Cockapoos are said to be one of the friendliest dog breeds in existence. In fact, they rank higher than golden retrievers and German shepherds on this measure. The dogs were originally bred from Cocker spaniels and Poodles.
They make a great pet for a family with children or another dog because of their outgoing and gentle nature. However, they may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
Cockapoos are known to be very affectionate dogs that love being around people. But what happens when they’re suddenly left alone? Cockapoos can suffer from separation anxiety, which can cause them to become destructive and even ill. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the symptoms of cockapoo separation anxiety and how to help your dog overcome it.
How to tell if your cockapoo has separation anxiety?
If your cockapoo appears to be excessively stressed or anxious when you leave them alone, or when you’re not around, then it’s likely that they are experiencing separation anxiety.
There are a number of signs that you can look for to help you determine if your cockapoo is suffering from separation anxiety, including:
Excessing barking
Your cockapoo may start to bark excessively when you leave them alone. This may be a way of trying to get your attention, or it could be a sign of stress and anxiety.
Chewing furniture
If your cockapoo starts to chew on furniture or other household items when you’re not around, this could be another sign that they’re experiencing separation anxiety.
Toileting accidents
If your cockapoo starts toileting indoors when they’re used to going outside, this could be a sign that they’re anxious and stressed when you’re not around.
Excessive licking and self grooming
Your cockapoo may start to lick themselves excessively or groom themselves more than usual when they’re anxious and stressed. This may be a way of trying to comfort themselves.
Regressive behaviour
If your cockapoo starts to behave in a way that is more typical of when they were a puppy, this could be a sign that they’re feeling anxious and stressed.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to seek professional help from a qualified dog trainer or behaviorist. They will be able to help you address the underlying cause of your cockapoo’s separation anxiety.
Tips to help your Cockapoo overcome anxiety.
If your Cockapoo suffers from anxiety, there are a few things you can do to help them feel better.
- Start with short periods of separation and gradually increase the time as your dog becomes more confident.
- Make sure your dog has a comfortable place to retreat to when feeling anxious, such as a bed or crate.
- Provide plenty of positive reinforcement when your dog behaves calmly in your absence.
- If your dog becomes overly anxious, consult with your veterinarian or a qualified dog behaviorist for help.
- Be patient and consistent with your training, and you will see positive results in no time!
If you follow these tips, you should start to see a reduction in your cockapoo’s separation anxiety.
Puzzle toys
Puzzle toys are a great way to help keep your cockapoo engaged and distracted when you are away. Fill the toy with treats or kibble and let them work out how to get to the food. This will help to keep their minds occupied and distracted from any separation anxiety they may be feeling.
Rotate their toys
Cockapoos can get bored of their toys easily, so it is important to rotate them regularly. This will help to keep your cockapoo’s attention on the toys and away from any thoughts of separation anxiety.
Switch up routines
Switch up routines to help alleviate your cockapoo’s separation anxiety. If you’re always gone at the same time each day, try going at a different time to throw off their routine.
You can also try leaving them with a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter or other treats that will keep them occupied and distracted while you’re away.
Alternatively, if you’re usually gone for long periods of time, try leaving for a shorter amount of time to start with and gradually increase the time you’re away.
Keep an eye out just after you’ve left.
If you have a cockapoo, you may have noticed that they tend to experience separation anxiety. This is perfectly normal and there are a few things you can do to help your cockapoo feel more comfortable when you’re not around.
One thing you can do is leave the radio or tv on when you leave the house. This will help your cockapoo feel like there is still some activity going on even when you’re not there.
You can also consider getting a pet camera so you can keep an eye on your cockapoo while you’re away. Some of these cameras even allow you to talk to your pet and give them treats!
By taking some simple steps, you can help reduce your cockapoo’s separation anxiety and keep them happy and comfortable when you’re not around.
How long can you leave your cockapoo alone?
A cockapoo can typically be left alone for up to four hours. If you need to leave your cockapoo alone for longer than that, you will need to hire a dog walker for your Cockapoo or ask someone to pop in and check on them.
Leaving a cockapoo alone for too long can cause separation anxiety, which can lead to a variety of behavioral problems. If you are going to be away from your cockapoo for an extended period of time, it is important to make sure they have a comfortable place to stay and plenty of toys to keep them occupied.
Conclusion
Separation anxiety is a very real condition that can affect any dog, but cockapoos seem to be especially prone to it. While cockapoos can certainly suffer from separation anxiety, there are a number of things that owners can do to help their furry friends feel more comfortable when they’re away. With a little patience and training, most cockapoos can learn to cope with their owner’s absences without too much stress.
