With their bubbly charm and affectionate personalities, Spoodles (aka Cockapoos) are the epitome of joy. These delightful hybrids — a mix of Cocker Spaniel and Poodle — are not only adorable but also highly intelligent and eager to please, making them generally easy to train. Their friendly nature and social energy make them well-suited to families, singles, and seniors alike. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to bring out the best in your Spoodle — from understanding their natural eagerness to please and how to work with their quirks. We’ll also look at how real food supports sharper focus and calmer behaviour, giving your pup every advantage to succeed. 

Read more: Spoodle breed insights: care, personality & expert tips 

Spoodle temperament and trainability 

Spoodles are playful, affectionate, and people-oriented — traits inherited from both parent breeds. They form strong bonds with their humans and thrive on attention and praise, which makes them highly trainable with the right approach. 

Thanks to their Poodle lineage, they’re intelligent and quick learners, while the Cocker Spaniel influence adds a desire to please. However, some Spoodles may inherit a touch of the Spaniel's distractibility or the Poodle’s sensitivity. Early training and socialisation are essential to channel their enthusiasm in the right direction. 

Spoodles respond best to positive reinforcement and consistency. Training sessions that are engaging and reward-based will help them flourish and cement your bond. 

Health considerations that can affect training 

Spoodles are generally robust, but there are a few breed-specific health issues that may influence their behaviour and training: 

• Skin sensitivities and allergies: Spoodles 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 hip dysplasia, can impact a Spoodle'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 Spoodle seems unusually reactive, disengaged, or slow to respond, a vet check is a good starting point to make sure there’s no underlying health condition. 

How real food fuels your Spoodle’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. 

Spoodles 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, or fish oil), support brain health and development, memory, and learning. 

• Fresh, bioactive nutrients from ingredients like blueberries and shiitake mushrooms 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 

Spoodles have moderate to high energy levels and benefit from daily exercise to help regulate their mood and enhance focus during training. 

Consider: 

• Morning walks to release pent-up energy before a training session 

• Games like fetch or tug to combine mental and physical stimulation 

• Agility or obedience exercises for advanced learners 

A well-exercised Spoodle is calmer, more attentive, and more receptive to learning. 

Training tips for Spoodles 

Training a Spoodle is often a joyful experience — their eagerness to please and playfulness makes them a pleasure to teach. 

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 Spoodle, 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 Spoodle 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 

Dogs are sensitive souls that 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 Spoodle puppy 

Spoodle puppies are curious, affectionate, and full of zest — but they also have short attention spans and a lot to learn. 

Focus on: 

• A regular toilet routine. 

• Positive crate training for safe sleep and downtime. 

• Early, controlled socialisation with people, dogs, and new environments.  

Spoodles are sensitive to tone and negative feedback, so avoid harsh corrections. Stick to force-free methods that encourage confidence and trust. 

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

Training your adult Spoodle 

Just because your Spoodle’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. 

When to call in a trainer or behaviourist 

Not sure if your Spoodle’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 Spoodle 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 Spoodle’s learning with fresh, real food meals helps unlock their full potential. 

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