Guide To Cavapoo Behavior Problems (Barking, Separation Anxiety, Destructive Behavior)

Cavapoo is a crossbreed that combines a very intelligent Miniature Poodle with a friendly Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The result of that mix is exceptional! You get a small dog with a big heart.

Although Cavapoos have a lot of positive characteristics they can also have some issues with behavior. On one hand, Cavapoos are the perfect choice for a first pet, as people and family-oriented dogs, friendly creatures that get along great with other pets and kids, loyal companions, smart and fairly easy to train.

On the other hand, if they are not trained well they can bark a lot, don’t like being left alone, that can push them to separation anxiety. This condition will result in developing some destructive behavior such as digging, aggressive behavior, obsessive chewing on things they shouldn’t, door scratching. Too much love and attention can turn them into clingy and intrusive pets.

So as you can see Cavapoos have ( as we all do ) both positive and negative sides. The great thing about them is that they have a very cheerful personality.

It is important though to learn what their weak spots are, which actions of yours can be a trigger for separation anxiety, how to prevent destructive behavior and how to keep this sweet and affectionate dog happy which will make you happy too!

If you are keen to learn more about possible behavioural issues in Cavapoos keep reading this article.

Problem No 1 – Excessive barking

I have heard so many times and also read on several pets forums that people are facing with this problem quite often when it comes to Cavapoos.

Although it is not officially proved that Cavapoo is a crossbreed that barks a lot, in reality, many people experience this kind of problem.

Why do Cavapoos bark a lot?

First of all, not all Cavapoos bark a lot. But the ones they do have some reasons for that.

Cavapoos are very intelligent dogs. They quickly figure out that barking brings attention. So if you respond to their barking with attention ( no matter positive or negative) they will continue doing this.

The more important question here is why they do they need to seek attention? Maybe your Cavapoo doesn’t get enough attention from your side, think about it.

Cavapoos also bark to alert their owners that someone is around the house. They seem to be great watchdogs which basically is not a bad thing but it is important to train them to bark when it is appropriate. This means that they shouldn’t bark at any passer-by.

I have read on some forum that Cavapoo dog barks from the house on every living being that comes close to the house. Owners are feeling discomfort when they need to walk him around as he barks on everything. That is not how it should be.

Excessive barking can be related to stress or discomfort. Maybe the dog is frightened or not feeling very comfortable in that precise environment.

Cavapoos tend to bark when they feel alone. They are very friendly and people-oriented dogs, which don’t like being left alone. If you are a very busy person, who needs to leave a dog in your home alone for many hours every day, then Cavapoo is not the right pet for you.

Cavapoo puppies may bark for the same reason as adult dogs. Puppies bark when they are alone, feel fear or bored, beg for attention or they feel uncomfortable especially in the situation when they are not able to handle some new stimuli well.

Problem 2 – Separation Anxiety

The most common behavioral problem in Cavapoos. I think there is no need to explain why Cavapoos develop this condition. Simply they are not designed to spend many hours alone every day.

The question is how to stop or prevent this condition.

If you have a puppy that still hasn’t developed separation anxiaty you should be working on prevention.

If you have an adult Cavapoo that already suffers from separation anxiety then your mission is clear, you should find a way to stop his negative behavior that is related to separation anxiety.

You should start with training as soon as a Cavapoo puppy comes to your home. Crate training is very helpful to prevent unwanted behavior and separation anxiety. For more about Crate Training, do read our other article ”Are Cavapoo Puppies Easy To Train”

The main idea is to teach your puppy that is quite OK to be alone for some time. Crate training will help him get used to his safe zone. Make sure the crate is big enough so he can sit, stretch and lie down. Start slowly with the training, gradually increasing the time when your puppy is alone in the crate.

Start slowly with leaving the room where the crate is located, for a couple of mins at first. Don’t get excited when you come back to the room, your puppy must realize that being alone is not a big deal.

If he gets excited when he sees you, wait until he calms down before you handle him. After he gets used to spending some time alone, start with leaving the house for a short period of time. Don’t say good buy before you leave, just go.

Put some nice toys and treats in the crate so he can have something to keep his mind occupied. Apart from being alone, separation anxiety may appear as a result of boredom. So always keep in mind that your Cavapoo puppy needs mental stimulation along with physical exercise.

Having a playtime or good exercise before you go is a great way to prevent anxiety in your little Cavapoo. A puppy that is tired will accept more easily the fact that he is left alone. Maybe he uses that time to take a nap.

If you have an adult dog which already has developed separation anxiety put maximum effort to stop the problematic behavior.

Try to find out from which environment this dog came to your home. Maybe very busy owners were leaving him alone for a long period of time on a daily basis. Maybe nobody was playing with him, nor giving him attention, maybe he was terribly bored and depressed.

As with puppy, provide a proper crate. No matter this dog is potty trained and maybe it is perfectly safe to let him roam free around the house, the crate can be his safe zone. Maybe you let him sleep in your bed and that is ok, but still put a crate and teach him that it is his safe place where he likes to be.

You should put some blanket or soft towel with your scent so he doesn’t feel alone when you are out. There are some great toys on the market that can occupy the smart brain of your Cavapoo.

At first you can leave the door on the crate open, showing your Cavapoo freedom to choose whether he will go inside or not. If he starts whining at some moment, ignore him and eventually he will stop. After he completely accepts crate as his safe zone, signs of separation anxiety will disappear.

Spend time with your Cavapoo, play with him, let him have your attention but don’t shower him with it as that can be counterproductive. Teach him that being left alone for a shorter period of time is not a big deal.

Bear in mind that good exercise before you leave can really help your dog with stopping the separation anxiety. Show him that he can entertain himself with some interactive toy even if you are not there. Some people have reported that Cavapoo dogs react well if being left alone with radio or TV on. They feel comfortable hearing the human voice.

Problem No 3 – Destructive Behavior (digging, chewing, door scratching…)

Although all destructive behavior may be linked to separation anxiety, it can also be a product of boredom and lack of mental stimulation.

For example both digging and chewing are pretty normal dog’s activity. Some dog breeds dig more then others such as Terriers, Beagles or Siberian Husky (these are bred to dig) while others can dig for tons of other reasons.

Some dogs simply don’t get enough exercise, others want to escape ( don’t feel comfortable or he feels frightened of something). Some dogs are real hunters so they are hunting the prey and that is why they are digging…

Try to find out why your Cavapoo is digging too much. Maybe you can provide a digging box for him if it appears that he simply loves to dig.

But try first to occupy his attention with some good toy or to teach him some new command or to exercise more with him, to go for a walk more often with him.

Excessive chewing can also be a sign of some protest, something is bothering your Cavapoo. To prevent him to chew on inappropriate things such as rugs or furniture, provide chewing toys instead.

Final Thought

Any behavioral problem your Cavapoo has ( destructive behavior, separation anxiety, excessive barking ) may be sold with constant training. Cavapoos are pretty intelligent dogs that will figure it out quickly what you expect from them.

You have to be patient and consistent. Don’t be rough with your dog. Cavapoos don’t respond well to harsh training. If you punish him the only thing you will succeed is that your dog is scared of you.

Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to your dog, be prepared to say ”NO” when it is necessary, learn how to redirect his attention but also give him a lots of love and care. Remember happy dog will make you happy as well.

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