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Positive training · From eight weeks

Cavoodle Puppy Training Manual

From 8 Weeks

Cavoodle: a predictable bed cue supports calm settling and brief, gradual independence.

29 chapters · English / 中文

Watercolour illustration of a Cavoodle puppy resting calmly in a wicker basket bed with a soft blanket indoors
Cavoodle: a predictable bed cue supports calm settling and brief, gradual independence.

Breed profile

Training group
Toy and companion dogs
Origin
A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel × Poodle cross and one of Australia's most common crossbreeds.
Weight
4–12 kg
Coat
Curly or wavy coat requiring regular clipping
Coat care
Build cooperative acceptance of brushing, combing, coat parting, dryer and clipper sounds, and standing on a stable non-slip grooming surface.
Drive keywords
Living closely with people · Human connection · Problem-solving where expressed · Retrieving where expressed
Handling practice
Condition the brush, comb, coat parting, dryer and clipper sound separately on a stable non-slip surface; one easy voluntary step is training, while a forced full groom is not. · Practise calm paw and whole-body handling while the puppy remains supported on the ground, and teach a voluntary approach before lifting so carrying does not replace confidence work.

General reference range only; individual dogs vary considerably.

Precision before vocabulary

Marker training foundations

A marker is one short, consistent sound—a clicker click or a spoken “Yes!”—that means: “That exact behaviour; your reward is coming.”

Charge the marker in three steps

  1. Choose a quiet environment Remove toys, people and movement so the sound is the only new information.
  2. Marker, then food within one second ×15 Make the sound once, then deliver one piece of food within one second. The puppy does not need to perform a cue.
  3. Test the association Make the marker sound while the puppy is not already watching you. An immediate turn towards you means charging is complete.
Watercolour diagram showing the timing of a marker word and food reward
YES = marker word; TREAT WITHIN 2 SECONDS = reward promptly. This manual uses a stricter one-second training target.

Reward placement sets up the next action

Keep the position

Feed at the puppy’s mouth

To maintain a sit, bring the food directly to the mouth so the puppy does not need to stand or step forward.

Reset for another repetition

Toss the food away

To have the puppy get up and repeat, toss the food away, let the puppy collect it, then set up the behaviour again.

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