Dog Training A Cavachon

I am currently training two Cavachons, which are a cross between a Bichon Frise and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Cavachons are one of the newer "designer dogs". Similar crosses are the "doodles"... Goldendoodles, Schauzerdoodles, Labradoodles, Australian Labradoodles, etc.

One of the main reasons people get these dogs is to get a dog that doesn't shed. I understand the urge! There are a lot of breeds that I really like, such as German Shepherd Dogs, Golden Retrievers, etc... but... they shed. A lot.

A dog's coat is selected because of a function. The coat has a purpose for the function. However, for pet dogs, who are mainly for companionship, there is less need for specialized coat types to deal with the elements. In a home, the excess hair, the shedding type of coat, isn't necessary or desired for most people, thus the rise of these designer dogs. People want a pet with many of the desired traits of the traditional pure breds, but the public wants dogs that are easier to care for in the home.

The tradeoff, however, is a dog that requires grooming, which is an expense that not everyone can afford. You might ask why they don't just adopt a short haired dog. It is partly because many people like the look of a fluffy "doodle" type dog. The other is because lifestyles don't always work out for a short haired dog, such as climate. Short haired dogs don't have as much "insulation" as longer haired dogs. I remember years ago... my Doberman shivering in the fall when I lived in Seattle. Winter was a hardship for him. I was assured by the breeder they would be fine in the cool Northwest climate. Not so. I learned, the hard way, that a short haired dog needed more protection than a longer haired dog. Living in the Phoenix area now, a short haired dog is much more feasible, such as getting a pit bull or Chihuahua. But, since I like to hike, I prefer a dog that has a coat for those cold mornings in the mountains, and to protect the dog from the burrs and needles that are part of the Southwest. It is desirable to have a longer coat to protect a dog if you are an outdoors person. You'd much rather have to brush burrs from your dog's coat rather than treating scrapes and cuts on a short haired dog.

So, back to the Cavachons. They are sweet small dogs, having the soft natured traits of their parent breeds. Expect the need to be more diligent in the house training. Be educated in how to work with sensitive dogs, because any training that is harsh will cow these dogs. They need a family life, they are gently social with their family, and are good with the kids. Also, set expectations higher for the amount of obedience training required. Many people never train their small dogs, so they pee and poop everywhere, and won't obey commands if they get loose in public. These are trainable dogs, and to get the most out of them, or any small dog: train them! Train them well, put in the time and investment early, so you get years of enjoyment.

I like these pups. They are very sweet and gentle. We are doing 3 lessons a week, and we started the lessons early on, at 10 weeks of age. I'll see them again on Wednesday, and I'm looking forward to it.

Happy Training!