Cavoodle Anxiety 101: Why Your Dog Gets Clingy and How to Help Them Cope

If your Cavoodle can’t bear to let you leave the room or gives you that heart-wrenching look every time you grab your keys, you’re not alone. My girls Bambi and Daisy follow me everywhere… I mean everywhere!!

Cavoodles are loving, loyal, and just a little bit obsessed with their humans. They actually think they ARE human. This might make them great companions but it also means they’re prone to anxiety.

Before you blame yourself for “spoiling” them and having a little cling on or velcro dog, it helps to understand where this behaviour comes from and how to gently guide them toward feeling safe, calm, and confident when you’re not around.

Why Cavoodles Get Anxious

Cavoodles are a mix of two extremely people-focused breeds: the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Poodle. Both were bred to be companion dogs, happiest when snuggled on a lap or shadowing their owner around the house. That affectionate nature runs deep, and it’s not something you’ve caused; it’s part of who they are. You can’t argue with genetics.

The issue is that our modern lives don’t always match their expectations. We go to work, run errands, and leave the house for hours… all things your Cavoodle simply doesn’t understand. What feels like “just popping out” to you can feel like abandonment to them. And 5 minutes can feel like 5 hours to them.

Cavoodles are intuitive, and they read our tone and emotions frighteningly well, which means it’s easy to see how even a little stress on your part can rub off on them.

Common Signs of Cavoodle Anxiety

Every dog shows stress differently, but these are just a few of the tell-tale signs:

• Following you everywhere, even to the bathroom
  

• Whining, crying, or barking when left alone
  

• Destructive behaviour like chewing doors, rugs, or cushions
  

• Accidents inside the house, even if toilet trained
  

• Trembling, drooling, or panting when you prepare to leave
  

• Over-the-top excitement when you return
  

In mild cases, your Cavoodle may simply pace or whimper when you’re gone. In more severe separation anxiety, they can panic to the point of injury. The good news is that with a plan, patience, and consistency, you can help them learn to relax again.

Gently Building Independence

Cavoodles don’t need to be “fixed”,  they need to be taught that alone time is safe. Start small. The goal is to build their tolerance gradually instead of pushing them into distress.

1. Begin with tiny departures. Leave the room for 30 seconds, then a few minutes then half an hour. Do this over a period and return calmly each time.
   

2. Avoid dramatic hellos and goodbyes. The less of a big deal you make about leaving, the less anxious they’ll feel.
   

3. Use positive associations. Give a high-value treat or toy only when you leave. Frozen Kongs, long-lasting chews, or slow feeders keep them busy and build happy associations with your absence.
   

4. Mix up your routine. Dogs are clever. If the sound of your keys triggers panic, start picking them up randomly during the day without leaving. This helps break the “keys = panic” pattern.
   

5. Keep departures short and sweet. Build from minutes to hours over time. If your Cavoodle struggles, dial back and make it easier again.
   

Patience is key — progress happens slowly, but every calm moment counts.

Creating a Calming Environment

Think of your Cavoodle’s safe space as their little sanctuary. Choose a quiet, comfy area of the house, ideally one where they already like to rest. Add a soft bed, their favourite toy, and something that smells like you (an old T-shirt works wonders).

Many cavoodle parents find that leaving the radio or TV on low helps mask outside noises that can trigger barking or restlessness. There are even pet playlists and dog-calming music channels that work surprisingly well, like Dog Siesta TV. I like to ask Alexa to play some relaxing dog music when I am leaving the house.

Some Cavoodles feel more secure in a covered crate or playpen, while others prefer free access to their favourite room. Experiment and observe what makes your dog settle best.

Exercise and Routine Matter

A tired dog is usually a calmer dog. Cavoodles have bursts of energy followed by cuddle marathons so daily walks, mental enrichment, and playtime make a huge difference.

Try interactive toys, snuffle mats, or gentle training games before you head out. These help burn mental energy and leave your dog more relaxed while you’re gone. Consistent routines also help them predict what’s coming next, which reduces stress.

When to Call in Help

If your Cavoodle still panics despite your efforts, don’t lose hope. True separation anxiety is a behavioural condition, not stubbornness. A qualified positive-reinforcement dog trainer or behaviourist can design a tailored plan.

Your vet might also suggest calming supplements or short-term medication to support training, especially if your dog is so anxious they can’t focus on learning.

You’re Not Alone (and Neither Is Your Dog)

Almost every Cavoodle owner experiences this stage. These dogs are little emotional barometers, loving, sensitive, and deeply bonded. The goal isn’t to change that, but to channel it.

With consistency, reassurance, and the right balance of structure and affection, your Cavoodle will learn that being alone doesn’t mean being abandoned.