Cavoodle Coach Podcast

From ear infections and dental disease to skin allergies, joint problems and everyday injuries, there are some surprisingly common health issues that Cavoodle owners need to be aware of. And the tricky part? Our dogs can't always tell us when something is wrong!

In this episode of the Cavoodle Coach Podcast, I'm joined by veterinarian Dr Steve Rose from Trupanion Australia to discuss the most common health problems affecting Cavoodles and other Oodle breeds, the early warning signs owners often overlook, and the simple things we can do to help keep our dogs healthy.

We're talking about everything from recognising the first signs of an ear infection to protecting your Cavoodle's developing joints, maintaining good dental health and avoiding some surprisingly common everyday dangers.

Ear infections: Why Cavoodles are prone to ear problems, the early warning signs and how to care for their ears.

Dental health: Why dental disease is so common, how to recognise problems early, and what Dr Steve recommends when it comes to brushing, dental chews and bones.

Skin allergies & itchy paws: What excessive licking, scratching, redness and discolouration could be telling you about your dog's health.

Joint health & exercise: How much exercise is appropriate for a growing Cavoodle puppy, the risks of repetitive jumping and fetch, and how to protect developing joints.

Desexing: What veterinary research suggests about desexing age and joint development in smaller versus larger dogs.

Grooming for health: Why keeping the hair around your Cavoodle's eyes, ears and hygiene areas properly maintained is important for their health and comfort.

Everyday health risks: Common accidents and injuries, including some surprising dangers associated with throwing sticks and playing with tennis balls.

Pet insurance & pre-existing conditions: Why it's worth considering pet insurance early, how pre-existing conditions can affect your coverage, and what to consider when choosing a policy.

Whether you're preparing to welcome your first Cavoodle puppy or you've had your best friend for years, this episode is packed with practical information to help you recognise potential health problems early and make more informed decisions about your dog's care.

Press play to learn how to give your Cavoodle the healthiest, happiest life possible!

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Have a question about your Cavoodle's health that you'd love a veterinarian to answer?

We're hoping to have Dr Steve back on the Cavoodle Coach Podcast for another episode, and we'd love to hear from you!

Send your questions to [email protected] and we might answer them in a future episode.

This episode is for general education and does not replace personalised veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your dog's individual health needs.

Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. See PDS for details.

Trupanion Insurance policies entered into for the first time prior to 23rd March 2026 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436 (Hollard) and promoted and distributed by Hollard’s Authorised Representative (AR) Trupanion Australia Pty Ltd ABN 33 626 393 628, AR 1268213 (Trupanion). Trupanion Insurance policies entered into for the first time on or after 23rd March 2026 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by Pet Sure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, Trupanion. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at trupanion.au.

Today’s episode is a little bit different… I’m taking you behind the scenes and sharing my story, how I got started, what shaped my training philosophy, and how I now help families raise calm, confident Cavoodles that truly complement their lifestyle.

From my early days working in a veterinary clinic, to grooming, puppy school training, breeding Cavoodles and now coaching families all over the world, I walk you through the experiences that led me to realise something important…

Most families aren’t struggling because they’re doing something wrong. They’re struggling because they’ve never been shown the right kind of training for this breed.

I also share the story of my first Cavoodle, Oscar, and how his behavioural challenges shaped everything I teach today.

If you’re new here, this is the perfect place to start. And if you’ve been listening for a while, this episode will help you understand the why behind everything I teach inside the Cavoodle Training Academy.

Enjoy!

 🔗 Useful Links:
🐶 Join the Cavoodle Training Academy: https://www.oodleway.co/cavoodletrainingacademy 
✂️ Learn to Groom Your Oodle at Home: https://www.oodleway.co/home-groom 
📸 Follow Tiana & Oodleway on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oodleway 
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oodleway 
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oodleway

Today, I’m diving into one of the most common challenges new Cavoodle owners face… barking. From attention barking and excitement barking to anxiety and alert barking, I break down exactly why puppies bark and which types of barking we actually don’t want to stop.

Most importantly, I share the proactive training strategies that prevent excessive barking before it even begins. Because the truth is, barking is rarely the real problem. It is a symptom of how your puppy feels and how they have learned to communicate.

Enjoy!

 🔗 Useful Links:
🐶 Join the Cavoodle Training Academy: https://www.oodleway.co/cavoodletrainingacademy 
✂️ Learn to Groom Your Oodle at Home: https://www.oodleway.co/home-groom 
📸 Follow Tiana & Oodleway on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oodleway 
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oodleway 
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oodleway

Are you finding yourself thinking about getting a Cavoodle puppy this year or maybe you have already started looking, chatting to breeders, and wondering if you are actually ready to commit? This episode will help you slow down, think clearly, and make a decision you feel confident about.

In this episode, I share seven honest questions to ask yourself before you put a deposit down on a Cavoodle - because getting a puppy is not just about wanting one, it is about being ready for everything that comes with them.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly what to consider before getting a Cavoodle puppy, and you will be able to decide whether now is the right time, or whether waiting a little longer will lead to a calmer, easier start for your future puppy. Enjoy ☺️

🔗 Useful Links:
🐶 Join the Cavoodle Training Academy: https://www.oodleway.co/cavoodletrainingacademy 
✂️ Learn to Groom Your Oodle at Home: https://www.oodleway.co/home-groom 
📸 Follow Tiana & Oodleway on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oodleway 
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oodleway 
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oodleway

Are you planning when to bring your Cavoodle puppy home and thinking the school holidays might be the perfect time? This episode might completely change how you think about it.

In this episode, I share the honest truth about the best and worst times of year to get a Cavoodle puppy, and why school holidays, especially Christmas and summer break, are often one of the hardest times to start puppy training - even though they seem convenient.

This episode is based on what I see every single week inside the Cavoodle Training Academy, especially after the holiday period, when families are exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering why things feel so much harder than expected.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly how to choose the right time to bring your Cavoodle home, how to set up your family for success, and how to avoid so many of the common struggles that lead to stress, overwhelm, and frustration in those first few weeks. Enjoy! ☺️

🐶 Join the Cavoodle Training Academy: https://www.oodleway.co/cavoodletrainingacademy 
✂️ Learn to Groom Your Oodle at Home: https://www.oodleway.co/home-groom 
📸 Follow Tiana & Oodleway on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oodleway 
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oodleway 
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oodleway

Are you getting a Cavoodle puppy soon or are they already home? If so, this is the episode I wish EVERY new Cavoodle parent could hear when getting a Cavoodle puppy! We dive into the critical socialisation period, what your puppy is really thinking when they arrive in your home, why “naughty” behaviour isn’t actually naughty, and the common mistakes that quietly sabotage training and create anxiety.

By the end of the episode, you’ll understand exactly what your puppy needs from you in those first few weeks - and how to set them up for a calm, confident, well-adjusted life with your family! Enjoy ☺️

🔗 Useful Links

Oodleway Resources:
🐶 Join the Cavoodle Training Academy: https://www.oodleway.co/cavoodletrainingacademy
✂️ Learn to Groom Your Oodle at Home: https://www.oodleway.co/home-groom 
📸 Follow Tiana & Oodleway on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oodleway 
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oodleway 
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oodleway 

Navigating pet insurance for Cavoodles can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re bringing home a new puppy and want to make confident, informed decisions.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Steve Rose, veterinarian and CEO of Trupanion Pet Insurance Australia, to break down exactly what Cavoodle families need to know when comparing policies, understanding coverage, and avoiding costly surprises.

We cover the most common questions Cavoodle parents ask, including:

The biggest mistakes owners make when choosing pet insurance for puppies

How sub-limits, annual limits and exclusions really work (and why they matter)

Why timing is everything — and what happens if you wait too long to get covered

Real-life Cavoodle case studies showing how quickly vet bills can escalate

Whether behavioural issues, anxiety or training are covered

What makes Trupanion different from other pet insurers in Australia

How to choose the right excess, avoid pre-existing conditions, and protect your Cavoodle long-term

Whether you’re preparing for your first Cavoodle puppy or already have a fluffy family member at home, this episode gives you clarity, confidence and practical guidance so you can choose the best protection for your dog.

I can’t wait for you to listen! 💛🐶

⏱️ Episode Time Stamps

00:00 – Welcome & intro
01:30 – Why pet insurance matters for Cavoodles
04:00 – What pet insurance actually covers
07:45 – Why vet bills are rising across Australia
10:20 – Common Cavoodle health issues (fractures, allergies, knee injuries)
12:10 – Pre-existing conditions explained simply
16:00 – Sub-limits, annual limits & how families get caught out
21:30 – Behavioural coverage: what’s included and what’s not
26:45 – Choosing an excess that makes sense
30:00 – The risks of switching pet insurance providers
35:20 – What affects the cost of your premium
45:00 – Why puppies need coverage during transport home
50:00 – How GapOnly payments work at the vet
56:00 – Steve’s top vet tips for new Cavoodle owners
1:00:00 – How to access Trupanion’s free Puppy Guide

🔗 Useful Links

Free resources from Trupanion:
📘 Puppy Go Home Book: trup.au/puppybook
🐾 Socialisation Checklist: trup.au/socialisation
❓ Insurance Questions to Ask: trup.au/insquestions

Oodleway Resources:
🐶 Join the Cavoodle Training Academy: https://www.oodleway.co/cavoodletrainingacademy
✂️ Learn to Groom Your Oodle at Home: https://www.oodleway.co/home-groom 
📸 Follow Oodleway on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oodleway 
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@oodleway 
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oodleway 

📄 Disclosure

Trupanion Pet Insurance is issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436, and distributed, promoted and administered by Trupanion Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 33626393628, AR 1268213) as an authorised representative of Hollard. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing. PDS, Target Market Determination and Privacy Policy available at Trupanion.com.au

Lately, I have been receiving so many emails from families who did Puppy School but are now dealing with a reactive adult Cavoodle who barks at every dog they see. These families are left feeling so confused and defeated as they THOUGHT they did the right kind of socialisation and they're not sure where they went wrong. 

So, this week on the podcast we're going to dive into this issue and talk about two socialisation methods for Cavoodles and which is the better option. Enjoy!

 USEFUL LINKS:

This week on the Cavoodle Coach Podcast, I’m sharing key insights from the Australian Dog Breeders Conference 2025, where I was honoured to sit on the panel of behaviour and training experts.

We’re diving into one of the biggest questions families face when choosing their puppy:
👉 What defines an ethical Cavoodle breeder?

I’ll walk you through the traits to look for, the red flags to avoid, and why choosing the right breeder is the single most important step in raising a happy, healthy, anxiety-free Cavoodle.

If you’re planning to bring home a Cavoodle or simply want to understand the heart behind responsible breeding, this episode is a must-listen!

USEFUL LINKS:

In this episode of the Cavoodle Coach Podcast, I'm diving into one of the most common questions from potential puppy owners: can a Cavoodle puppy thrive in a household where both adults work full-time hours outside of the house? Learn why Cavoodles are highly people-oriented, how full-time work can impact their behaviour, and practical strategies to ensure your puppy grows up calm, confident, and happy.

USEFUL LINKS: