With their sweet expressions and spirited personalities, Cavoodles (also known as Cavapoos) are beloved for their charm and intelligence. A mix of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle, they make for a gentle yet lively companion that adapts well to many lifestyles. Naturally sociable and smart, Cavoodles are typically a pleasure to train. 

In this guide, we’ll walk through effective training strategies for Cavoodles, touching on their temperament, health factors, and ways to maximise their learning. 

Read more: Cavoodle breed insights: care, personality, and expert tips 

Cavoodle temperament and trainability 

Cavoodles are affectionate, eager to please, and highly adaptable. These traits make them ideal candidates for training, especially when sessions are approached with positivity and consistency. 

While generally compliant, Cavoodles can be sensitive. Harsh methods or inconsistency can lead to reluctance or anxiety. Instead, opt for a gentle, rewards-based style that encourages trust and enthusiasm. 

Health considerations that can affect training 

Some health issues may impact your Cavoodle's comfort or ability to concentrate, including: 

Skin sensitivities and allergies: Cavoodles may be prone to skin allergies or sensitivities, leading to itching, redness, or irritation. Such discomfort can distract them during training and affect their well-being. Regular grooming and a diet containing vitamin E, zinc and ingredients with antioxidant properties can help maintain healthy skin.   

Joint conditions: Joint issues, including patellar luxation (a developmental condition where the kneecap isn’t aligned correctly, causing it to slip out of place), can impact a Cavoodle's mobility and willingness to participate in physical activities. Providing a complete and balanced diet with high-quality protein and rich in omega fatty acids, maintaining an appropriate exercise routine and a healthy weight can support your pup's joints.  

If your Cavoodle appears disinterested in training or unusually reactive, it’s worth checking in with your vet to rule out any underlying issues. 

Read more: Understanding your Cavoodle health issues: how real food can help

How real food fuels your Cavoodle's focus 

Just like us, dogs learn best when they’re feeling healthy, balanced and energised. Diet plays a big role in your pup’s ability to focus, stay calm, and retain information. 

Cavoodles benefit from: 

• Steady energy sources like butternut squash and purple sweet potato, have a low glycaemic load and help release energy slowly.  

• Essential fatty acids like DHA and EPA (omega-3s from fish, mussels, and fish oil) support brain health and development, memory, and learning.  

• Fresh, bioactive nutrients from ingredients like shiitake mushrooms and blueberries support immunity, skin health, and overall wellbeing.  

“A fresh food diet packed with brain-boosting nutrients supports your dog’s ability to learn and adapt. Omega-3s, especially DHA, are critical for memory and cognitive function.” 

– Dr Alex England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)  

Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience.

All Lyka meals are formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to provide complete and balanced nutrition for learning, growth, and everyday health. 

Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training 

Exercise first for improved focus 

Though not as high-energy as some breeds, Cavoodles still need daily activity. Gentle exercise can help release pent-up energy and improve training success. 

Try: 

• Walks that allow time to sniff and explore 

• Short bursts of play before training 

• Mentally stimulating games, like hide-and-seek or puzzle toys 

Always keep an eye on signs of fatigue, especially if your Cavoodle is still a puppy or has joint issues. 

Training tips for Cavoodles 

Training a Cavoodle is a joyful and bonding experience when approached with consistency and patience. 

Keep sessions short, sweet, and full of positive vibes. Here’s what works best: 

Positive reinforcement 

This is the gold standard for training. Marking good behaviour with rewards like praise, affection, treats, or continued interaction, teaches your pup how to behave and supports a strong and positive relationship. 
 
Double up on rewards to mark excellent responses from your Labradoodle, like praise and a pat, or praise and a treat. 

Find their favourite motivator 

Discovering your pup’s hierarchy of high-value rewards is a great way to keep your Labradoodle motivated. Is it a nibble of roast chicken, their favourite squeaky toy, or playtime with you? 

Lyka’s Piggy Training Perks are a high-value, low-calorie treat that’s designed to keep your pup motivated and rewarded during training.  

Train at the right time 

Sometimes dogs don’t have the energy or desire to learn, especially if they’re too tired, too full, or hot and bothered. 

Mental enrichment through training can be tiring for dogs, so find the right time to train and stop if you notice your dog starting to lose focus or fatigue. 

Stay consistent 

Consistency is key to training. Not just in setting your expectations, but in using the same verbal and non-verbal cues. 

Be playful and engaging 

Labradoodles can pick up on your mood. Keep your sessions fun and your positive energy will be contagious. 

Watch their body language 

If your pup starts to show signs of stress or tiredness, give them a break. If they’ve reached saturation point, it can be counterproductive to persevere. You can always come back to the training at another point. 

Training your Cavoodle puppy 

Cavoodle puppies are curious and eager, making early training particularly effective. 

What works? 

• A regular toilet routine 

• Positive crate training for safe sleep and downtime 

• Early and controlled socialisation with people, dogs, sounds, places and situations 

Like most small breeds, Cavoodles can be sensitive to harsh tones or corrections, so stick to force-free training methods that build trust and confidence.  

Read more: Force-free puppy training: what the experts want you to know 

Training your adult Cavoodle 

Just because your Cavoodle’s out of puppyhood doesn’t mean the training stops. In fact, ongoing mental stimulation is essential to keep their mind sharp and behaviour balanced. 

This might look like: 

• Reinforcing polite greetings at the door 

• Learning new tricks or games 

• Adjusting to life changes, like moving house 

• Training for mobility support, like using a ramp in senior years 

Dogs have neuroplasticity, meaning their brains adapt and change making them lifelong learners. Keep training light and engaging and celebrate progress, no matter how small. 

Read more: Training adult dogs: expert tips to boost learning, brain health & bonding 

When to call in a trainer or behaviourist 

Not sure if your Cavoodle’s quirks are just stubbornness — or something deeper? 

A trainer is your go-to for obedience, manners, and routine behaviours. A qualified behaviourist, on the other hand, is best for issues like: 

• Reactivity 

• Anxiety or phobias 

• Aggression 

• Resource guarding 

They work closely with your vet to address underlying causes and create a tailored plan. The earlier you seek support, the easier it is to create lasting change. 

“If training your dog is very challenging, it may be worth considering a trainer or a behaviourist. A trainer can help you identify what may be triggering their behaviour and show you how to help your dog cope in those situations. The solution may be as simple as reframing what we expect from our dogs and our behaviours around them.”   

- Laura V, qualified dog behaviourist 

New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together 

Training your Cavoodle is a journey — one that requires consistency, creativity, and compassion. Whether you’re navigating house training with a stubborn puppy or teaching your senior dog new routines, every small win is a step toward a calmer, more connected life together. 

And remember, a well-fed brain is a trainable brain. Supporting your Cavoodle’s learning with fresh, real food meals helps unlock their full potential. 

Lyka nourishes hundreds of Cavoodles across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.