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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.

Attention is the first cue

Name response & focus

Your puppy’s name has one meaning: “Look at me.” It does not mean “come,” it does not mean “stop,” and it must never become a reprimand.

The name game

  1. Say the name once Choose a random calm moment when the puppy is near you but looking elsewhere.
  2. Mark the turn The instant the puppy turns towards you, mark. Do not wait for a sit or a full approach.
  3. Reward and move on Deliver the reward, then return to normal life. Complete 20 repetitions each day, spread across the whole day.
Watercolour three-step eye-contact exercise using a food lure, marker word and reward
TREAT TO EYES = bring the reward beside your eyes; YES = mark the instant the dog looks; REWARD = deliver the food promptly.

Build voluntary attention

Engage–Disengage

Reward the look you did not ask for

Voluntary attention is more valuable than attention that appears only after a cue. Mark whenever the puppy chooses to glance at you, then gradually practise around a view through the window, another dog or children.

Look at that

Looking is allowed; returning attention pays

Let the puppy look at the trigger. When it finishes looking and turns back, mark and reward. This foundation later helps the puppy disengage from movement, unfamiliar people and social excitement.

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