Bringing home a new Cockapoo puppy is one of life’s great joys. Their soft fur and teddy bear looks make cuddles extra special. But just like people, puppies come with their own worries, quirks, and occasionally, anxiety. Cockapoos are an emotionally intelligent and sometimes sensitive breed.

Cockapoos thrive on understanding their surroundings and feeling a sense of control through routine or the reassurance of a trusted person. When that security is missing, uncertainty can turn into worry, making it hard for them to relax and settle. Fear can start taking over; that's when anxiety becomes a real issue.

What is anxiety in dogs?

Anxiety is an increased state of fear in response to perceived threats. Think of it as your puppy’s brain being on high alert, anticipating danger even when there isn't any real threat present.

• Fear is a normal, immediate response to something scary that's happening (like a loud noise or an aggressive dog).

• Anxiety is worrying about something that might happen or anticipating a threat that isn't actually there yet.

• A phobia is an extreme, irrational fear that triggers an over-the-top reaction. 

It’s completely normal for Cockapoos to feel anxious now and then, especially given how sensitive and people-focused they are. However, it becomes a problem when that anxiety gets too intense, persistent or goes unaddressed. If it’s left to build up, it can develop into a more serious anxiety disorder. 

What causes anxiety in Cockapoos?

Puppies can develop anxiety for lots of reasons, and sometimes it's a combination of factors rather than one specific thing. 

• Inadequate socialisation

• Puppies can develop long-lasting fears and socialisation issues if they don’t have positive, gentle exposure to new people, dogs, sounds, and situations during the critical socialisation learning period (especially up to 16 weeks old).

• Genetics

• Cockapoos are a highly emotionally intelligent bunch, and if unsure, can be sensitive to their environment and others' behaviour. Due to their inherited Cocker Spaniel's high energy and the Poodle's decisiveness, this can lead to sudden reactivity. 

• Past experiences

• Negative experiences early on in life and through puppyhood can have an ongoing impact on Cockapoos. Even something that seems minor, such as being startled or being overwhelmed by noise, can create lasting impressions.

• Health issues

  • Pain can trigger fearful behaviour. Puppies can have underlying medical problems, which is why a vet check is always the best first step in any behaviour investigation.

Common triggers of anxiety in Cockapoos

• Loud noises: Sudden or unpredictable sounds such as fireworks, thunderstorms, and vacuum cleaners are common anxiety triggers in Cockapoos. They can also be sensitive to general household chaos, including raised voices, heavy footsteps or dropped objects.

• Separation: Many puppies don’t like being left alone, even for short periods. They're social animals who've never been without their mum and littermates, so suddenly being solo can be scary. Cockapoos are particularly sensitive to this aspect of life, being seemingly made of velcro and wanting to be super close at all times.

• Other dogs and people: Puppies who haven't been properly socialised might find meeting new dogs or unfamiliar people overwhelming or frightening, and turn to defensive or hiding behaviour to cope.

• New places: The car, the vet, crowded areas or anything outside their comfort zone can trigger anxiety.

• Changes in routine: Cockapoos thrive on structured routine and can sometimes seem to know how to tell the time. So outline changes such as moving house, a new baby, or even just a shift in work schedule can unsettle them.

What are the signs of anxiety?

Signs of anxiety can range from subtle trembling, pacing and panting to more obvious barking and destructive chewing.

Early warning signs that your Cockapoo is feeling uncomfortable include the nervous side-eye (different from their usual confident sassy side-eye), moving away, or a warning lip lifting that shows their teeth. These behaviours shouldn’t be dismissed as grumpiness. They are important signals that can indicate physical or emotional discomfort and a cue to identify the cause and respond appropriately.

In more extreme situations, or if warning signs are ignored, this can cause fleeing behaviour or even aggression if feeling unsafe or overwhelmed. If your puppy feels cornered or threatened, they might snap, lunge, or even bite. This is serious behaviour that needs immediate professional help.

What to do if your puppy shows signs of anxiety

1. Get your puppy checked by a vet. It’s important to rule out medical problems that might be causing or worsening the anxiety. 

2. Once medical problems are ruled out, a qualified behaviourist is your best bet. They'll create a behaviour modification training plan tailored specifically to your Cockapoos needs. 

3. Your vet or behaviourist might suggest anti-anxiety medication alongside the behaviour plan. 

4. Avoid the things that trigger your puppy's anxiety as much as you can whilst you're working on the problem. 

5. Stick to a routine pattern, providing adequate exercise and time for rest to help give them a sense of confidence over their environment.

In the meantime, create a safe space at home where your puppy can retreat when they're feeling overwhelmed. Fill it with their favourite blankets, toys and place a calming pheromone diffuser nearby. Provide long-lasting, safe puppy chews or a lick mat to promote calmness. 

• Never punish an anxious puppy. It might be frustrating when they've destroyed your favourite shoes or barked for an hour straight, but punishment can actually worsen the problem. Your puppy isn't being naughty—they're genuinely distressed and need your guidance.

• Don't rely solely on calming supplements or pheromones to fix the problem. Without professional behavioural help, you're just putting a plaster on a much bigger issue.

• Don't ignore the problem, hoping it'll sort itself out. Anxiety-related behaviour almost always gets worse without intervention. So it is important to look for and respond to early warning signs. 

• Don’t get them neutered early without speaking to a vet and behaviourist beforehand. Fear and anxiety can get worse with neutering, so building confidence first can help.

Finding the right help

When you're looking for a behaviourist, make sure they're properly qualified and use modern, ethical techniques. Look for professionals registered with organisations like the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC), which maintains standards for the profession. Your vet can help you find someone suitable who matches your and your Cockapoos individual needs. 

Q&As Cockapoo Puppy Anxiety

Q: Can Cockapoo puppies grow out of anxiety? 
A: Unfortunately, no. Anxiety doesn't disappear with age—in fact, it usually gets worse without proper intervention. However, with the right help from a vet and behaviourist, most puppies can learn to manage their anxiety and become more confident. Early treatment gives you the best chance of success.

Q: My Cockapoo puppy destroys the house when I leave. Is this separation anxiety or just bad behaviour? 
A: It could be either, which is why professional help is so important. True separation anxiety means your puppy is genuinely distressed when left alone. They often show other signs like excessive barking or howling, toileting indoors, pacing, and drooling. If you're seeing these signs, get professional help as soon as you can.

Q: Should I comfort my Cockapoo puppy when they're scared, or will that reward the fear? 
A: Comforting your puppy won’t reinforce fear. When they’re scared, calm, gentle reassurance is absolutely fine and can be reassuring. However, reacting too dramatically or making a lot of fuss can unintentionally increase their anxiety.

Puppy anxiety isn't something you should tackle alone, and it's definitely not something that'll just go away with time. With the right professional support, most puppies can learn to feel more confident and cope better with the things that scare them. Yes, it takes patience and consistency, but the payoff, a happy, well-adjusted dog, is absolutely worth it.

Join us next month for a blog all about neutering your puppy—what to expect, when to do it, and how to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Products in this article

Offer

Pet Remedy Essential Calming Products

40ml

£16.66 - £17.36 Preorder /

£15.83 with Repeat & Save £15.83 with Repeat & Save discount

Offer

Rosewood Battersea Lick Mat for Cats & Dogs

One Size

£4.78 £7.00 Preorder /