How to Train a Cockapoo Puppy

The cockapoo, a combination of a cocker spaniel and poodle, is a designer breed that has been popular since the 1960s, according to the Dogtime website. Many folks obtain their cockapoos as puppies and have many questions as to how to train their new additions. Training is an essential part of life for any puppy that has owners who desire a well-behaved, balanced dog. However, training must be done in a way that encourages and stimulates puppies, or it is often unsuccessful. Fortunately, there are ways in which to turn your cockapoo puppy into a behaved, obedient adult.

Things You'll Need

  • Brush
  • Crate
  • Ramp
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Touch your cockapoo puppy on its feet, head, and ears often. Cockapoos require regular grooming, as many have a lot of hair. Handling your cockapoo puppy in these often-sensitive areas will help grooming occur more seamlessly and without incident. In addition, start to brush your cockapoo at a young age, as his hair requires daily maintenance to stay mat-free.

    • 2

      Keep your cockapoo puppy in his crate when you are not able to supervise or assist with potty-training, suggests Camano Cockapoos' website. Keeping the cockapoo in a crate will discourage him from eliminating inside the home, as he will have to lie in its waste if he does so. Therefore, choose a crate that is only large enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around and lie down in---for a cockapoo, the crate should be relatively small. If the crate is too big, the cockapoo puppy can walk away from its mess, totally defeating the purpose of crate-training.

    • 3

      Prevent your cockapoo puppy from biting by yelling "ouch" each time he nibbles your hand, suggests Camano Cockapoos. Like most puppies, cockapoos have the natural teething instict. However, if this behavior is not rectified as a puppy, it will follow him into adulthood.

    • 4

      Train your cockapoo to keep off couches or other furniture, or train him to use ramps to walk onto furniture rather than jump up, if you will allow your dog to sit with you on the couch. As small dogs, cockapoos are prone to injury when jumping off high objects; therefore, either teach yours to keep off or provide a ramp so he doesn't need to jump down and risk damaging his back, legs, or feet. Push your puppy off the couch and say "no" if you want him to stay away. If ramp training, hold a treat in front of the puppy to entice it to walk up. Give him a treat and praise him when he reaches the top.

    • 5

      Socialize your cockapoo puppy by introducing him to other animals and humans at a young age. Both cocker spaniels and poodles are generally social dogs. However, they both have a tendency to become shy and timid if not properly socialized. Allow your cockapoo to interact with humans. Once he has received his puppy vaccines, socialization with other dogs is encouraged.