Bringing a puppy home is one of the most exciting times for any family. From the first timid sniff to that tiny wagging tail, every moment is packed with joy and discovery.
But those first 16 weeks? They’re absolutely critical.
This is when your Gold Coast Cavoodle learns who they are. It’s when they bond with your family, figure out house rules, and build the confidence they’ll carry for life.
Get it right, and you’ll have a happy, well-adjusted dog who fits seamlessly into your coastal lifestyle. Rush it or skip steps, and you might end up with anxiety or behaviour issues down the track.
Our Sunshine Coast-raised Cavoodles are raised in a calm, happy environment. We make sure they’re confident and socialised before they even meet you.
But what happens after they come home is just as important.
Here’s everything Gold Coast families need to know about those magical first 16 weeks.
Day One: Bringing Your Gold Coast Cavoodle Home
The first day is huge.
Your puppy has just left their mum, their littermates, and everything they’ve ever known. They’re stepping into your world, and it’s overwhelming in the best and scariest way.
Keep it calm:
Let them explore one room at a time
No parade of visitors, no loud music, no chaos
Just gentle voices, soft cuddles, and lots of reassurance
Show them where their bed is, where their water bowl lives
Give them space to process it all
Some puppies are confident from the start. Others hide under the couch for an hour. Both are completely normal. Let them set the pace.
If you’ve got kids, this is the time to teach gentle hands and quiet voices. Puppies aren’t toys. They’re tiny, fragile creatures who need to feel safe.
Tip: Bonding starts here. It sets the tone for everything that follows.
For more on those critical first 24 hours, check out our guide on bringing your Gold Coast Cavoodle home safely.
If you’re still in the planning phase and wondering when the right time is to bring a puppy home, you can learn more about our upcoming Gold Coast Cavoodle litters here.
Weeks 1–4: Settling In and Early Socialisation for Your Gold Coast Cavoodle
The first month is all about routine and trust.
Sleep is everything
Puppies at this age need 18 to 20 hours of sleep a day.
Set up a crate or cosy bed in a quiet spot. Make it their safe space. Crate training isn’t cruel, it’s giving them a den where they can switch off and recharge.
Cover three sides with a blanket, add a soft toy, and let them settle.
Nutrition matters
Feed small, frequent meals
High-quality puppy food designed for small breeds is non-negotiable
Cavoodles have sensitive tummies, so don’t switch foods suddenly
No overload with treats
Fresh water always available
And no, they can’t share your toast
Socialisation starts now
This doesn’t mean taking them to the dog park (they’re not vaccinated yet).
It means exposing them to:
Gentle handling
Different sounds
Household noises
Calm visitors
Your kids’ friends
Car rides
Play the vacuum in the background. Get them used to normal life. The goal is confidence, not overwhelm.
First vet check
Book it within the first week.
Your vet will:
Check overall health
Confirm microchipping
Discuss worming
Write down any questions beforehand. No question is too small when you’re a first-time puppy parent.
Families in Burleigh Heads and Robina love this stage. It’s when your coastal home becomes their home too.
Weeks 5–8: Play, Bonding, and Early Training
This is when personality really starts to show.
Your Cavoodle is braver now. More playful. And yes, more bitey.
Bite inhibition is crucial
Puppies explore the world with their mouths. They don’t know that tiny needle teeth hurt.
When they bite too hard during play:
Yelp sharply and stop the game
Walk away if needed
They’ll learn that gentle play keeps the fun going
House-training begins in earnest
Take them outside after every meal, nap, and play session. Praise like crazy when they go in the right spot.
Accidents will happen. Clean them up without fuss and move on.
Tip: Patience is your superpower here.
Bonding deepens
This is the stage where your kids will fall head over heels. Puppies at this age are pure joy. They’re curious, affectionate, and hilarious.
Let your children be involved in:
Feeding
Gentle play
Training
It builds trust on both sides.
Keep socialisation going. Invite friends over. Let the puppy experience different textures underfoot (grass, tile, sand). Play with their paws and ears so vet visits are easier later.
Every positive experience now pays dividends later.
Weeks 9–12: Confidence, Exploration, and Gentle Exposure
By now, your puppy has had at least one round of vaccinations. You’re getting close to being able to explore the world properly.
But you’re not quite there yet.
Short, controlled walks
Can start if your vet gives the green light.
Stick to quiet streets or your backyard for now. The goal isn’t exercise — it’s exposure. New sights, new smells, new sounds.
Keep it positive and don’t push if they seem scared.
Family routines are solidifying
Your Cavoodle is learning:
When breakfast happens
When the kids leave for school
When it’s playtime
When it’s quiet time
Dogs thrive on predictability. The more consistent you are, the more secure they feel.
Confidence-building exercises
Teach them to:
Navigate small obstacles
Walk on different surfaces
Meet new people in controlled settings
Reward bravery. Never force them into situations that terrify them.
This is also when separation anxiety can start. Practice leaving the house for short periods. Start with five minutes, then ten, then twenty.
Let them learn that you always come back.
One family from Southport told us their Cavoodle learned to love the sound of the school bell during this stage. “She’d wait by the door every afternoon, tail wagging, ready for cuddles when the kids got home.”
Weeks 13–16: Preparing Your Puppy for Family Life on the Gold Coast
You’re in the home stretch.
Your puppy is almost fully vaccinated. Their personality is locked in. And your family has (hopefully) figured out a rhythm that works.
Training becomes consistent
Basic commands like sit, stay, and come should be part of daily life.
Keep sessions short and fun. Cavoodles are smart, but easily distracted. Five-minute bursts work better than marathon training sessions.
Exercise needs increase
A 16-week-old Cavoodle has more energy than a toddler on cordial.
Daily needs:
Walks
Play sessions
Mental stimulation (puzzle toys, sniff games)
Tip: Tired puppies are good puppies.
Beach time is almost here
If vaccinations are complete, you can start introducing them to dog-friendly beaches.
Start with quiet times and calm water. Let them explore at their own pace. Some puppies dive straight in. Others need three visits before they’ll touch the ocean.
Both are fine.
Health check-ins continue
Your vet will keep tabs on:
Weight
Diet
Vaccination schedules
If you’re noticing any quirks (fussy eating, tummy trouble, skin issues), mention them now. Early intervention is easier.
This is when families really hit their stride. The chaos of the early weeks settles into something that feels normal.
Your Cavoodle isn’t brand-new anymore. They’re just part of the family.
FAQ / Quick Tips for Gold Coast Families
How much should a 16-week-old Cavoodle sleep?
Around 16 to 18 hours a day. Enforce nap times if needed.
Can puppies play at the beach yet?
Not until vaccinations are complete (usually around 16 weeks). Before that, stick to your backyard or private spaces.
When should training be introduced?
From day one, but keep it gentle. Early weeks are about bonding and trust. Formal training ramps up around 12 weeks.
How do I manage puppy energy with kids?
Structure is everything. Set aside playtime, quiet time, and rest time. Teach your kids to recognise when the puppy needs a break.
Any local Gold Coast resources?
Most suburbs have excellent local vets who specialise in puppies. Tallebudgera, Robina, Cabana and more all have puppy-safe parks once vaccinations are done. Ask your vet for recommendations.
Conclusion
The first 16 weeks go by in a blur.
One minute you’re carrying a tiny ball of fluff through the door. The next, you’ve got a confident little dog who knows their name, loves your kids, and has claimed the best spot on the couch.
It’s not always easy. There are sleepless nights, accidents on the carpet, and moments where you wonder what you’ve gotten yourself into.
But the bonding, the joy, the way your family comes together around this one little creature? Worth every second.
Our Sunshine Coast-raised Cavoodles are ready for families who want to do this right. We’ve laid the foundation. You get to build the rest.
If you’re thinking about bringing a puppy home to your coastal family, we’d love to help make it happen.