How to Train Small Doodle Puppies: Complete Guide for Cavapoos, Cockapoos, Schnoodles & Schnockerpoos
Bringing home a new small Doodle puppy is exciting, but it also comes with responsibility. At Silver Bell Doodles, we specialize in Cavapoos, Cockapoos, Schnoodles, and Schnockerpoos—each with their own unique personalities and training considerations. We’ve helped hundreds of families successfully train these special small Doodle varieties, and we’re sharing our proven methods in this comprehensive guide on how to train a Doodle puppy. These techniques work for our breeds and can be adapted for other dogs as well.
In this complete training guide, you’ll learn:
- Essential training equipment for small Doodle puppies
- A week-by-week training schedule from 8 weeks to 6 months
- How to effectively potty train your small Doodle puppy
- Crate training techniques that actually work
- Basic commands every Doodle should know
- Solutions for common small Doodle behavior challenges
- How to choose the right collars, harnesses, and other training tools
First Week Home: Setting Up for Success
The first week with your small Doodle puppy establishes patterns that can last a lifetime. Follow these crucial steps to start off right:
Create a Consistent Schedule
Small Doodles thrive on routine. From day one, establish a consistent schedule for:
- Feeding times (typically 3-4 times daily for young puppies)
- Potty breaks (at least every 1-2 hours when awake)
- Short training sessions (3-5 minutes, several times per day)
- Nap times (puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep daily)
Designate Puppy-Safe Areas
Before bringing your Doodle home:
- Puppy-proof a confined area using baby gates or an exercise pen
- Remove hazards (electrical cords, toxic plants, small objects)
- Set up a proper crate in a quiet area
- Establish a designated potty area outdoors
Start Basic Rules Immediately
Be consistent from day one about:
- Where your puppy can and cannot go in your home
- What items are appropriate for chewing
- How family members should interact with the puppy
- Sleeping arrangements
“The first week isn’t about formal training as much as establishing routines and boundaries. Your small Doodle puppy is learning about their new world, and consistency helps them feel secure.” — Silver Bell Doodles Training Specialist
Essential Training Equipment for How to Train a Doodle Puppy
Having the right tools makes training more effective and less stressful for both you and your puppy.
Collars and Harnesses
Small Doodles have unique considerations when it comes to collars and harnesses:
Gentle Front-Clip Harness
- Best for: Reducing pulling, everyday walks
- Look for: Adjustable size, padded for comfort, front clip option
- Our recommendation: Front Range No-Pull Dog Harness
Key benefits:
- Front clip discourages pulling without causing discomfort
- Adjustable for growing puppies
- Multiple points of adjustment for perfect fit
- Comfortable for small Doodle breeds
Martingale Training Collar
- Best for: Training sessions, controlled walking
- Look for: Limited slip design, quick-release option
- Our recommendation: PetSafe Martingale Collar with Quick Snap Buckle
Key benefits:
- Prevents escape artists (like Cavapoos) from backing out of collars
- Limited-slip design prevents over-tightening
- Quick-release buckle for safety
- Available in sizes suitable for small breeds
Leashes for Different Purposes
Regular 6-foot Leash
- Best for: Daily walks, basic training
- Look for: Sturdy clip, comfortable handle
- Our recommendation: Strong Reflective Nylon Dog Leash
Key benefits:
- Strong but lightweight for small breeds
- Reflective stitching for nighttime safety
- Padded handle for comfort
- Durable zinc-alloy clip
Long Training Lead
- Best for: Recall training, outdoor exploration
- Look for: 15-30 foot length, lightweight material
- Our recommendation: Check Cord Training Leash
Key benefits:
- Provides freedom while maintaining control
- Lightweight design won’t weigh down small dogs
- Durable construction for outdoor use
- Perfect for recall training in open areas
Training Treats and Pouches
Small Doodles respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement training with treats:
Training Treats
- Look for: Small size, low calorie, high value
- Our recommendation: Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Treats
Key benefits:
- Tiny size perfect for frequent rewarding
- Soft texture easy for puppies to eat quickly
- Low calorie to prevent weight gain during training
- High-value flavor that motivates small breeds
Treat Pouch
- Look for: Easy one-handed access, secure closure
- Our recommendation: PetSafe Treat Pouch Sport
Key benefits:
- Hinged opening stays open or closed as needed
- Belt clip and adjustable waist strap options
- Small size comfortable for training small breeds
- Separate pocket for clicker or waste bags
Potty Training Your Small Doodle Puppy
Potty training can be particularly challenging with small breeds, including our Doodle varieties. Their smaller bladders mean more frequent potty breaks are necessary.
Effective Potty Training Setup
Indoor Options For apartment living or severe weather, consider:
- Reusable washable pee pads
- Our recommendation: EZwhelp Reusable Dog Pee Pads
Key benefits:
- Eco-friendly alternative to disposable pads
- 48″ x 60″ size provides ample area
- Waterproof backing protects floors
- Machine washable for repeated use
Outdoor Schedule Take your puppy out:
- Immediately after waking up
- 15-20 minutes after meals
- After play sessions
- Before bedtime
- Approximately every hour while awake for young puppies
Accident Clean-Up
Proper clean-up is crucial to prevent remarking:
Enzymatic Cleaner
- Our recommendation: My Pet Peed – Pet Stain & Odor Remover
Key benefits:
- Enzymatic formula breaks down odor molecules
- Completely removes scent to prevent remarking
- Safe for use on various surfaces
- Money-back guarantee if it doesn’t work
Crate Training: Creating a Safe Haven
Crate training provides security for your small Doodle and helps with potty training and managing behavior.
Selecting the Right Crate
Small Doodles like Cavapoos and Cockapoos typically need different crates as they grow:
Wire Crate with Divider
- Our recommendation: Precision Pet Products Two Door Wire Dog Crate
Key benefits:
- Includes divider to adjust size as puppy grows
- Two-door design for flexible placement
- Slide-bolt latches for security
- Includes removable tray for easy cleaning
Premium Crate Option
- Our recommendation: Diggs Revol Dog Crate
Key benefits:
- Collapsible design for easy storage
- Attractive appearance that blends with home decor
- Diamond-shaped wire prevents paw injuries
- Single-hand door operation
Making the Crate Comfortable
Crate Pad or Bed
- Our recommendation: Midwest Quiet Time Pet Bed
Key benefits:
- Machine washable for easy cleaning
- Non-skid bottom stays in place
- Fits perfectly in standard crates
- Comfortable for small Doodle breeds
Breed-Specific Training Tips
Each of our small Doodle varieties has unique characteristics that influence training approaches:
Cavapoo Training Considerations
Personality Traits:
- Extremely people-oriented
- Sensitive to correction
- Eager to please
- Can be stubborn if not motivated
Effective Approaches:
- Use exclusively positive reinforcement
- Keep training sessions short (3-5 minutes)
- Incorporate play into training
- Be consistent but gentle
Cockapoo Training Considerations
Personality Traits:
- Highly intelligent and sometimes mischievous
- Energetic and playful
- Strong retrieving instinct
- Very social
Effective Approaches:
- Channel energy with interactive training games
- Use variety to maintain interest
- Incorporate retrieval into training exercises
- Provide plenty of mental stimulation
Schnoodle Training Considerations
Personality Traits:
- Alert and watchful
- Sometimes more independent
- Intelligent problem-solvers
- May have a stubborn streak
Effective Approaches:
- Make training mentally challenging
- Use high-value rewards for motivation
- Establish clear leadership
- Keep sessions varied and interesting
Schnockerpoo Training Considerations
Personality Traits:
- Blend of all three parent breeds
- Often energetic and playful
- Alert and intelligent
- Can have varied temperaments
Effective Approaches:
- Observe individual personality and adapt
- Consistent, positive techniques
- Plenty of mental and physical exercise
- Balance of structure and play
Common Behavior Challenges and Solutions
Small Doodles can develop certain behavioral challenges if not properly trained and socialized.
Excessive Barking
Particularly common in alert breeds like Schnoodles:
Solution:
- Teach “speak” and “quiet” commands
- Address underlying causes (boredom, anxiety, attention-seeking)
- Create a calm environment
- Never reward barking with attention
Helpful Product: PetSafe Ultrasonic Bark Deterrent
- Emits safe ultrasonic sound to interrupt barking
- Small enough for indoor use
- No shock or spray, just sound
- Effective teaching tool for quiet times
Separation Anxiety
Common in highly bonded breeds like Cavapoos:
Solution:
- Practice short departures and returns
- Create positive associations with alone time
- Provide engaging toys when alone
- Consider calming aids for severe cases
Helpful Product: Adaptil Calming Diffuser
- Mimics natural calming pheromones
- Drug-free solution
- Helps reduce stress-related behaviors
- Easy to use plug-in format
Resource Guarding
Can develop in any breed but needs immediate addressing:
Solution:
- Trade-up games (exchange guarded item for something better)
- “Drop it” and “leave it” training
- Feeding exercises to build trust
- Never punish growling (warning signal)
Socialization: Raising a Confident Doodle
Proper socialization is crucial during the critical period (8-16 weeks):
Socialization Checklist for Small Doodles
Expose your puppy positively to:
- Different surfaces (grass, concrete, carpet, etc.)
- Various sounds (vacuum, doorbell, cars, etc.)
- Different types of people (men, women, children, people with hats, etc.)
- Other vaccinated, friendly dogs
- Car rides
- Handling of paws, ears, mouth, and tail
Socialization Tools
Puppy Carrier for Early Exposure
- Our recommendation: Comfortable Dog Sling Carrier
Key benefits:
- Keeps unvaccinated puppies safe in public
- Hands-free design
- Adjustable strap for comfort
- Perfect size for small Doodle breeds
Conclusion: Training for a Lifetime of Good Behavior
Training your small Doodle puppy requires patience, consistency, and understanding of their unique breed characteristics. By starting with the right equipment, establishing clear routines, and using positive reinforcement techniques, you’ll build a strong foundation for a well-behaved adult dog.
Remember that each of our Silver Bell Doodles varieties—Cavapoos, Cockapoos, Schnoodles, and Schnockerpoos—may respond slightly differently to training based on their genetic makeup. Observe your individual puppy’s personality and adapt your approach accordingly.
The time you invest in training during the first year will reward you with a well-adjusted, confident companion for many years to come.
Have questions about training your small Doodle puppy? Contact us today or leave a comment below, and we’ll be happy to help!
Disclaimer: We earn a small commission from purchases made through our affiliate links, which helps support our breeding program and educational content. We only recommend products we use and trust with our own puppies.
This article was last updated on March 16, 2025.
