would not work.What role do you hope your puppy will have in your life? *Select all that apply.Loved companionFamily dogTherapy or emotional-support prospectShow prospectActivity or training partnerStill exploringWhat temperament and lifestyle would suit your household best? *For example: quieter or adventurous, children, visitors, work-from-home, travel, training goals or other needs.Why have you chosen a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel? *Tell us what you understand and love about the breed.Why BetterCavs, and what would you value from Better Path support? *How flexible are you about colour and sex if another puppy is a better temperament match? *There is no wrong answer — honest preferences help us plan.Very flexibleSomewhat flexibleI have a strong preferenceBetter Path Your Better Path The application is the beginning of the support, not the end of it. Tell us where you feel confident and where you would value extra information. Honest answers help us tailor guidance for your puppy and household. We encourage kind, reward-based training, realistic planning for veterinary care, and a reliable care plan for holidays or emergencies.Please tell us about your previous experience with dogsIf you have owned dogs before, include where they are now. First-time owners are welcome.How will you plan for routine and unexpected veterinary costs, holidays and emergency care? *You might use pet insurance, savings, family support, a trusted sitter, boarding or another practical plan. It is fine to ask for guidance.Is there anything else you would like us to know?You can also tell us how you heard about BetterCavs.Which Better Path topics would be most useful to you?Select as many as you like.The first days and settling inSleep, toileting and a secure penSafe socialisation before full vaccinationShort, positive separation practiceChildren or other animalsFeeding, grooming and veterinary careReward-based training and puppy classesAre you prepared to use kind, reward-based training and ask for help if something is not working? *We do not support fear, pain or punishment-based training.YesI would like to learn more firstPlease confirm *I confirm that the information I have provided is accurate. I understand that submitting an application does not guarantee or reserve a puppy, and that matching considers both the puppy and the family. I give BetterCavs permission to contact me about this application and to use these details privately for assessment and ongoing puppy support.Send my puppy application
