Breed-specific traits

It's helpful to understand the reasons behind behaviours. A dog's needs need to be met but can often be channelled to more appropriate activities (e.g. if you have a breed that loves to dig, making an area in your garden dig-friendly or providing a sandpit might prevent the unwanted behaviour in other areas). A trainer will be able to provide more information and ideas on this.

It's also useful to reframe thinking around 'unwanted' behaviours. If dogs have been bred for centuries to behave in a certain way, they are doing what they are supposed to do!

It might be possible to minimise 'unwanted' behaviours but unrealistic to stop them entirely (for George, I'm thinking of alert barking).

I did do some research of course before settling on a cavoodle. Although there is so much information out there it can be difficult to know which are credible sources.

Cavoodles are a good size for the space we have at home. I liked that they are generally intelligent, easy to train, and eager to please. Their energy levels are considered to be moderate. All of which seemed to fit well with my lifestyle.

I knew they would be a high maintenance breed in terms of grooming.

I read that they can be prone to anxiety, particularly separation anxiety but that this can be addressed by training.

But I didn't understand or research what that actually means. What does it mean to have an anxious dog? What are the challenges and what adaptations might I need to make?

I didn't look into any of those questions.

Below are some of the breed-specific traits I have since read. I've noted whether they ring true for George.

Cavoodles:

• Prone to alert barking - yes
• Intelligent - yes
• Sensitive - yes
• Inquisitive - yes
• Outgoing - no
• Strong attachment/bond - yes
• Friendly - not unless he knows the person/dog
• Moderate energy - yes
• Playful - yes
• Sociable - generally no
• Highly trainable - yes, if not over-threshold
• Eager to please - yes

And looking at the genetic heritage from further back:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels:

• Bred to warm laps - yes
• Do well living with one other person  - that's a relief!
• Separation anxiety - yes
• Can be fearful - yes

Miniature Poodles:

• Intelligent - yes
• Eager to please - yes
• Can bark excessively - yes
• Can be shy with strangers - yes
• Bred as hunting dogs - explains his high prey drive to ducks and birds!
• Playful  - yes
• Separation anxiety - yes
• Quite protective - yes
• Can develop anxiety - yes
• Look at everyone as an enemy - yes if he doesn't know them

It's a pretty close match other than sociable and outgoing!

I don't know whether I would have made a different decision had I understood more about anxiety earlier. It is difficult to say now as I obviously love George to bits and we have such a strong bond.

Perhaps it wouldn't have been as difficult if I had had a better understanding of what we were in for. Forewarned is forearmed and all that.

I do think that we are a good fit though. Although it is hard at times, I'm fortunate that I do have the time and space to fully throw myself into trying to improve George's wellbeing. I've been able to adapt my lifestyle to ensure he is not left alone outside of the training. Financially it has been really difficult but we have managed to make it work just about.

I like to think that we are meant for each other!