Four Important Commands to Teach Your Cavachon

Yvonne Hanna

🐾 Fun, Positive Training Tips for Your Playful Pup

Training your Cavachon puppy can be a joyful bonding experience when done with positive reinforcement. That means praise, treats, toys—and lots of love!

Let’s walk through the four essential commands that every Cavachon should know, starting with the basics and building confidence as you go.

1. COME – The Recall Command”

This is all about teaching your Cavachon to return to you every time you call, no matter what distractions are around. It builds trust, strengthens your bond, and can even keep your pup safe in unpredictable situations.

How to teach it:

  • Start in a small, fenced-in area or quiet room.

  • Use a long leash and call your Cavachon’s name with a cheerful voice.

  • Hold out a treat and offer enthusiastic praise when they approach.

  • Once they consistently move toward you, begin adding the command “Come!” after saying their name.

  • Reward every time with a small treat or a favorite toy—and always follow up with loving praise!

This is the beginning of your puppy learning to respond to you no matter what’s happening around them—a true cornerstone of Cavachon obedience training.

2. SIT – The Foundation of Good Manners

The “Sit” command is simple but incredibly useful. It’s perfect for moments when your Cavachon needs to be calm and focused—like waiting for their leash or greeting guests.

How to teach it:

  • With your Cavachon standing, hold a treat near their nose.

  • Slowly move your hand backward toward their tail.

  • As their eyes follow the treat, their bottom should naturally lower to the ground.

  • The moment they sit, say “Yes!” and give them the treat.

  • Once they’ve got it, begin using the word “Sit” while repeating the motion.

This command not only helps establish discipline, but it could one day prevent a dangerous situation, like running into a street or jumping on a visitor.

3. DOWN – Calm and Composed Cavachon

Once your Cavachon has mastered “Sit,” it’s time to move on to “Down.” This command helps your dog settle and relax in one spot and builds on the obedience you’ve already established.

How to teach it:

  • Start with your Cavachon in the “Sit” position.

  • Show them the treat and slowly move it from their nose to the ground, then along the floor.

  • As they follow the treat, their elbows should begin to lower to the ground.

  • Reward them, even if it’s not perfect at first. You’re encouraging the right movement!

  • Add the word “Down” once they understand what you’re asking.

Patience is key here! But don’t worry—Cavachons are eager to please, and they’ll get it with consistent practice.

4. STAY – The Ultimate Test of Patience

Teaching your Cavachon to “Stay” might take the most time, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Once they’ve mastered “Sit” and “Down,” you can begin to introduce this advanced command.

How to teach it:

  • Begin with your dog in the “Sit” or “Down” position on a small mat or rug.

  • Hold your hand up, palm facing them, and firmly say “Stay.”

  • Wait just three seconds, then call them to you and give a treat.

  • Return them to the mat and repeat.

  • Gradually increase the time and distance, working up to 30 seconds or more.

  • Eventually, you’ll be able to leave the room while your Cavachon holds their position!

This command teaches patience, impulse control, and trust, all essential traits in a well-mannered Cavachon.

💡 Pro Tip: Try Saying “Yes” Instead of “Good”

While many people say “Good!” to mark the moment their dog does the right thing, I personally prefer using the word “Yes!” It’s short, upbeat, and easier for your Cavachon to distinguish from everyday conversation.

Why it works:
“Good” is a word we often use in casual speech, which can cause confusion. “Yes,” on the other hand, becomes a clear and consistent marker that tells your pup, “You did it!” It creates a faster connection between the behavior and the reward.

Try it out—you may be surprised how quickly your Cavachon responds to that cheerful “Yes!”

Cavachons Are Born to Shine!

Remember—your Cavachon from Cavachons by Design is born with the temperament and intelligence to succeed. After all, Bichons (one half of the Cavachon breed) were once circus performers, known for their charm and clever tricks!

And yes, treats are your best friend during training—but keep them small. Think of it like getting a bite of your favorite donut every time you did something right—heavenly, but a little too much adds up! So be wise, be consistent, and most of all—have fun!

Happy Training from Cavachons by Design 💙🐾