The Cockapoo Problem That Needs To Be Addressed

When Cockapoo owners talk about common Cockapoo problems, separation anxiety inevitably comes up.

Most dogs get very attached to their owner they can’t stand to be on their own. This is not uniquely a Cockapoo problem, but the Cockapoo is known to suffer particularly from separation anxiety. This is because smaller breeds of dog have been bred as companion dogs. As well as this, all dogs are pack animals that love company and family bonds.

Being apart is emotionally difficult for you the owner- and even worse for your dog. In fact, it’s just total panic for a dog that has never been taught to cope on his own.

Your prevention of separation anxiety needs to start the moment you first bring him home as a puppy or adult dog. This lesson will actually teach your Cockapoo to look forward to the time he is by himself.

5 Steps To Overcome separation anxiety

1. First of all get some baby gates installed around your house.
2. Give your Cockapoo something really nice to chew (the kong for example stuffed with treats) and leave him to it.
3. Leave via the baby gate and allow him to enjoy his reward.
4. To start with go to the end of the garden or around the block.
5. Keep doing this each day and increase the time you are away.

By gradually leaving him alone with something tasty for him you’re teaching him the coping strategies to stay on his own. He is learning ‘alone time’ is normal and part of his routine. Teaching this is going to save you both so much anxiety and stress- it’s essential training for the Cockapoo.

Cockapoo Problems and training programmes

Like all problem behaviours dogs can exhibit like nuisance barking, pulling on the lead, and not returning when called; a structured training program is needed. I’m always amazing why dog owners are reluctant to put the effort in at the beginning when the rewards are so great for life!

Resources

Get started in Dog Training

Introducing The Cockador

A friend of mine recently bought a Cockador puppy and I was so impressed with how adorable it is I had to update my Cockapoo friends.

There is not much information about the origins of the Cockador. What I can determine by looking at Google search statistics is the term ‘Cockador’ first began to be searched on in 2005.

A Cockador is a hybrid dog similar to the Cockapoo. You may have made an educated guess that if a Cocker Spaniel is bred with a Labrador Cockador puppy is produced.

Retrievers and Labradors are known to be the most over-bred dogs, so instilling some hybrid vigor, by bringing in another blood line and strengthening the genetics with a Cocker parent is a good idea.

Cockador Temperament

You need to mindful that Labradors are gun dogs. This means they are going to have a strong retrieving instincts. Their friendly temperament has led The Labrador to be a popular choice as a disability assistance dog. We can deduce from this the Cockador will have the same friendly and trainable temperament that the Labrador is famous for.

Cocker Spaniels were also bred as hunting dogs so this retrieving characteristic is going to be enhanced further. You may want to check if the parents come from ‘Working’ or ‘Show’ stock as working dogs have a lot of energy and need a lot of exercise (think two-three outings a day).

Sizes and Colours

Cockadors will be smaller than the average Labrador which may be desirable for many people.

Brown, chocolate, blond and black are the most usual colours but again the Cocker influence will mean other colours will emerge such as bridle, roan and red tones. Depending on which parent they take after they will have a short lab coat or perhaps a slightly longer wavy coat.

Breeders

Since Cockadors are in their infancy as a breed, a first cross (F1) puppy will be most common. This means that both parent dogs would be registered with the Kennel Clubso do check the available records to ensure both parents are healthy.

Follow all the normal advice when choosing a puppy. If you need to read up try both of these guides.

RSPCA Advice

The Dogs Trust

Thank you to Rebecca Wright for the photos!