Welcome to your puppy knowledge base!

Bringing a Cockapoo puppy into your life is an exciting and heartwarming adventure. Cockapoo puppies are full of energy and have a playful nature. They are affectionate, great family dogs, and very clever, so they need proper training.

This guide is here to help you every step of the way, from those first cuddles to teaching good habits and building a happy, healthy routine. Written by vets, it’s packed with trusted advice to give your puppy the very best start in life.

Establishing routine

Structure brings calm to the chaos! With a consistent routine, your puppy will quickly learn when it’s time to eat, play, and snooze. Cockapoos are very adaptable but will thrive if they know what to expect.

• Feed, play, and potty at the same time daily to provide structure.

• Puppies have small bladders. Take them outside after meals, naps, and play sessions.

• Set up a cosy bed or crate in a quiet area to help your puppy feel secure.

• Puppies can sleep up to 18–20 hours a day. Sleep is extremely important as it’s when their bodies grow, their brains develop, and they process everything they’re learning. Lack of proper sleep can lead to irritability, poor learning, and even health issues.

Socialisation and training

Socialisation and training are the building blocks of a confident, well-behaved dog. Start early, keep it fun, and help your puppy learn that the world is a safe, happy place.

• Introduce your puppy gradually to different people, environments, sounds, and gentle, vaccinated dogs. Slow, positive experiences help them build confidence without feeling overwhelmed.

• Try teaching your puppy basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.”

• Reward good behaviour with treats, praise, or play to encourage repetition.

• Keep training sessions brief (5–10 minutes) and fun. 

• Cockapoo puppies are usually very inquisitive and energetic. They benefit from a lot of mental stimulation, like different games and toys.

Did you know? The golden window for socialisation is between 3 and 16 weeks, a short but vital period for building your puppy’s confidence and curiosity.

Cockapoo puppies tend to become very attached to their family and may develop separation anxiety as they grow:

• Start getting used to being alone from the very beginning.

• Leave them alone in a room for a few minutes to begin with, and build this up gradually over time. 

• Providing them with a “den”, a comfy crate where they can take shelter and curl up with everything they need, usually helps with this process.

Teething and chewing

Chewing is a normal (and important) part of your puppy’s teething stage. Cockapoo puppies are full of energy, and it’s best to make sure they have an outlet for their chewing needs. Here’s how to protect your furniture and help soothe those sore gums. 

• If your puppy seems extra drooly or irritable, teething might be the cause. Baby teeth appear around 3 weeks and are usually all in by 8 weeks. These are gradually replaced by adult teeth between 3 and 7 months.

• Offer your puppy a variety of puppy-friendly chew toys, including some that can be chilled in the fridge to soothe sore gums.

• Gently redirect your puppy from furniture or hands to their chew toys, rewarding them when they chew the right things.

Health and veterinary care

Healthy puppy = happy puppy! Vet check-ups, vaccines and regular parasite control give your new friend the best start in life.

• Arrange a vet check-up within the first few weeks to make sure they are healthy and discuss vaccination schedules.

• Vaccines are vital to protect your puppy from serious diseases. Essential vaccines cover distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis and leptospirosis.

• Puppies usually start vaccinations at 8 weeks. They receive 1–2 additional courses at 4-week intervals to complete the initial course.

• Ask your vet about flea, tick, and worm prevention suitable for your puppy.

• Ensure your puppy is microchipped. It is a legal requirement for all puppies to be microchipped by the time they are eight weeks old.

• Talk to your vet about diet, activity levels, and the best ways to prevent common issues in Cockapoos, such as behavioural problems and eye and ear disease.

Grooming basics

Grooming isn’t just about appearance; it helps maintain a healthy skin and coat, prevents matting, and keeps your puppy comfortable. Start early to make it a positive, stress-free routine.

• Cockapoo puppies have gorgeous, curly coats that need regular care. Aim to brush them regularly, to keep their fur tangle-free. Introducing this from a young age, using a gentle brush and approach, makes it easier in the long term. Cockapoo coats can mat easily, so many owners choose to use a professional groomer.

• Cockapoos don’t need to be bathed often. If needed, use gentle, puppy-formulated shampoo and warm water. Avoid getting water in the ears and eyes, and make sure to dry them thoroughly afterwards.

• Bathing should usually be done every 3–4 weeks or when they are dirty. Over-bathing can dry out their skin and coat.

• Start getting your puppy accustomed to having their nails trimmed early to make the process easier as they grow.

• Ear wax build-up and other ear problems are quite common in cockapoos, due to the shape of their ears. Having a look in their ears at least once per week is important, and cleaning them regularly is often a good habit. Any redness, strong smells or unusual discharge should be discussed with a vet.

 Tips for success

1. Patience: Puppies are learning about the world around them. Be patient and consistent.

2. Socialisation: The first three months are vital for social development.

3. Professional help: If behavioural or health issues arise, speak to your vet as soon as possible.

4. Lots of mentally stimulating activities and play are important for development and to prevent issues.

Quick checklist for the first month

• Establish a consistent routine

• Begin basic training and socialisation

• Monitor teething and provide appropriate toys

• Organise a veterinary check-up

• Begin grooming routines

• Get in the habit of checking the ears regularly

FAQs

Q: How often should I feed my Cockapoo puppy?
A: Most puppies require three to four meals per day. Ask your vet for specific recommendations based on your puppy's age.

Q: When can I start taking my Cockapoo puppy on walks?
A: Once your puppy has completed their vaccination course, typically around 14 weeks of age, you can start introducing them to walks.

Q: How can I stop my Cockapoo puppy from biting?
A: Provide appropriate chew toys, redirect biting behaviour, and use positive reinforcement to encourage gentle play.

Q: Is it normal for my Cockapoo puppy to sleep so much?
A: Absolutely! Puppies often sleep 16–20 hours a day to support their growth. Make sure they have a comfortable, quiet area to rest in.

Come back next month for tips on training and helping your puppy grow into a confident, well-behaved dog!