Cavapoos are among the most popular dog breeds in the United States and Eastern Europe.
These dogs are excellent companions mainly due to their sweet, calm demeanor and high intellect levels.
However, to have a well-behaved and well-rounded adult dog, it's essential to train it effectively while it's still a puppy.
We have compiled an in-depth guide that discusses various Cavapoo puppy training methods, handling unwanted behaviors, and tips to fasten the process.
Let's get to it...
What age can I start training my Cavapoo puppy?
Experts recommend you start training your furry friend immediately after you get them home from the puppy shelter or breeder.
You will also have to teach the puppy its name early on; then, you can begin the house training.
Lucky for you, Cavapoo puppies are intelligent, so it won't take them too long to learn.
Even when you will be passively training, the puppy will still be learning, though you will have to be patient throughout the process.
Items you will need to train your Cavapoo puppy
Preparation is vital for your training to be practical. Below are some of the items you will need.
- Dog treats- a lot of them, the smellier, the better
- Treat pouch- to keep the treats
- Soft collar- one that won't pull on the coat and make the puppy uncomfortable
- Dog crate- acts as a safe and quiet place for your canine to relax
- Grooming brush- cavapoos have a unique coat that will need regular grooming
- Training lead
- Harness- it shouldn't be heavy or tightened; puppies like feeling free
- Chew toys
Cavapoo puppy training methods
There isn't one sure-fire way to train Cavapoo puppies because each puppy has its personality and will respond differently.
Even so, there are a few training methods that have proven successful. They include.
Clicker training
Many professional dog trainers like the clicker training method, which works.
It's somewhat similar to the positive reinforcement method since your puppy will begin looking forward to a clicking sound every time they complete a task or behave accordingly.
Initially, you will need to condition the pup to associate the clicking sound with a future reward.
For instance, you can cheer your canine to finish a task he is familiar with, such as fetching a toy using a clicker.
When your puppy fetches the toy, you reward him; in this case, it's a treat and plenty of praise.
Over time, the puppy won't be able to differentiate the clicking sound from the reward and will behave as you instruct it.
Positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is the most used cavapoo training method. It focuses more on the good and ignores the bad.
You need to understand that puppies are practically babies, so any form of punishment won't bring any noteworthy results.
Research has also found that punishing puppies damages their mental health and also ruins you and the puppy's relationship.
That's because the puppy will associate you with pain. Thus, he will always be afraid while with you. Some may even rebel.
The primary idea behind positive reinforcement is rewarding your cavapoo puppy when he behaves well or completes a task.
You will have to be enthusiastic and cheerful to influence your mutt into behaving in a certain way. After which you give treats and a lot of praise.
When the puppy does an unwanted behavior, you ignore it and proceed to encourage the positive behavior.
Cavapoo puppies like pleasing their owners, so positive reinforcement will be highly effective if you carry it out consistently.
Crate training
Contrary to popular belief, crate training is a productive puppy training strategy, provided you don't use it as a type of punishment.
Crate training aims to provide your mutt with safe heaven, where he can go and chill if he needs some personal time.
Additionally, crate training has proven ideal for curbing destructive or unwanted behaviors.
Note
Your puppy should never spend a lot of time in his crate. A general rule is never to leave your canine in a container for more than two hours without supervision.
Moreover, puppies need more bathroom breaks, so you will have to occasionally lead your pup outside the crate to avoid accidents.
Mirror training
Mirror training combines clicker training with positive reinforcement, where the target is to get your puppy to copy your actions.
Using treats and a clicker, you can get your pup to do what you are doing. For instance, when you sit, your dog also sits, or when you run, the puppy also runs.
In the wild, dogs like moving in packs, following their leader. Therefore, to make this method effective, you must establish a solid bond with your canine so he will naturally follow your lead.
Since your behavior will directly impact your puppy, you mustn't send any conflicting signals.
Factors that will fasten the training
Establish a consistent routine
A consistent schedule will help give your puppy direction and establish boundaries.
Set particular meal times, naps, potty breaks, and bedtimes early, so you know how to lead your puppy through a day.
You can make the routine more productive by scheduling your dog's meal time similar to your dinner, lunch, and supper times. Also, ensure other family members follow the same routine.
After you schedule meal times, planning bathroom breaks and daytime naps won't be complex since puppies mostly visit the potty after eating and sleep after playing.
Below are tips for a successful cavapoo training schedule.
Tip 1. Potty break
Puppies should visit the potty immediately after they wake up.
Tip 2. Regular feeding times
Feed your pup at the same time every day and involve other family members so they can take over when you are away.
Remember, puppies burn a lot of energy, so you need to feed them nutritious meals with the required supplements.
Safe Guard probiotic is an essential supplement to include in your puppy's diet.
Safe Guard contains healthy bacteria which will enhance digestion, prevent issues like constipation, and strengthen your puppy's immunity.
Tip 3. Potty visits after meals
Cavapoo puppies usually need a potty break 30 to 60 minutes after a meal. You can follow this rule to prevent accidents in the house.
Tip 4. Playtime after feeding
After your dog has eaten and visited the bathroom, it's time to play or go for a stroll.
Tip 5. More potty visits
Physical stimulation will make your puppy want to visit the potty a few times.
Tip 6. Time to sleep
Once your puppy has eaten, played with his toys, and visited the "bathroom," it's time for a well-deserved sleep.
Cavapoo puppies can sleep for up to 16 hours a day. Thus you will have to ensure there is no disturbance while the puppy rests.
Common issues you will face while training a Cavapoo puppy and how to handle them
Potty training
Many pet parents complain that it's challenging to potty train a cavapoo puppy, which isn't accurate. All you need is a practical method and enough patience.
Start by showing the dog their designated potty and take them there after every meal, when they wake up, and after a play session. Over time the puppy will learn to go to the potty on its own.
In addition, you can learn your puppy's behavior, so you know in advance if he needs to visit the potty.
Keep in mind that sometimes accidents will happen. When they do, don't punish the puppy.
Ignore and clean up the mess; then, when you take him to the potty, give him praise and some treats.
Eating socks and house furniture
Cavapoo puppies will chew on anything. While it may seem cute, it can lead to many health issues.
You can prevent the behavior by keeping socks and other items far from your dog's reach. Moreover, you can buy toys that your puppy will enjoy biting on.
Digging
Generally, dogs like digging, but experts have found that the behavior often results when the dog isn't getting adequate physical stimulation.
You can eliminate this behavior by ensuring your dog gets enough exercise daily and involving him in stimulating activities such as puzzle games.
Leash pulling
Leash pulling is especially common with younger puppies and can make your walks challenging.
Stop walking immediately after your puppy pulls the leash to combat the behavior. When your dog stops pulling, you resume walking.
After a few trials, your puppy will learn to walk correctly, and you can reward the behavior with treats and praise.
Barking
Cavapoo puppies aren't that vocal, though sometimes a puppy can get too excited when someone knocks on the door.
To stop this, teach your dog to remain calm by telling him to sit whenever someone knocks on your door. When your puppy behaves accordingly, give praises and treats.
Final thoughts
Cavapoo puppies are magnificent, but if you want the training to bear fruit, you must be patient and consistent.
Reward all the positive behaviors and ignore the rest. After a few months, you won't even have to tell your dog what to do.