Cockapoos are an adorable designer dog breed, but their owners are often surprised when they realize just how much work they can be. Unfortunately, this breed is far from being a lap dog. With Poodle and Cocker Spaniel genetics coursing through their veins, they are bound to be an extremely active breed.
Cockapoos have a high drive to exercise both mind and body. Getting regular exercise spread out throughout the day can help calm them, but you also need to stimulate their minds with puzzle toys and games. Some Cockapoos will calm down after two years of age or after being neutered.
If you want to know why your Cockapoo acts the way he does and how you can prevent some of these troubling behaviors, this guide is just for you!
Why are Cockapoos So Crazy?
A Cockapoo puppy is prone to having a lot of energy that they need to expend daily. With a Cocker Spaniel parent and a Poodle parent, they tend to inherit the best of both breeds. This means that you are getting a highly intelligent yet very active dog.
Unfortunately, this type of combination can lead to headaches and disasters for unprepared owners who want a lap dog more interested in snuggling than playing.
Cockapoos are curious dogs with a high energy drive. While exercise can help minimize their physical energy so that you have a calmer dog, you can’t neglect to stimulate their mind at the same time. This is why it can be beneficial to take them on walks to explore and sniff.
However, it likely isn’t enough to exercise them. They will need mental stimulation for most of the day to keep their energy levels in check. Engage them through the use of puzzle toys like a Kong ball stuffed with frozen peanut butter or something similar.
Play games with them and teach them more advanced obedience skills and tricks. All of these activities will help to manage their energy levels.
While we got lucky with the energy levels of our Cavachon, pet owners who don’t mind being active might love the enthusiasm and energy of a Cockapoo or an Aussiedoodle – both of which are considered to be quite hyperactive due to their working dog breed.
How Much Exercise Does a Cockapoo Need?
Cockapoos are not necessarily crazy dogs, but they do require a lot more attention when it comes to figuring out their schedule and needs. Under the best circumstances, your Cockapoo should get about an hour of moderate-intensity exercise per day. You can do this through any number of activities:
- Playing fetch or tug in the backyard
- Training your dog for agility or flyball
- Taking long walks through the neighborhood
- Going for a jog or a bike ride
Anything you can do to get their energy out of their body in a productive way will be helpful when it comes to managing their energy levels.
At What Age Does a Cockapoo Calm Down?
As a Cockapoo owner, you might be wondering when your dog will hit the magical age where they are suddenly much calmer. Some veterinarians espouse neutering or spaying as a solution to the endless energy of the Cockapoo. However, many owners report that they did not notice much of a difference after the procedure.
Some estimate that once your dog solidly reaches adulthood (around age two), it will start to calm down. While this is true for some pet owners, it is not true for all.
The reality is that your Cockapoo is likely to be a high-energy dog for life. It is in their genes to work hard and play hard, whether that means in the backyard or while jogging along with you during a nightly walk. If you aren’t prepared to handle the intense exercise needs that will keep a Cockapoo calm, then this breed might not be the best choice for you.
Will Neutering My Cockapoo Calm Him Down?
Many pet owners have heard that neutering their male dogs will instill a sense of calm and restore their dog to a more compliant version of himself. The primary reason owners consider having their dogs neutered is that they don’t want to worry about puppies later on down the road. However, it can also have a pleasant effect on their overall demeanor and energy levels.
When you neuter a Cockapoo, you reduce the levels of sex hormones in the body. This leads to a dog with better manners who is sometimes calmer than his intact counterparts. If you decide to neuter your dog, you might find that walking him is significantly easier after a quick adjustment to the new levels of hormones throughout his body.
For example, a neutered dog will not be as interested in searching for a mate every time the two of you leave the house together. He will also display fewer territorial behaviors and have a decreased desire to mark everything he comes across.
Getting your Cockapoo neutered at the right age is essential. Most veterinarians recommend waiting until your pup is between four and nine months old. This might feel like an eternity to wait for your crazy Cockapoo to calm down, but it is better for their overall health.
Neutering your Cockapoo too soon can result in issues such as:
- Behavioral problems such as phobias or aggression
- Weight gain
- Hypothyroidism
- Increased bone growth
It is best to avoid some of these common issues by waiting until your Cockapoo is at the ideal age. Around the age of their puberty, you will want to consult with your local veterinarian to see what they recommend for your unique four-legged friend.
How to Calm Down a Hyper Cockapoo
Are you ready to take on the task of trying to calm down your hyper Cockapoo? While it does require some significant effort and planning on your part, it is possible to wear this breed out with the right circumstances and arrangements.
First and foremost, the most important thing you can do to get your Cockapoo to calm down is to take them for lots of exercise. While an hour a day is recommended, it might be better for the dog to get even more than this. As long as they are interested in playing with you (and most of them will be!), your pup could benefit from many short play sessions spread out throughout the day.
It is a good idea to choose activities that will work your dog’s brain and body simultaneously. For example, teach them a new game that incorporates agility or flyball. Work on fetching and other fun games that you can do around the house.
Of course, nothing is more beneficial than a good old-fashioned walk at the park. Exposing your Cockapoo to novel sights, sounds, and smells activates their brains. This gives them the mental and physical stimulation that they need. As a bonus, many parks also have a dog park. If your Cockapoo is good with others, then you can sit back and relax while your Cockapoo wears himself out playing.
When you can’t physically entertain your Cockapoo, it is essential to make sure that they have something that stimulates their mind. Without it, they are bound to find something that will hold their interest, and you might not like the results. If left to their own devices, they can be destructive chewers, barkers, or even diggers.
Mental stimulation can take the form of:
- Training sessions
- Puzzle toys
- Fun games like hide and seek
- Interactive games like fetch and tug
Keep in mind that getting upset with your Cockapoo because of their energy levels won’t do you any good. They can’t help but be active dogs in both mind and body. The best thing you can do to help the situation is to handle them with gentleness and calmness. This will not only reduce your stress levels, but your Cockapoo will respond more favorably to your commands.
Will My Cockapoo Calm Down?
The question on every Cockapoo owner’s mind is whether their pup will calm down with maturity and age. Unfortunately, this can be a bit challenging to predict. Based on the high energy drive of both of their parents and their intelligence, it seems unlikely that your Cockapoo will have a nosedive in energy any time soon.
However, you can follow some of these tips to help keep them in check. With a little bit of know-how and a significant time commitment, you can manage a Cockapoo’s energy level at home. If you lack time to dedicate to their exercise, you might consider hiring a dog walker for the afternoon or taking your Cockapoo to doggy daycare.
Consider how you can work with your dog to help subdue some of their energy levels today!
Gifts for Dog Lovers
Do you know someone who loves their dog more than anything?
Then they’ll love these gifts! From kitchen accessories to stylish jewelry, we’ve got everything a pup lover could want.
Our selection of gifts for dog lovers is sure to have something perfect for the special person in your life.
Head over to our list of 50 Pawsome Gift Ideas for Dog Lovers to find that perfect gift!
More on Cockapoos
If you’re simply in love with Cockapoos and can’t get enough, then check out our other posts below:
