How to Care for Cockapoo Puppies

Cockapoos are a crossbreed of cocker spaniels and poodles. They are desirable because they're highly trainable, very intelligent and have long lives with few genetic defects. Cockapoos are hypoallergenic dogs, meaning they don't shed their coats. This makes them ideal for people with dander allergies. The breed is generally good with children and a wonderful companion for families due to its temperament.

Things You'll Need

  • Food
  • Brush and comb
  • Crate
  • Nail clippers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a plastic, wood or iron crate. Crating the puppy is not inhumane; it's a safe place for it to sleep or rest and dogs are natural den animals. These animals prefer some sort of den to call their own. Plastic crates are preferred as they are warmer.

    • 2

      Provide nutritious food. Give the puppy high-quality dry food two or three times a day. Cut this back to twice a day when it reaches adulthood.

    • 3

      Keep fresh water available to the pup at all times.

    • 4

      Do not leave food or water inside the crate as this leads to the puppy eliminating in their crate. Puppies do not have the bladder control to be trusted to eat in their crate. Once the puppy eats, it will need to eliminate within 15 minutes.

    • 5

      Brush and comb the puppy at least three times a week to avoid tangles in its medium-long hair.

    • 6

      Leave the puppy alone at night. Do not remove the puppy from its crate if it is crying at night. If you open the crate while the pup is behaving badly you will reward the bad behavior and it will continue.

    • 7

      Bathe the puppy once a week. Puppies get especially dirty as they tend to get into things that adult dogs don't.

    • 8

      Regularly check and trim the puppy's nails with a dog nail clipper.

    • 9

      Begin training at around eight weeks. This is the perfect time to teach your cockapoo to sit, stay and come when called.

    • 10

      Take your cockapoo to the vet as scheduled. The first round of shots should be at six to eight weeks. The dog will get shots approximately every four weeks after the first round for three rounds of shots total. Each year, your dog will also need shots for DHLPP (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus) and bordatella. Rabies shots are given every two years.