Cockapoos puppies are high-energy and inquisitive. The secret to surviving those first months? Starting training early. It gives them the solid foundation they need to become a happy, relaxed, and well-behaved family member. 

This guide, written by our vets, walks you through those important steps, from the first essential "sit" commands to establishing the good habits that shape a wonderful temperament. 

Why early training is really important

The first few months are a key time for learning. Early training helps your puppy:

• Learn what’s okay and what’s not (like stealing socks!)

• Feel confident when facing new situations and people

• Avoid the behaviour problems that can crop up down the line

Short, fun, and consistent sessions are absolutely key here. Aim for just 5 to 10 minutes, multiple times a day. Puppies love routine, gentle guidance, and positive reinforcement. Cockapoo puppies tend to be very inquisitive. Training can also be a part of providing them the mental stimulation they need for healthy development. 

Puppy milestones by age

Knowing what to expect at each stage makes training and socialisation a lot smoother.

8–12 weeks: Your puppy is like a sponge, soaking up the world around them. Focus on gentle socialisation, getting them comfortable with handling, starting toilet training, and introducing simple cues like sit or come in short, fun sessions.

3–6 months: This is the curious, high-energy phase. Continue socialising and start adding a bit more structure, like short obedience sessions, clear guidance, and consistent routines. 

6–12 months: Welcome to the teenage stage! Your pup might start testing limits, or they'll forget what they've learned. Just stay patient and reinforce good manners and positive habits. 

Toilet training

With patience and consistency, your puppy will learn where and when it’s okay to go.

• Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after meals, naps, and play

• Stay with them to build confidence

• Immediately praise and reward successful toilet breaks

• Watch for those unmistakable signs, like sniffing, circling, the 'I need to go!' dance, and rush them outside

• Energetic Cockapoos may immediately forget about toileting and start playing; patience and repetition are key

• Clean accidents thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner and avoid punishment

Teaching basic commands

Short, positive, and consistent sessions help your puppy learn their first essential commands. Reward them immediately with praise, a cuddle, a favourite toy, or a tasty treat so they know exactly what they did right. 

Start with sit, stay, and come, keeping sessions fun and never punishing mistakes. You notice your puppy pauses to think before they get it right. That’s normal.

Cockapoos are naturally inquisitive and intelligent; they love to learn new things! Training can easily become one of their favourite ways to play.

Tip: Watch treat portions! Too many can lead to weight gain or put stress on growing joints. Stick to vet-approved snacks and definitely avoid toxic foods like chocolate or grapes.

Collar and lead training

Cockapoo puppies can sometimes be a bit timid and hesitate to move very far. Let them go at their own pace and build their confidence.

Step 1: Start indoors with a lightweight collar for short periods. Make sure it fits comfortably—the general rule of thumb is two fingers between the collar and neck. Some shaking or scratching is normal. Reward calm behaviour with praise or a small treat.

Step 2: Attach a lightweight lead and let your puppy drag it around under supervision. Encourage them to follow you and reward them with treats, toys, or praise. Remember to keep sessions short.

Step 3: Train a 'heel' command with a tasty treat to encourage them to walk by your side. Practice at home and in the garden with fewer distractions first. If your puppy pulls, stop and encourage them back to your side. Reward polite walking with treats, toys, or verbal praise.

Managing nipping and biting

Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Gentle, consistent guidance helps them learn what’s okay to chew.

• Keep a toy handy during play and redirect your puppy immediately if their sharp teeth catch your hand. 

• Give a calm “ouch” or pause play to show biting isn’t acceptable. 

• Avoid using hands or feet as toys to prevent mixed messages, and make sure everyone responds consistently. 

• Cockapoo puppies are energetic, so guiding that energy toward appropriate toys is especially important.

Start preparing your puppy to be alone from an early age

Cockapoo puppies can become strongly attached to their family and may be prone to separation anxiety. It’s important to introduce alone time early but gradually. Sometimes a step back is needed if stress or anxiety starts to develop.

• Crate training is very helpful when training puppies to be alone, as it provides them with a safe and relaxing place to be. Leaving them with an activity to do, such as a puzzle toy stuffed with a favourite treat, or a food-stuffed Kong to chew, is often quite helpful as well.

• You can start by using a stair gate, so your puppy is in a separate space from you but can still see and smell you. Provide them with an activity, like a safe chew or puzzle toy, and close the gate. Once they have been relaxed for a few minutes, open the gate, ideally while they’re still relaxed and engaged in something else. Let them come to you when they choose. Gradually increase the amount of time the gate is closed, and then start moving to parts of the house where you’re out of sight.

• Once they are comfortable, start leaving them in the house alone for a few minutes at a time, and gradually build this up.

• It’s normal for the whole process to take several months with some puppies.

• Making sure your puppy is getting the appropriate amount of exercise, mental stimulation, and socialisation also plays a part in preventing anxiety when alone.

Tips:

• Make sure they have their favourite blanket and a treat or two.

• Never use a crate or alone time for punishment.

• Be patient and increase time alone slowly. Cockapoo puppies love company, and may take time to appreciate having their own space.
  

Introducing puppies to other pets and kids

Early socialisation helps puppies feel comfortable around others:

• Introduce pets slowly and always under supervision.

• Help kids learn to be gentle and to respect when your puppy wants a bit of space.

• Cockapoo puppies love interactions with people and children. They quickly become inseparable as long as everyone has a chance to learn to communicate with each other.

When to seek professional help

Every puppy is unique. Professional behaviourists or veterinarians can address behaviour concerns, health issues, or specific training challenges. Early guidance can save frustration and help your puppy thrive.

Cockapoo Puppy Q&A

Q: My Cockapoo is full of energy and easily overstimulated. How do I manage this?
A: Use a mix of short training sessions, enrichment games, and structured play to channel their energy. Keep interactions calm, offer regular rest breaks, and reward quiet, settled behaviour to help your Cockapoo learn self-control.

Q: Can my puppy be around kids and other pets?
A: Yes! Introduce them slowly, supervise interactions, and reward calm behaviour. Teaching gentle handling to children is important.

Tips for success

• Be consistent: Puppies thrive on routine and clear rules. But don’t worry if a day goes off-plan. Puppies have unpredictable moments.

• Use positive reinforcement: Praise, treats, and affection work really well.

• Keep training short and fun: Multiple 5–10 minute sessions a day are more effective than one long session.

• Socialise early: Gradually introduce your puppy to people, pets, and new environments to build their confidence.

• Sleep is important: Make sure your puppy is getting enough sleep. Tired puppies can become overstimulated and harder to train.

• Redirect unwanted behaviour: Teach calm, controlled alternatives early on to prevent habits like jumping or mouthing from becoming bigger issues.

• Start preparing for alone time early to nip issues in the bud.

• Professional help: If you’re struggling with something specific, a vet or behaviourist can give you personalised guidance.

Join us next month as we explore common puppy health conditions, including what to look out for and how to keep your pup happy and healthy.