The Cavapoo breed is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle, typically resulting in a friendly and outgoing temperament.
Cavapoos are highly intelligent dogs that thrive on positive reinforcement training, which can be achieved through rewards-based methods such as treats and praise.
This intelligence also makes them prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods without proper training and socialization.
Training Fundamentals
Start training your Cavapoo puppy as soon as you bring them home from the breeder.
Cavapoos are pretty smart and will always be learning, so it's essential to start teaching them their name and house training straight away. Consistency is key when establishing a bond with your new pup.
Setting clear boundaries and using positive reinforcement methods like treats, toys, belly rubs, and praise can help prevent unwanted behaviors and keep your home safe.
What Age?
You should start training your Cavapoo puppy as soon as you bring them home from the breeder.
Cavapoos are pretty smart and will always be learning, even if you think you're not actively training them. Luckily for you, consistent training routines can help them flourish and become their best selves.
The key to successful Cavapoo training is starting as early as possible. You can start introducing your puppy to crate training, potty training, leash walking, and basic manners right from the breeder's care.
At a very young age, Cavapoos have quite short attention spans, so be patient with their training routine. However, sticking to a consistent routine will help them adjust to their forever home and develop good manners.
Be Consistent
Consistency is key when training your Cavapoo puppy. You should start training them as soon as you bring them home from the breeder.
Cavapoos are pretty smart and will always be learning, even if you think you're not actively training. They can pick up on good manners and develop their confidence with consistent routines.
Many ethical breeders introduce their puppies to crate training, potty training, leash walking, and basic manners while in the breeder's care. This sets a solid foundation for your Cavapoo's future development.
Your Cavapoo's training routine might take some time, especially at a young age when they have short attention spans. However, sticking to a consistent routine will make it easier as they grow older.
Reward Good Behavior
Positive reinforcement is key to successful cavapoo training, and rewarding good behavior is a big part of that.
You'll want to keep a positive and enthusiastic attitude, which will influence your puppy to continue behaving in a certain manner. Rewarding your pup with food, toys, and praise can encourage good behavior.
For more effective training, have plenty of tiny soft training treats on hand to motivate and reward your puppy during teaching sessions. Break them into pea-sized pieces for quick rewards.
You can also use tiny bits of fruit or vegetables for healthy motivation, as they make great alternatives to traditional treats.
Here's an interesting read: Dog Training without Treats
Socialization and Exposure
Socialization and Exposure are key components of Cavapoo training. Introducing your pup to new people and pets slowly and gradually is a good starting point.
To help your Cavapoo become confident and happy, expose them to new experiences early on. This can be as simple as taking them to the dog park or a pet store. Pay attention to their behavior and watch for signs of discomfort or anxiety.
Letting your puppy explore, meet people and other pets, and go to many places from a young age is crucial in avoiding behavioral problems when they're older.
Consider a Crate
Crate training is one of the most popular Cavapoo training methods that both breeders and dog owners have found extremely useful.
The main goal of crate training is to give your new puppy a safe haven where they can relax and go on their own if they need some time to recharge.
Puppies should never spend too much time in their crates, as a general rule of thumb, you should only leave your puppy in the crate for hours equal to the age in months they are.
A cozy crate serves as a secure place for naps, potty training and giving your puppy some quiet time. It should be just large enough for standing, turning, and laying down.
It’s not cruel to crate train your puppy, and most dogs will love the little den and feel safe in there.
Socialize, Socialize, Socialize!
Socializing your Cavapoo is a key part of their training and helps them become a confident and happy adult dog.
Introducing your pup to new people and pets slowly and gradually is essential for their comfort and well-being. Start by introducing them to people or animals they're familiar with, then slowly increase the number of new introductions, paying attention to signs of discomfort or anxiety.
Taking your Cavapoo to new places like the dog park or a pet store can help them become more comfortable in different environments and around new people. This is a great way to bond with your little furry best friend!
To avoid behavioral problems when they're older, let your puppy explore, meet people and other pets, and go to many places from a young age. This helps them become a confident, comfortable, and adaptable adult dog.
Meeting and having positive experiences with many different people, animals, and places from a young age is crucial for your Cavapoo's socialization. This helps them become friendly and confident as an adult dog.
Explore further: How Much to Feed Cavapoo Puppy
Preventing Destructive Chewing
Preventing Destructive Chewing is a crucial part of Socialization and Exposure. Puppies explore items by putting them in their mouths, which can damage belongings.
You should keep socks, shoes, kids' toys, remotes, and more out of reach. Use baby gates, doors, or storage bins to prevent your puppy from accessing these items. This will help save your favorite shoes from becoming chew toys!
Preventing boredom is also key in stopping destructive chewing. Provide a variety of "chewies" like frozen Kongs stuffed with peanut butter or puppy-safe rawhides. This will give your puppy something to do instead of chewing on household objects.
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Here are some additional tips to prevent destructive chewing:
- Smear bitter anti-chew spray on furniture corners or baseboards if needed.
- Rotate toys regularly to keep things fresh and interesting for your puppy.
Remember, crate training can also help curb unwanted behaviors like destructive chewing. Just be sure not to leave your puppy in the crate too long – the general rule of thumb is to only leave them in there for hours equal to their age in months!
For another approach, see: Crate Training Rescue Dog
Behavioral Issues and Solutions
Cavapoos are prone to barking, separation anxiety, and digging or chewing.
These issues can be prevented or addressed with proper training, socialization, and meeting your Cavapoo's exercise and mental stimulation needs.
Combining positive reinforcement methods with good manners training will help your puppy learn what behaviors are acceptable in your household.
Issues & Solutions
Cavapoos are known for their intelligence and trainability, but some puppies may exhibit unwanted behaviors.
Even though they're smart, Cavapoos can have issues with training, including barking, separation anxiety, digging, and chewing.
Proper training, socialization, and meeting your Cavapoo's exercise and mental stimulation needs can help prevent or address these issues.
To tackle common training issues, combine positive reinforcement methods with teaching good manners and obedience commands like 'sit' or 'leave it'.
Some Cavapoos may require extra attention to learn what behaviors are acceptable in their household.
Intriguing read: Cavapoo Puppies Health Problems
Barking
Barking is a common issue in Cavapoos, but they're generally not very vocal and don't tend to bark excessively. However, some pups do get overly excited when they hear someone knocking on the door.
To combat this, you can teach your dog to sit still in a designated area when someone's at the door. Rewarding their good behavior with treats is a great way to encourage calmness.
Cavapoos may bark to alert, play, or relieve boredom. To reduce barking, desensitize your puppy to triggers like the doorbell through exposure, and use treats to reward quiet behavior.
Here are some specific tips to help you address excessive barking:
- Desensitize your puppy to triggers like the doorbell through exposure.
- Address separation anxiety if present by providing activity upon departures and stuffed Kongs for distraction.
- If your puppy stays quiet when they should, give them a treat to teach them to avoid barking when unwanted.
Remember, every dog is different, so it's essential to tailor these tips to your Cavapoo's unique needs and personality.
Jumping
Jumping can be a problem for Cavapoos if not handled properly.
You can teach your puppy to sit to be greeted, which will help them understand that attention is only given when they're calm and respectful. This simple trick can go a long way in curbing unwanted behavior.
Don't reward bad behavior with any type of attention, as this will only teach your Cavapoo to continue behaving this way.
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Digging
Digging is a common behavioral issue in Cavapoos that can be caused by boredom and lack of physical and mental stimulation.
Some dogs just love to dig, but it's essential to ensure your Cavapoo gets enough exercise each day through walks and playtime.
A designated dog-friendly area in the yard using sand or dirt can help redirect this behavior. Burying toys and treats in this area can encourage approved digging there.
To prevent unwanted digging, make sure to provide your Cavapoo with sufficient attention from you, as well as a variety of toys and playthings.
Here are some practical tips to deter digging:
- Designate a dog-friendly area in the yard using sand or dirt.
- Bury toys and treats in this designated area to encourage approved digging.
- Use natural deterrents, like placing dog waste in unwanted areas.
Remember, every dog is different, so it's crucial to tailor your approach to your Cavapoo's unique needs and personality.
Biting & Mouthing
Biting and mouthing are especially common in young puppies who experience teething. As their gums are itchy and painful, it’s a great way for them to relieve the discomfort.
To combat excessive and inappropriate biting, providing your puppy with plenty of chew toys is essential. This will redirect their attention on something more appropriate. We also recommend checking out our guide on how to stop a puppy from biting with helpful methods and recommended puppy chew toys.
Nipping and mouthing are normal but unwanted behaviors in puppies. To reduce this behavior, it's crucial to have plentiful chew toys on hand for distraction. Rotating these toys will keep them interesting for your puppy.
If your puppy nips at fingers or clothing, saying "no bite" then placing a toy into their mouth can be an effective way to redirect their behavior. Leaving the room briefly if biting persists is also a good strategy. Return once calmed down and try playing again.
Dog Training Techniques and Methods
You're eager to start training your Cavapoo puppy? Start on the right paw with them, recommended by leading trainer and behaviourist organizations.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to training a Cavapoo puppy, but there are several tried and tested methods that can be useful in their training routine. You'll need to consider different obedience training methods for your furry friend.
Teaching basic commands is an essential part of a Cavapoo's training, helping establish a stronger bond between you and your pet while keeping them safe and well-behaved.
There are four key obedience training methods that can be effective in shaping your Cavapoo's behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you discipline a Cavapoo puppy?
Disciplining a Cavapoo puppy involves using positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding good behavior, rather than punishment or negative reinforcement
Sources
- COAPE Association of Applied Pet Behaviorists and Trainers (capbt.org)
- Association of Pet Dog Trainers (apdt.co.uk)
- Cavapoo Training: Methods & How to Tackle Common ... (doodledoods.com)
- The Ultimate Guide to Training Your Cavapoo (premierpups.com)
- Never smack your puppy (lawndalevets.com)
- Cavapoo Training: When and How to Start for Success (minicavapoo.net)
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