How to Prepare for a Cavoodle Puppy: Your Complete Family Guide

Cavoodles are quickly becoming one of Australia’s most beloved dog breeds — and it’s easy to see why. With their teddy bear looks, affectionate nature, and low-shedding coats, these adorable pups are a perfect fit for families, singles, and retirees alike. But before you welcome your new best mate into your home, it’s essential to prepare your space, your schedule, and your mindset for the exciting journey ahead.

Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or adding to your pack, this guide will help you confidently prepare for your Cavoodle puppy’s arrival — ensuring a safe, happy, and healthy start.

Creating a Safe and Puppy-Proof Home

Puppies are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings — often with their mouths! That’s why puppy-proofing your home is one of the first and most important steps.

Inside the Home:

• Secure electrical cords with cord covers or hide them behind furniture to prevent chewing.
• Remove small objects like coins, buttons, and children’s toys that could be swallowed.
• Install baby gates to block off stairs or rooms that are off-limits.
• Keep cleaning products, medications, and sharp objects in locked cupboards or high shelves.
• Use pet-safe cleaning products to avoid toxic exposure (RSPCA Australia, 2023).

In the Garden:

• Check fencing for gaps or holes — Cavoodles are small and can squeeze through tight spaces.
• Remove toxic plants such as lilies, azaleas, and sago palms. These are harmful if ingested (RSPCA Knowledgebase, 2023).
• Secure bins, tools, and chemicals to prevent accidents.

Must-Have Puppy Essentials

Before your Cavoodle arrives, make sure you have the right gear to keep them comfortable, safe, and happy.

• 🛏️ Comfortable Bed: Choose a soft, washable bed that’s the right size for a small breed.
• 🏠 Crate: A crate provides a secure space for your puppy to rest and is a powerful tool for toilet training. Learn more in our Cavoodle crate training guide. It should be large enough for your puppy to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably (RSPCA Australia, 2023).
• 🧻 Pee Pads: Useful for early toilet training, especially if your puppy isn’t fully vaccinated yet.
• 🍽️ Food & Water Bowls: Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are hygienic and easy to clean.
• 🐾 Collar, Lead & ID Tag: Ensure your puppy is identifiable and safe when out and about.
• 🧸 Toys: Include chew toys, puzzle toys, and soft toys (see our best toys for Cavoodle puppies guide) to keep your puppy mentally stimulated and entertained.
• 🧼 Grooming Supplies: Cavoodles need regular grooming. Invest in a slicker brush, puppy shampoo, nail clippers, and ear-cleaning solution.
• 🐶 High-Quality Puppy Food: Choose a premium brand formulated for small breed puppies. Look for products that meet AAFCO standards and are recommended by your vet (Pet Food Industry Association of Australia, 2023).

Establishing a Routine: Sleep, Play & Toilet Training

Cavoodles thrive on structure. A consistent daily routine helps your puppy feel secure and supports successful training.

Sample Daily Schedule:

• 7:00 AM – Wake up and toilet break
• 7:30 AM – Breakfast
• 8:00 AM – Playtime and short walk
• 9:00 AM – Toilet break and Nap time
• 10:30 AM – Toilet break then quiet play or crate rest
• 12:00 PM – Toilet break and lunch
• 1:30 PM – Toilet break then quiet play or crate rest
• 3:00 PM – Toilet break then Playtime and short training session
• 5:00 PM – Dinner
• 5:30 PM – Toilet break
• 6:00 PM – Gentle walk or play
• 8:00 PM – Toilet break then Wind-down time
• 9:00 PM – Final toilet break and bedtime

Sleep Needs:

Puppies need 18–20 hours of sleep per day (see our complete Cavoodle sleep training guide) to support their rapid physical and mental development (Australian Veterinary Association, 2023). Make sure your Cavoodle has a quiet, comfortable space to rest.

Play & Exercise:

Cavoodles are energetic and intelligent. Short, frequent play sessions and gentle walks are ideal. Avoid over-exercising young puppies, as their joints are still developing. A good rule of thumb is 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, up to twice a day (Petbarn, 2023).

Feeding Your Cavoodle Puppy

Nutrition plays a vital role in your puppy’s growth and wellbeing. Cavoodles are small dogs, so they benefit from food designed for small breeds.

What to Feed:

• Choose a premium puppy food with high-quality protein (e.g., chicken, lamb, or fish).
• Look for formulas with DHA for brain and eye development.
• Avoid foods with artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives.

Cavoodle Puppy Feeding Chart by Age

Age	Meals Per Day	Amount Per Meal	Notes
8–12 weeks	4 meals	¼ cup dry food	Small, frequent meals for tiny tummies
3–6 months	3 meals	⅓ cup dry food	Growth phase — ensure quality protein
6–12 months	2 meals	½ cup dry food	Transition to adult schedule
12+ months (Adult)	2 meals	½–¾ cup dry food	Adjust based on activity level

*Amounts are approximate for a typical Cavoodle (5–12kg adult weight). Always follow your vet’s recommendations and check the feeding guide on your specific puppy food.

Always provide fresh, clean water and consult your vet for tailored advice. For more on feeding puppies, see the RSPCA Knowledgebase.

Starting Obedience Training Early

Cavoodles are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, making them ideal candidates for early training.

When to Begin:

• Start basic training and socialisation from 8 weeks of age (Australian Veterinary Association, 2023).
• Focus on commands like sit, stay, come, and leave it.
• Use positive reinforcement — reward good behaviour with treats, praise, or play.
• Enrol in a puppy preschool around 10–12 weeks to help with socialisation and basic obedience (RSPCA Australia, 2023).

Week-by-Week Guide: Your First 8 Weeks with a Cavoodle Puppy

Every week brings new milestones, challenges, and wins. Here’s what to expect as your Cavoodle settles into their new home.

Week 1: Adjustment and Bonding

Your puppy’s first week is all about feeling safe. Everything is new — your home, your smell, the sounds, and being away from their littermates for the first time.

Focus on:

• Keeping things calm and quiet (limit visitors)
• Establishing where they sleep, eat, and toilet
• Short, gentle play sessions
• Letting them explore at their own pace

What’s normal: Whining at night, accidents inside, sleeping a LOT (up to 20 hours), and being a bit shy or clingy. This is all completely normal.

Week 2: Building Routine

Your puppy is starting to understand the rhythm of your home. This is when routine really clicks.

Focus on:

• Consistent meal times (4 meals a day at this age)
• Regular toilet breaks (every 1-2 hours when awake)
• Introducing the crate as a positive space
• Beginning name recognition training

Milestone: By the end of week 2, most Cavoodle puppies recognise their name and start understanding where the toilet spot is.

Week 3: Confidence Growing

Your puppy is bolder now. They’ll explore more, play harder, and test boundaries. The bitey phase often kicks in here — those puppy teeth are sharp!

Focus on:

• Redirecting biting to appropriate toys
• Short training sessions (5 minutes max)
• Teaching “sit” with treats
• Handling exercises (touching paws, ears, mouth gently)

Watch for: Over-tiredness leading to nipping. If your puppy gets cranky and bitey, they probably need a nap.

Week 4: Socialisation Window Opens

The critical socialisation period runs from about 3-14 weeks — see our complete Cavoodle socialization guide for safe ways to expose your puppy to the world. Your puppy should be meeting new people, hearing different sounds, and experiencing new environments — safely, since they’re not fully vaccinated yet.

Focus on:

• Carrying puppy to new places (don’t let them walk on public ground yet)
• Inviting calm visitors to meet them
• Playing different sounds (vacuum, TV, traffic recordings)
• Gentle car rides

Important: Positive experiences now shape your dog’s temperament for life. Keep everything fun and never force interactions.

Week 5-6: Training Gains Momentum

Your puppy’s attention span is improving. They can handle slightly longer training sessions and start learning multiple commands.

Focus on:

• Adding “stay,” “come,” and “down” to training
• Enrolling in puppy preschool (most accept pups from 10-12 weeks)
• Leash introduction indoors
• Grooming practice (brushing, touching paws)

Milestone: Many Cavoodles are mostly toilet trained by week 6, with occasional accidents.

Week 7-8: Independence and Personality

Your puppy’s unique personality is shining through. They’re more confident, playful, and may start testing boundaries.

Focus on:

• Short alone-time practice (5-10 minutes)
• Consistent boundary setting
• Increased exercise (still following the 5-minute-per-month rule)
• Reinforcing all training learned so far

What you’ll notice: Your Cavoodle is bonded to you now. They know the routine, understand basic commands, and feel secure in their home. The hard work of the first weeks is paying off.

Common First-Time Owner Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

After years of helping new puppy owners, we’ve seen the same mistakes come up again and again. Here’s how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Giving Too Much Freedom Too Soon

It’s tempting to let your adorable Cavoodle roam the whole house, but this sets them up for accidents and anxiety.

Do instead: Start with one room or a penned area. Gradually expand their space as they prove they can handle it.

Mistake 2: Inconsistent Toilet Training

One person takes them outside, another uses pee pads, someone else doesn’t watch them closely enough. Inconsistency confuses puppies.

Do instead: Everyone in the household follows the SAME routine. Pick a method (outside or pads) and stick to it. Take them out immediately after waking, eating, and playing.

Mistake 3: Skipping Socialisation Because They’re Not Fully Vaccinated

Yes, you need to be careful before vaccinations are complete. But avoiding ALL socialisation creates a fearful adult dog.

Do instead: Carry your puppy to new places. Invite vaccinated, friendly dogs to your home. Expose them to sounds, surfaces, and people — just avoid high-risk areas like dog parks until they’re fully protected.

Mistake 4: Over-Exercising Young Puppies

Cavoodles are energetic, but their joints are still developing. Too much exercise can cause long-term damage.

Do instead: Follow the 5-minute-per-month-of-age rule. A 3-month-old puppy needs about 15 minutes of structured exercise, twice a day. Free play in the garden is fine on top of this.

Mistake 5: Not Brushing Regularly From Day One

Cavoodle coats look low-maintenance when they’re puppies. They’re not. That fluffy coat will mat quickly if you don’t establish brushing habits early.

Do instead: Brush your puppy for 5 minutes every day, even when their coat is short. This gets them used to grooming and prevents mats from forming as their adult coat grows in.

Mistake 6: Comforting Fear With Cuddles

When your puppy is scared of thunder or the vacuum, it’s natural to pick them up and comfort them. But this can actually reinforce the fear.

Do instead: Stay calm and neutral. Don’t make a big deal of scary things. Redirect with treats or play. Your puppy takes emotional cues from you.

Mistake 7: Waiting Too Long to Start Training

“I’ll wait until they’re older” is a common thought. But puppies learn fastest between 8-16 weeks.

Do instead: Start basic training from day one. Even an 8-week-old puppy can learn sit, name recognition, and toilet training. Keep sessions short (5 minutes) and fun.

Your Puppy’s First Vet Visits: The Complete Timeline

Your Cavoodle will need several vet visits in their first year. Read our detailed Cavoodle first vet visit guide for what to bring and questions to ask. Here’s what to expect and when.

First Vet Visit (Within 48-72 Hours of Bringing Puppy Home)

Even if your breeder provided health records, book a vet check within the first few days. This establishes your puppy with a local vet and catches any issues early.

What happens:

• General health examination
• Weight check
• Heart and lung check
• Review of vaccination records
• Discussion of parasite prevention

Vaccination Schedule

Puppies need a series of vaccinations to build immunity. The exact timing depends on what vaccines your breeder has already given.

Typical schedule:

Age	Vaccination	Notes
6-8 weeks	C3 (first dose)	Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus
10-12 weeks	C5 (second dose)	Adds Bordetella and Parainfluenza
14-16 weeks	C5 (final puppy dose)	Full protection 2 weeks after this
15 months	C5 booster	Then every 1-3 years depending on vet advice

Important: Your puppy isn’t fully protected until 2 weeks after their final puppy vaccination. Avoid dog parks, footpaths, and other high-traffic dog areas until then.

Microchipping

In Australia, microchipping is legally required before you sell or give away a dog. Your breeder should have already done this, but your vet will:

• Confirm the microchip is working
• Help you update the registration to your details

Desexing

Most vets recommend desexing Cavoodles between 5-6 months of age. Your breeder may have a contract requiring desexing by a certain age.

Benefits:

• Prevents unwanted litters
• Reduces certain health risks
• Can reduce some behavioural issues

The visit: Desexing is a day surgery. Your puppy will need a quiet week of recovery and usually wears a cone to prevent licking the incision.

Ongoing Preventative Care

Your vet will set you up with:

• Worming: Monthly until 6 months old, then every 3 months for life
• Flea and tick prevention: Monthly treatment (essential in Australia)
• Heartworm prevention: Monthly, often combined with flea treatment

Annual Health Checks

After the busy first year, your Cavoodle needs an annual vet visit for:

• Vaccination boosters (as recommended)
• Dental check
• Weight monitoring
• General health assessment

How Long Can a Cavoodle Puppy Be Left Alone?

This is one of the most common questions new owners ask — and the answer changes as your puppy grows.

The Short Answer

Cavoodles are companion dogs. They bond strongly and don’t cope well with long periods alone. But with training, they can learn to be comfortable with reasonable alone time.

Alone Time by Age

Age	Maximum Alone Time	Notes
8-10 weeks	1 hour max	Very young puppies need near-constant supervision
10-12 weeks	2 hours max	Can hold bladder slightly longer
3-6 months	3-4 hours max	Building independence, but still limited
6-12 months	4-6 hours max	Adolescent dogs can handle more
12+ months	6-8 hours	Adult dogs, but this should be the exception

Note: These are maximums, not goals. Just because a dog CAN be left for 6 hours doesn’t mean they should be regularly.

Signs Your Puppy Is Struggling With Alone Time

• Destructive behaviour (chewing furniture, digging)
• Excessive barking or howling
• Toileting inside (when usually trained)
• Extreme excitement or anxiety when you return
• Following you everywhere and panicking when you leave the room

Building Alone Time Gradually

Don’t leave your puppy alone for hours on day one. Build up slowly:

1. Start small: Leave them in their crate or safe area while you’re in another room for 5 minutes
2. Increase gradually: Work up to 15 minutes, then 30, then an hour
3. Make departures boring: No big goodbyes. Just leave calmly.
4. Make returns boring too: Wait until your puppy is calm before giving attention
5. Provide enrichment: Kong filled with peanut butter, puzzle feeders, or safe chews keep them occupied

If You Work Full-Time

Cavoodles aren’t ideal for households where everyone works long hours with no breaks. Consider:

• A dog walker or pet sitter for midday visits
• Doggy daycare (once fully vaccinated)
• Working from home some days
• A family member or neighbour who can check in

The investment in your puppy’s first year pays off with a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need before bringing a Cavoodle puppy home?

At minimum, you’ll need a comfortable bed, crate, food and water bowls, puppy food (ideally the same brand your breeder used), collar and lead, pee pads, toys, and basic grooming supplies. Having everything set up before your puppy arrives makes the transition much smoother. Download our free Cavoodle Puppy Checklist for the complete list.

How much does a Cavoodle puppy sleep?

Cavoodle puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep per day. This might seem like a lot, but sleep is essential for their physical growth and brain development. If your puppy is cranky, nippy, or hyperactive, they probably need more rest. Enforce nap times in their crate or quiet space.

When can my Cavoodle puppy go outside?

Your puppy can go in your own backyard immediately (assuming no unvaccinated dogs have access). For public areas like footpaths, parks, and anywhere other dogs have been, wait until 2 weeks after their final puppy vaccination — usually around 16-18 weeks of age. Before this, you can carry them to new places for socialisation.

What size crate for a Cavoodle puppy?

For a Cavoodle, a medium-sized crate (around 76cm x 48cm x 53cm) works well. The crate should be big enough for your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably — but not so large they can toilet in one corner and sleep in another. Some owners buy an adult-sized crate and use a divider panel while the puppy is small.

How long can a Cavoodle puppy be left alone?

Young puppies (8-12 weeks) shouldn’t be left alone for more than 1-2 hours. At 3-6 months, they can handle 3-4 hours. Adult Cavoodles (12+ months) can manage 6-8 hours occasionally, but this shouldn’t be a daily occurrence. Cavoodles are companion dogs and thrive on human interaction.

What should I feed my Cavoodle puppy?

Feed a premium puppy food formulated for small breeds. Look for high-quality protein (chicken, lamb, fish) as the first ingredient, DHA for brain development, and no artificial colours or preservatives. Start with whatever food your breeder was using and transition slowly if you want to change brands. Fresh, clean water should always be available.

When should I start training my Cavoodle puppy?

Start basic training from day one. Even at 8 weeks old, puppies can learn their name, “sit,” and where to toilet. Cavoodles are intelligent and eager to please, making them naturally good at training. Keep sessions short (5 minutes), use positive reinforcement with treats and praise, and be consistent.

How much exercise does a Cavoodle puppy need?

Follow the 5-minute-per-month-of-age rule for structured exercise. A 3-month-old puppy needs about 15 minutes of walking, twice a day. Free play in the garden is fine on top of this. Avoid over-exercising young puppies — their joints are still developing, and too much impact can cause problems later. Adult Cavoodles need 30-60 minutes of exercise daily.

Final Thoughts

Welcoming a Cavoodle puppy into your home is one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll have. Yes, the first few weeks are intense — the toilet training, the sleepless nights, the puppy teeth on everything. But every bit of effort you put in now builds the foundation for years of unconditional love, goofy zoomies, and that tail-wagging greeting at the end of every day.

The families who do best are the ones who prepare. They’ve puppy-proofed their home, set up a routine, stocked up on supplies, and educated themselves on what to expect. They understand that Cavoodles need companionship, consistent grooming, and patient training.

If you’ve read this far, you’re already ahead of most new puppy owners. Your Cavoodle is lucky to have you.

For more expert tips, product reviews, and real stories from Cavoodle families, explore the rest of Woof Spark. We’re here to help you raise a happy, healthy dog — one brush stroke, training session, and belly rub at a time.

Sources & Further Reading

This guide draws on veterinary guidelines, breed club recommendations, and real-world experience. For more information:

• RSPCA Pet Insurance – Puppy Care Guide
• Australian Veterinary Association – Puppy Socialisation
• RSPCA Knowledge Base – Puppy Nutrition
• Puppy Vaccination Schedule (Australia)

Last Updated: January 2026 · Reviewed for accuracy