Cockapoo Temperament Problems – Are There Bad Things About Cockapoos?
Cockapoos really are excellent dogs due to a variety of great traits derived from their bloodline of Cocker Spaniels and Poodles. We love them, and they are suitable dogs for families, young children, seniors, and even appropriate small dogs for children with autism.
However, Cockapoos each have their own individual personalities. Like any other dog, Cockapoos can take on bad habits or behaviors. This can be rare – but it does happen. There are bad things about Cockapoos that need to be managed if they arise.
What exactly is the baseline Cockapoo temperament like, and what are some of the symptoms of Cockapoo temperament problems that can occur in the breed?
Here’s your quick guide to Cockapoo behavioral/temperament issues, and some pro-backed pointers on how to handle them.
Cockapoo Temperament
At a baseline, the Cockapoo breed is an excellent show of personality, affection, playfulness, and adaptability, among other traits.
These particular dogs are renowned for being great family dogs, behaving well among children, extended family, visitors, and the whole family environment itself.
Their adaptability is also quite remarkable, as they really can thrive in many situations where other dogs might typically have issues.
The first Cockapoos actually came onto the scene relatively recently. The popularity boomed in the 1950s. They have been a popular breed choice across the US and in other parts of the world ever since. Cockapoos have an impressive lifespan of 10-15 human years. Some Cockapoos live even longer!
In so many ways, it seems that the marriage between Cocker Spaniel and Poodle was a great one from the start.
However, like virtually any other pet option, Cockapoos can come to take on some bad behaviors and temperament issues if not handled correctly.
Cockapoo Temperament Problems
A Cockapoo’s personality will always come from two, dictating sources – one being the dog’s genetics and the other being their upbringing.
For dogs, Nature AND Nurture will define their temperament and both will be the base cause of possible bad things about Cockapoos.
Upbringing, however, almost always trumps inherited background personality traits. This is true, usually for Cockapoos, as well as it is for any other dog breed out there.
Back to Cockapoos specifically, though, what are some of the more common temperament issues we see that can come up in this breed? When you are out and about and hear the words “bad dog!” going out to a Cockapoo, there is a common cause. It might just be because they might show a lack of trust or even aggression to those they don’t know when in public.
It could also be because they are a bit too territorial of the home grounds when someone comes around who they are unsure of. The same is true of other Poodle mix breeds like the Cavapoo. See more in our detailed breed comparison of Cavapoo vs Cockapoo.
The Cockapoo bloodline makes them work and hunting dogs at heart, they can become bored quickly.
This can then quickly lead to them seeking out things to do, which may or may not be acceptable. Boredom from lack of mental and physical stimulation is a primary cause of the problem of Cockapoo barking. Learn how to deal with excessive Cockapoo barking.
Unacceptable releases for pent-up energy and boredom might range from digging and other, undesirable “doggy yardwork” to even the chewing of things you don’t want chewed on. “Not my dress shoes!“
As to those non-aggressive issues such as destructive chewing or backyard terraforming, the very first line of defense is to be sure your Cockapoo is getting their energy out somewhere else during the day.
Even if you are trapped indoors, there are plenty of brain training games and exercises you can arrange for inside. Consider freezing a puzzle toy like a Kong – or check out our mega list of 35 indoor dog games and activities to keep your Cockapoo busy.
Remember that a tired dog is generally a happy dog, so find ways to keep them mentally and physically occupied instead of lying around with absolutely nothing to do.
We recommend walks, some backyard playtime, training time, a variety of toys, and even trips out of the house when able, just to name a few.
Ways to Deal with an Aggressive Cockapoo
Aggressive behavior, if it ever occurs, certainly is one of the bad things about Cockapoos, and likely the worst.
If you see this sort of issue arise, it’s highly recommended that you address it immediately.
When not promptly dealt with, these behaviors, like many others, can become even more reliable and entrenched in the dog’s psyche. This is counterproductive and of little help.
The first thing to do when aggression arises, is to have your dog checked by a Vet.
Many would jump straight to discipline and training. Still, in truth, this is unfair to the dog if it’s actually just acting out due to some unknown, underlying pain or suffering. Even a minor skin condition can cause irritation and long-term misbehavior. The solution can be as simple as an antibacterial dog shampoo!
If Vet consultation rules out a medical prompt for the behavior, then training to fix it is the next course of action.
If you are unsure how to train your Cockapoo, it’s best to work with a professional and/or jointly with your vet to be sure it’s done correctly.
Incorrect training approaches can actually cause more harm than good, so they should be avoided at all costs.
In a nutshell, though, fixing aggressive behavior in a Cockapoo or any other dog involves watching for cues. Then we redirect that action and the dog’s attention to positive responses. This needs to occur every time the irritating prompt takes place.
Repetition of this basic outline of the correction process is precisely the right remedy for most aggressive Cockapoo behaviors.
Are Cockapoos Barkers?
Excessive Cockapoo barking is another behavior that most owners really dislike, and understandably so. Unfortunately, excessive vocalization can be an issue with some Cockapoos. Like people, sometimes, they really just want to talk!
If your Cockapoo’s barking does become too much, the good news is that this is one of those behavioral problems that are not typically too difficult to curb. Our detailed guide to problematic
In it, they provide the industry-wide, recommended process of identifying the bark’s cause, then acting in one of numerous, corrective ways consequently. To turn that bark around you can teach your dog to quiet on command, and learn strategies to limit excessive barking.
The risk of excessive barking is not isolated to Cockapoos, Goldendoodle owners also sometimes struggle with problem barking. There is a myth that small dogs suffer more frequently from excessive barking – but this is not uniformly true.
Cockapoo Temperament with Children
When it comes to children, Cockapoos are in the top tiers of wholesome, family-friendly personalities and tendencies in dogs.
Generally, they get along famously with children and teens as well as any other age group. However, just like in any different breed, if conditions are right or “wrong,” there can be conflict.
A professionally recommended process with a trainer for remediating aggression should be followed right away if aggression arises around your or any other children.
If the nature of the child-related conflict is not one of aggression, then proper training steps to fix that behavior. A happy relationship between Cockapoo and the child is a two-way process. Training of the Cockapoo AND also training of the child will solve most conflicts.
Cockapoos and Other Dogs
Generally speaking, the Cockapoo breed loves being around other dogs. The Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle parent breeds are well known for their friendliness towards other dogs. The Cockapoo inherits these traits and is generally regarded as friendly to other dogs and puppies.
In fact, the Cockapoo is a very social dog breed. A social and outwardly friendly breed benefits from interactions with other dogs. Having another dog to spend time with is often a considerable behavior-boosting presence for Cockapoos. Sure some dogs can get up to mischief together, but companionship and play often distract from destructive tendencies.
When first introducing a new dog to your Cockapoo, it’s always incredibly beneficial to do it on neutral ground.
Cockapoos can have a slight tendency toward being territorial and protective of their home-grounds. Bringing a new strange dog straight to their home base – could be just asking for a show of aggression. This is true even in the most typically docile of dogs.
To help keep this from happening, introduce the dogs to each other on neutral ground and then let them both go into the Cockapoo’s territory together, at the same time.
Cockapoos and Cats
Are Cockapoos good with cats? Dogs and cats are typically mortal enemies, but Cockapoos are actually one of the dog breeds that tend to take much lighter leanings toward their feline counterparts.
It is not uncommon for a Cockapoo to act quite socially and welcoming toward a cat they’ve never met beforehand.
Should your Cockapoo demonstrate aggression or any other unwanted behavior toward cats, training should easily and quickly resolve the issue.
Cockapoo Behavior Problem Conclusions
For those new to the breed, Cockapoos are a great choice for pets and companions, particularly as a family dog. Yes, there can be bad things about Cockapoos, but these behavior quirks can be overcome easily.
When compared to many other options for pets out there, there really aren’t many bad things about Cockapoos to worry about.
If problems do arise, they are also typically reeled in relatively quickly with the proper corrective approaches.
In conclusion, if you’re on the hunt for additional information on Cockapoos or just dogs in general check out our articles on the Cockapoo. The comparison of the Cockapoo vs. the Cavapoo breed is our most popular Cockapoo article.
Further resources include the American Kennel Club as well as The Cockapoo Club of America.
Rehoming a Cockapoo
If you have read and understood the possible behavior problems – consider also adopting or rehoming a Cockapoo. There are Cockapoo, and Poodle Mix rescues around the world. In most states of the USA, there are incentives and support for rehoming animals with mild behavior problems. Adopting an adult Cockapoo is a noble and great idea.
With preparation and consistency, Cockapoo behavior problems can be overcome.
If you are determined, loving, and disciplined – you can provide a fantastic home and save the life of a Cockapoo needing rescue or rehoming due to problem behaviors.
