Socialisation between roughly 3 and 14 weeks of age has an outsized impact on your Cavoodle's confidence and temperament as an adult. Here's how to approach it well.
What Socialisation Actually Means
Good socialisation isn't just "meeting lots of dogs" - it's positive, low-stress exposure to a wide variety of people, environments, sounds, surfaces and experiences, at a pace your puppy can comfortably process.
People
Introduce your puppy to a range of people - different ages, appearances, voices - in calm, positive settings. Ask visitors to let your puppy approach in their own time rather than crowding them.
Other Dogs
Supervised play with known, healthy, vaccinated dogs is valuable. Until your puppy's vaccination course is complete, your vet may recommend avoiding public dog parks in favour of controlled environments.
Sounds and Environments
Gradually expose your puppy to household sounds (vacuum cleaners, doorbells, appliances), then car trips, and eventually busier outdoor environments once fully vaccinated - always watching their body language and backing off if they seem overwhelmed.
Handling and Grooming Prep
Get your puppy comfortable with having paws, ears and mouth touched, and introduce gentle brushing early - this pays off enormously at grooming and vet visits later.
Keep It Positive
Pair new experiences with treats and calm praise, and keep sessions short. A single overwhelming experience can set back progress more than several small, positive ones move it forward. See our week-by-week socialisation checklist for a structured plan.
