Frequently  Asked Questions 

Our puppies are expected to mature from 28cm and no more than 36 cm at the withers; weight proportionate to height, with a curly, non-shedding odourless coat. ​  All our puppies come with their first vaccination, a comprehensive vet check, microchipped, free from fleas and parasites and well socialised with children and other pets. They have been exposed to household noises and have begun potty training. As an adoptee you receive some food samples of our premium dog food for continuity to decrease risk of an upset tummy. They come with blanket with mothers’ scent for comfort and ease of transition and a comprehensive caring for your puppy guide.  All puppies also come with 6 weeks free pet insurance with an opportunity for you to extend this for the life of your pup. ​ Your puppy will need a further two vaccinations to complete the vaccination course and be considered fully vaccinated. Until that time your pup must be restricted to low dog traffic areas (no dog parks) to prevent contracting any viruses. The next vaccination post your pup leaving our family is due at 12 weeks old. It’s a great opportunity for you to create a relationship with your local vet and ask them any medical questions you may have. The final vaccination is at 16 weeks old, then your pup is considered fully vaccinated against life threatening viruses.  ​ ​ We highly recommend taking your puppy to your local puppy “preschool”. As puppy parks are “out of bounds” until 18 weeks old.  In the time period between taking your puppy home at 8 weeks old until 16 weeks old when their third and final vaccination can be administered you pup misses out on valuable socialisation time with other dogs.  This vital contact with other pups from all different breeds, teaches them the social norms of ‘dog life’, such as how to say hello in a friendly manner what constitutes socially accepted behaviour, setting them up to be well rounded pets who are welcomed everywhere they go.    At puppy preschool, your pup will have an opportunity to play with other pups, and you will find other dog parents in your local area who are going through the same puppy stages as you! ​ ​

Theodores, commonly known Cavoodles are the most popular breed of dog in Australia according to many sources. They are a combination of the best traits of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Toy Poodle, making them a relaxed, affectionate, highly coveted family member.   These dogs have few health issues, are hypoallergenic from their non-shedding coat, are small in stature which makes them suitable for all ages and lifestyles including children, elderly, apartment or acreage living. ​ Theodore’s have a tried and tested temperament that is non-aggressive and their eagerness to please makes them highly trainable. They also have proven their value as emotional support animals for anyone who needs a friend.  ​  These fun- loving dogs were developed as companion pets and thrive in the presence of humans and other household pets. Due to their high level of intelligence when finding themselves alone and unstimulated they will find a self-directed activity that is not in the rule book, so are best suited to a living situation where they are not alone for long periods.

We have a recommended dog training and support business that we collaborate with and provide all details on where to get ongoing support in your puppy training journey in our puppy pack.

This is very likely. Our experience is that Theodores/ cavoodles will experiences significant change in colour as they mature, not all although most do. This is the result of the “fading gene” which is inherited from the Poodle parent.  This gene is yet to be isolated and therefore cannot be excluded from of the breed at this time. You can expect dark red shade may eventually “clear” to an apricot colour by the time they are 2 years old. The coat of a black poodle may “clear” to become silver or blue in appearance and dark brown poodles may change to a lighter caramel shade. Although the original colour may go through numerous changes, this usually plateaus by the time the pup is 3 years of age. 

We highly recommended crate training your pup. Crate training is an effective training tool for puppies. It allows them to accept and enjoy their crate and when done correctly it comes with many benefits, especially in relation to toilet training, and providing your pup with a safe space. However, crate training is not a cure all for all pups and should never take the place of appropriate exercise and enrichment.

The short answer is YES. Your new pup is part of your family and while you may want to devote all day everyday with  them, that is likely to be an impossibility and should not exclude you from owning a pet. Responsibilities such as work, family, and study, you’re likely going to be forced to leave your pup at home, alone at some point— and that’s okay. We recommend reading up about how to commence this in our suggested articles in our puppy pack, so you can raise a pup who is happy with their own company, does not feel anxious about being left and won’t develop unsavory behavior in your absence.  

The short answer is- do not delay!  This can be commenced as soon as they arrive home. The sooner you expose your pup to the social norms and expectations of your household, this ever eager to please breed can get to work impressing you with their diligent attitude and intelligence.  There is a lot for a young pup to learn, and it won’t all happen at once. Joining your local puppy preschool is highly recommended by us, as it provides the foundation for a well-rounded pet who is welcomed in all situations. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other paw parents who are going through the same puppy stages as you, so you can support one another and develop lifelong connections.

Training your puppy to go to the toilet in your designated area is not an overnight process.  It requires dedication and repetition, and every puppy learns the social norms of their new environment at their own speed. If you commit to the process, you will reap a lifetime of rewards, knowing your carpet is safe, and your pet will be welcome everywhere you go.  However, you can help speed up the process by crate-training your young dog. We supply puppy training videos included in the price of your pup to assist with this process.

The general guide, as supported by most veterinarians is that pet puppies should be desexed before they reach reproductive maturity (usually 6-8 months old) to prevent unwanted offspring, and unwanted mating behaviors such as marking territory with urine and wandering off to find a mate. We recommend collaborating with your veterinarian about the best time to spay or neuter your puppy. Evidence suggests that desexing before 6 months old is not recommended as it prevents the production of important hormones your puppy needs for growth. Desexing too early is highly linked to urinary incontinence and hip dysplasia due to reduced hormone production in the critical growth phases. There are many myths surrounding spaying and neutering, so it’s important to empower yourself with firsthand information from a reputable vet.

It is important to ask yourself many questions and collaborate with members of your household, before making a commitment to adopt a puppy. Here are some important considerations. - Are you prepared for a 12- 15 year commitment of care? - Are emotionally prepared to care for a dependent that has care needs similar to a human child in the early phases of bringing them home? for example, are you able to commit to getting up at night to toilet your puppy until they are house trained? - Are you financially prepared to take care of feeding, socialization, and health care needs of your new puppy? - Can you commit to watching the training videos that are included in the puppy pack as a resource to empower you to care for you puppy? - Have you considered the care needs of your puppy in your absence, such as going on holiday and work schedules -Are you prepared for coat care of a Cavoodle/ Theodore as they require professional grooming? - Have you prepared a safe home environment where your puppy cannot leave on their own and that is free from dangerous plants and other potential hazards? - Are you ready to have your heart stolen by a furry friend that will love you more than themselves?

The Cavoodle can live anywhere from 12-15 years with the right nutrition, exercise, and regular vet checks.

Cavoodles, being an active and energetic breed, require regular exercise to maintain their physical health and mental stimulation. It's generally recommended that you walk your Cavoodle a minimum of once a day to maintain their physical health (the same as us!) The length and intensity level of the walks may vary depending on the dog’s age. Younger dogs may need shorter, more frequent walks (remember their legs are so much shorter than ours!) while adult dogs may benefit from longer, more strenuous walks. Always remember to adjust the exercise routine according to your Cavoodle's age and individual needs.

Toy Cavoodles - are smaller in size and weight. As an adult, a Toy Cavoodle can grow up to 30 cm and weight up to 5 kg. Miniature Cavoodles - are slightly bigger and can reach up to 38 cm and with a weight range that can go up to 12 kg as an adult. Puppies grow to their adult size between 9-12 months old.