Special Tips for Taking Care of Cockapoo Puppies
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This adorable breed is a combination of two full breeds, either the American or English Cocker Spaniel, and the Poodle. The breed has been around since the 1950’s, but it is not a recognized breed by the purebred associations, such as the AKC, American Kennel Club ,CKC, Canadian Kennel Club, or the UKC, United Kennel Club.
Because of this breed’s adorable looks and personality, it is one of the most popular breeds to be bred by puppy mills and inexperienced, or poorly rated breeders who are looking to make an easy buck.
When purchasing one of these puppies, it is recommended to be careful when researching breeders to be sure to find a highly reputable breeder who is well-known and knowledgeable about the breed.
It is also recommended that you know about any breed you are about to purchase to make sure it is a suitable breed for you and your family. Before you bring one of these adorable pups home, here are seven special tips for taking care of cockapoo puppies.
1. Food
When you bring your Cockapoo puppy home, you will want to make sure he is set up for a healthy diet for all of his life. Starting him on the right path at a very young age is important for your puppy to have a long, happy, healthy life.
Very small puppies need a high nutrition puppy food that is moistened for them to eat, with a spoonful of high quality canned food. If you are changing their food from the brand the breeder fed him, the change should be made in small increments over a 4-5 day process to prevent stomach and digestive problems.
2. Crating
When your Cockapoo puppy is young, it is a good idea to get him used to crating. A plastic crate is recommended to prevent accidents with paws and tails or other areas of the body, getting injured in the wires of a wire cage.
A crate is similar to a den for a dog. Dogs are den creatures and prefer den-like environments to feel safe and secure so they can rest comfortably and at ease.
It also acts as a training tool to help your puppy get used to holding their bathroom breaks until they go outside where they should. It will also keep them out of mischief when you can’t watch them carefully to prevent them from getting into things they shouldn’t, such as your closet where they will happily chew on whatever they can get their mouths on.
3. Exercise
Your Cockapoo puppy will need a lot of exercise to keep him happy and healthy. It’s important your puppy gets about 2 hours outside time if you have a yard or garden he can roam and run in.
If you don’t have a safe, designated place for your puppy to play, walking your pup on a leash at least twice a day for thirty minutes, is recommended. Exercise not only keeps your puppy healthy physically, but mentally.
When your puppy gets bored or depressed from lack of mental and physical stimulation, he is more apt to get mischievous and destructive with your personal belongings.
4. Leash train
Getting your puppy accustomed to walking on a leash as early as possible is the best way to help him be a better behaved adult dog, on a leash. You do not want a leash that is too long, or it will make it more difficult to retain control over him.
The best length for a Cockapoo puppy is 6 feet long and his collar should be flat cloth collar, and one that allows for about two inches between the neck and the material.
5. Treats
Treats are a way in which owners like to spoil their puppy. Although they can be good for training purposes and the occasional “just “because” treat, giving your Cockapoo treats too often, or the wrong treats, can be bad for their health.
Little pieces of fresh cooked chicken or a piece of his kibble food at a time. People food is not recommended for dogs and there are types of dog treats that are not healthy for your Cockapoo pup, such as Beggin’ Strips and milkbones. These are both known to cause loose stools and digestive issues.
6. Grooming
Your puppy will need grooming just like an adult dog. Not only does it keep him looking and feeling good, but it can help prevent health issues, such as eye problems, foot problems and ear issues.
Early grooming practices also help to get your puppy used to being groomed so that he is not scared or anxious, which can lead to aggression during a grooming.
Brushing your puppy on a regular basis, cleaning his teeth, clipping his toenails, cleaning his ears, and trimming over his eyes and around his nose and mouth periodically, are the most important grooming steps.
To trim fur around the face, you should always have a second person help you to hold the puppy still while he is trimmed, to prevent clipping in the wrong places or injuring him.
7. First days at home
When you first bring your new puppy home, he will want to get acquainted with his new home and environment. Plan to bring him home when you know the house will be the most quiet, without family or friends stopping by.
You should not allow for overnight guests for at least the first week while your puppy is learning who his new family is and all about his new environment. The last thing you want to do is to overwhelm your new puppy as this can set the stage for a nervous and intimidated dog. This is one of the most important steps in acclimating your new dog to your family.
You can also read:
- Why Choosing A Cockapoo Rescue Is Important
- 10 Things That You Should Know About The Cockapoo
- A Complete Price Guide for the Cockapoo