How to Train a Cavoodle: Behaviour Tips Backed by Experts

Cavoodles are the very definition of companion dogs. A delightful cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, they’re known for being affectionate, playful, and always keen to be wherever their people are. Pet parents often describe their Cavoodle following from room to room, always hoping to be part of the action, or curling up right on your lap the moment you sit down.

But raising a Cavoodle isn’t all cosy cuddles and wagging tails. These dogs are clever, sensitive, and have a knack for reading the room. That means they can pick up both good habits and cheeky ones in no time at all. Many Cavoodle owners quickly learn just how easily this breed can develop a habit of barking for attention or struggling to cope when left alone, simply because they bond so strongly.

Cavoodles are beautifully trainable when approached with kindness and consistency. This training guide is packed with practical, breed-savvy advice to help you navigate the ups and downs of Cavoodle training and build a bond that lasts for life.

We've also created a handy downloadable puppy training checklist to help you build your routine and celebrate your puppy's progress week by week.

Cavoodles are affectionate and emotionally switched on. They pick up on subtle cues, from your mood to the shift of your shoulders, which makes them deeply connected companions. But that same sensitivity also means they’re prone to stress if they’re confused, left out, or left alone for too long.

Their Poodle heritage brings sharp intelligence, while the Cavalier side adds a gentle, people-loving nature. Together, you get a dog that’s eager to please but can also be a little too clever, finding sneaky ways to get attention or test boundaries. Without early structure, it’s common to see Cavoodles develop habits like barking at passersby, jumping up on visitors, or getting anxious when routines change.

Getting in early with a training plan and sticking to predictable daily patterns to keep them happy, settled, and well-behaved.

Cavoodles are affectionate, social, and incredibly intuitive. But their sensitive nature and love of company can sometimes lead to behaviour patterns that need extra support. With the right training approach, most of these challenges are manageable and often improve quickly.

Separation Anxiety

Cavoodles are deeply people-focused, which can make time alone difficult. If not gently prepared for solo moments, they may bark, pace, or become unsettled when left.

To build independence:

• Practice short, quiet departures and gradually increase time alone
• Offer comfort through enrichment toys or calming chews
• Keep greetings and goodbyes low-key to avoid emotional spikes

Jumping and Overexcitement

Cavoodles love saying hello, often with full-body enthusiasm. While it is charming, it can be overwhelming for guests or small children.

To encourage calm greetings:

• Teach a sit cue and reward them when all four paws stay on the ground
• Practice with familiar people before applying it in more exciting settings
• Avoid giving attention while they are jumping

Barking at the Unknown

Alert barking is common in Cavoodles, especially when something new appears in their environment. Left unchecked, this can become a frequent habit.

To manage barking:

• Teach a quiet cue and reward your dog for stopping
• Use white noise or window covers to reduce visual triggers
• Redirect their focus with treats or a favourite toy

Impulse Control and Food Scavenging

These dogs are clever and curious, which can lead to counter surfing or persistent begging. They often figure out where the snacks live and how to get to them.

To improve manners around food:

• Practice “leave it” using low-value items and work up
• Offer puzzle feeders or snuffle mats to meet their need to forage
• Keep high-value food items out of reach between meals

Recall in Busy Environments

Cavoodles usually come running indoors, but parks and new smells can be far more interesting than your voice. Reliable recall takes practice.

To strengthen recall:

• Use a long lead to rehearse recall in distraction-free spaces
• Reward heavily when your dog comes back, even if it took a moment
• Gradually increase the level of distraction as your dog improves

Social Sensitivity and Overstimulation

Cavoodles enjoy being around others, but too much excitement can make them feel overwhelmed. Some become frantic or reactive when overstimulated.

To support emotional regulation:

• Watch for signs like lip licking, yawning, or sudden zooming
• Provide rest breaks during group play or outings
• Use calming cues or move to a quieter space when needed

The first few months with a Cavoodle puppy are crucial. Between 8 and 16 weeks, they’re like little sponges, absorbing everything they see, hear, and smell. Gentle exposure to new people, calm dogs, household noises, and short car trips helps set them up to be more confident adults.

Positive reinforcement is especially important with Cavoodles. They respond beautifully to gentle voices, tasty treats, and clear praise. Avoid heavy-handed corrections—they’re sensitive enough that it often backfires, leaving them confused or nervous.

Focus on the essentials early:

• Crate training helps teach alone time and gives them a safe place to rest.
• Toilet training works best with a routine: straight outside after naps, meals, and play.
• Bite inhibition happens through gentle play and redirecting puppy teeth onto appropriate toys.

Short, happy training sessions keep them engaged without overwhelming them. A little daily practice goes a long way in preventing future problem behaviours.

Further reading: The Vet’s Puppy Guide: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Once your Cavoodle puppy is settled into home life, it’s time to start building up their everyday manners. These little dogs are smart and love to please, but their short attention spans mean you’ll get the best results with quick, upbeat sessions and plenty of rewards.

Begin with the essentials:

• Sit, stay, and come give you control in busy spots.
• Loose-leash walking stops tugging before it becomes a habit.
• Practising calm behaviours at the door or around visitors helps manage that Cavoodle excitement.

Cavoodles can usually give you five or so minutes of focused work at a time. Rather than pushing long drills, scatter your training across the day—ask for a sit before meals, a stay before opening the door, or a recall game in the backyard.

Mental enrichment is every bit as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, treat-stuffed toys, or even a simple game of “find it” with kibble sprinkled in the grass keeps that bright little mind engaged and less likely to invent mischief.

If you are welcoming an older Cavoodle or setting new boundaries for a long-time companion, adult training is absolutely worthwhile. Cavoodles stay eager to learn throughout life, especially when training feels like quality time.

Start by looking at what they already understand. Reinforce the habits you want to keep, and gently guide them away from less helpful behaviours. With clear cues and regular practice, even long-standing quirks can start to shift.

Training also helps strengthen your bond. Many adult Cavoodles enjoy the mental stimulation and attention that comes with one-on-one learning. It gives them structure, confidence, and a sense of purpose.

Tips for adult training:

• Keep daily routines balanced with walks, sniffing time, and rest
• Break skills into small steps and reward progress along the way
• Stay consistent and avoid frustration — calm redirection works best

At what age should I start training my Cavoodle, and is puppy preschool enough?

Start from the day your puppy comes home, usually around 8 weeks. Puppy preschool is fantastic for early social skills, but you’ll still need to keep up daily training at home to cement those lessons.

Do Cavoodles need a different training approach than other breeds?

They do. Cavoodles are both clever and sensitive, which means harsh methods or unpredictable rules can knock their confidence. They learn best through calm, positive reinforcement.

Why does my Cavoodle behave perfectly at home but ignore me in public?

It’s normal. New smells, people, and dogs can be very distracting. Practice cues in low-distraction areas first, then slowly build up to busier spots so your Cavoodle learns to focus anywhere.

How much daily exercise does a Cavoodle need to stay calm?

Most Cavoodles thrive on about 30 to 60 minutes of activity split across the day, plus some mental work like puzzle toys or short training games. It helps keep their body and busy mind satisfied.

Can Cavoodles be crate trained, or does it make them anxious?

When introduced properly, crates are a brilliant tool. Cavoodles often come to see them as a cosy, secure den. Always make the crate a positive place with treats, toys, and calm downtime.

Cavoodles bring so much heart to a home. With their affectionate nature and sharp little minds, they’re a joy to train—so long as you approach it with gentle consistency and a clear plan.

Remember, it’s not about forcing perfect obedience. The real goal is building trust and understanding so your Cavoodle knows how to navigate the world confidently, with you by their side. A kind, structured start pays off for life, giving you a happy, well-mannered dog who’s truly part of the family.

This article was written by Dr Jack Ayerbe

Vets Love Pets follows rigorous sourcing standards, drawing only from peer-reviewed veterinary studies, recognised university research, and trusted industry or government bodies. Every fact is checked against credible, evidence-based references to keep our content accurate, transparent, and veterinarian-approved.

• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Position Statement on Humane Dog Training.
• ASPCA. General Training Tips and Behavioural Management for Dogs.
• Laule, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (2003). Positive reinforcement training and environmental enrichment.