Cockapoos are one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK, but their high energy levels can leave some owners struggling. Sidcup-based dog trainer John, who runs Aspire Dog Training, offers advice on how to manage these lively dogs.
In a TikTok video, John noted that cockapoo owners frequently report issues such as separation anxiety, stealing socks and underwear, and refusing to leave their owner's side. However, he insists that with proper training, cockapoos can be calm and well-behaved.
Understanding the breed
Cockapoos are a mix of two working breeds: the cocker spaniel and the poodle. Both are highly intelligent and were originally bred for specific tasks—cocker spaniels for flushing and retrieving game, and poodles for retrieving game from water. John emphasizes that cockapoos need fulfilment and breed-specific activities to thrive.
“What you've got to remember is, a cockapoo is a mix of two working breeds, two working dogs,” John said. “Highly intelligent dogs, poodles, bred to retrieve game from the water originally, but highly trainable dogs.”
Training methods that work
John’s own cockapoo, Woody, is a testament to his methods. “He's not a nutter or a headcase,” John said, attributing this to straightforward training. He recommends activities such as scent work, tracking, and gundog-type training to channel the dog’s energy. “I walk him an hour, hour and a half in the morning, and then he's chill all day. And then he gets another walk in the evening and he's chill all evening. There is no need for a cockapoo to be like that.”
John warns that many owners mistakenly expect a cockapoo to be a low-energy lapdog. “But so many people get these dogs because they think, 'oh, I'm gonna have a teddy bear, a fur baby, and he's just gonna sit next to me on the sofa all day and cuddle'. Now, he'll cuddle me. Very affectionate dog, loves a cuddle. But I have to do the other stuff with him otherwise, yes, not dissimilar to many dogs, he would be a pain.”
Owner experiences
In the comments of John’s video, owners shared mixed experiences. One wrote: “Mine is very calm like an old man unless he sees a curly-haired dog, then he comes alive and wants to be chased, but other than that he's a Velcro dog who just loves me.” Another said: “My cockapoo is simply the best, he has a big personality and is very affectionate, he's never chewed anything that doesn't belong to him, he doesn't mind being left on his own and we never leave more than a couple of hours at a time. He's five and absolutely brilliant and gorgeous.”
One owner commented: “My cockapoo is amazing. Fully trained three weeks after bringing home. It's the owners that are the problem.” However, others reported challenges, such as a dog that becomes aggressive when a stranger knocks at the door or overly excited when meeting other dogs.
Conclusion
John’s message to struggling owners is one of hope: “If you're a cockapoo owner and you're having these challenges, it doesn't have to be like that, I promise you that.” By providing adequate exercise, mental stimulation, and breed-specific activities, owners can transform their high-energy cockapoo into a calm and content companion.
