7 Essential Tips for Cavapoo Owners
So, you got yourself a Cavapoo, huh? Congrats! You’re now the proud owner of the most ridiculously cute, energetic, and slightly mischievous little fluffball.
But let’s be real—owning a Cavapoo isn’t just cuddles and Instagram-worthy moments. It’s a whirlwind of zoomies, stubbornness, and the occasional “Did you just eat my sock?!” moment.
Don’t worry, though—I’ve got your back. Here are 7 must-know tips to help you navigate Cavapoo parenthood like a pro.
1. Start Training Yesterday
Listen, your Cavapoo may look like an innocent teddy bear, but don’t let that fool you. These pups are smart—and a little too clever for their own good. If you don’t establish rules early, they’ll run the house before you know it.
- Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come.
- Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes max) because their attention span is, well… questionable.
- Use positive reinforcement (aka treats, praise, and belly rubs). Negative reinforcement? Yeah, that’s just going to make them more stubborn.
Pro Tip:
If you don’t set boundaries, your Cavapoo will think they own the couch, the bed, and maybe even your soul. Stay strong.
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Start Training Today! 🐾2. Socialization is Non-Negotiable
Want a confident, friendly pup who doesn’t freak out at the sight of another dog or a mailman? Then socialize, socialize, socialize!
- Introduce them to different people, sounds, and environments early on.
- Arrange puppy playdates (bonus: you get to meet other dog parents and compare puppy horror stories).
- Expose them to loud noises like vacuums and doorbells so they don’t grow up thinking these are signs of the apocalypse.
Trust me, a well-socialized Cavapoo = a happier, less anxious dog.
3. Brush That Floof (Unless You Like Matted Fur)
Cavapoos are part Poodle, which means hello, curly, high-maintenance fur! If you don’t stay on top of their grooming, you’ll have a tangled mess that looks more like a mop than a dog.
- Brush at least 3-4 times a week (daily if you’re feeling fancy).
- Use a slicker brush or de-matting comb to keep things smooth.
- Regular trims every 6-8 weeks prevent the dreaded “fur helmet” look.
Fun Fact:
If you slack on grooming, your Cavapoo will develop what groomers call “felted fur”—which is just a nice way of saying “your dog now resembles a neglected stuffed animal.”
4. Cavapoos = Velcro Dogs (Prepare for Clinginess)
Hope you weren’t planning on going to the bathroom alone ever again, because Cavapoos are next-level attached.
- They love being around their humans and can develop separation anxiety if left alone too much.
- Start crate training early to help them feel safe when you’re not around.
- Teach them independence by leaving them alone for short periods and rewarding calm behavior.
Warning: If you give in to their puppy dog eyes 24/7, you’ll end up with a Stage 5 Clinger.
5. Exercise is Mandatory (Even if You’d Rather Netflix)
Yes, Cavapoos are small, but don’t let their size fool you. They have the energy of a caffeinated toddler.
- Aim for 30-60 minutes of exercise per day (walks, playtime, or dog park adventures).
- Mental stimulation is just as important—puzzle toys, training games, and scent work are great ways to tire them out.
- If they don’t get enough exercise, they’ll entertain themselves by chewing things you love.
Fun Fact:
A bored Cavapoo = destruction mode activated. Keep them busy unless you want to find out how quickly they can turn your favorite shoes into confetti.
6. Feed the Right Food (Because They WILL Beg)
Cavapoos have a talent for making you feel like the worst person in the world if you don’t share your food. Stay strong!
- Stick to high-quality dog food (preferably vet-approved).
- Avoid table scraps, no matter how dramatic they act. (Yes, even when they give you that look.)
- Watch out for food allergies—Cavapoos can be sensitive to grains, chicken, or dairy.
PSA: If you cave and start feeding them from your plate, congrats—you’ve just created a monster.
7. Love, Patience, and a Sense of Humor Are Key
At the end of the day, owning a Cavapoo is equal parts adorable and chaotic. They’ll test your patience, steal your socks, and somehow end up in your bed no matter what rules you set. But they’ll also shower you with love, cuddles, and unconditional loyalty.
- Be patient—puppyhood is wild, but it gets better.
- Laugh at their antics—because, honestly, what else can you do?
- Enjoy the journey—Cavapoos are pure joy wrapped in fur.
Final Thoughts
Owning a Cavapoo is a rollercoaster of cuteness, energy, and occasional chaos. But with the right training, grooming, and a whole lot of love, they’ll become your best friend and cuddle buddy for life.
Now, go give your little fluffball a belly rub—they totally deserve it. 😉
I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉
