Angel's Cockapoo Corner

I'm about to get a one-year-old cockapoo. He's been an outside dog and not house broken. He will be an indoor pet for us. Will the "house-breaking" training methods be any different than what your site lists for a new puppy? Also he's not trained to "stay" or "come." Again, will the training be any different than what you describe for a puppy?
Thanks so much,
Becky

tammy says...
I have a 7 1/2 year old cockapoo. He is apricot and straighter haired. Anyway we have ALOT of problems with him. He pulls things (pens, camera card, flash drives, everything) down off tables, counters. When he was a puppy he was euchanuba he is now on iams mini chunk varied with iams weight control. We notice he eats grass alot, so we think maybe he has stomach ache and even though he has eatten all kinds of things he hasn't for years maybe he has a stomache ache and is trying anything to get it to calm his stomache. I am hoping to try and find a new food that isn't overly expensive in hope that it would keep him from getting the stuff he shouldn't as well as help with his almost constant ear infections. Any suggestions? We have done group dog training and private at our home boobie trapping things trying to get him to stop getting things but nothing has helped.

Hi. Sounds like he is bored. I don't believe he has a stomach problem, although you should check it out by a vet to be sure. All of my cockapoos love to eat grass. Sometimes I call them cockamoos!! Mine all eat Eukanuba and do very well with it. As for the ear infections, because he is prone to them, you need to clean his ears once a month, the same day every month (ie 2nd) with a mixture of 1/3 white vinegar and 2/3 room temp water. You might have to do it a little more often in the beginning, but once he clears up, once a month will keep his ears clean. I have one dog with the same problem, and after 3 months of vet bills, found this remedy and it has been years since any more infections.

As for his behaviors, you need to remove whatever he has that he shouldn't, with a very firm "NO" and then give him something he is allowed to have. Set up some play times for him with yourself as well. This may stop his getting in to other things. It will take awhile to break this habit, but it can be done if you are persistent. Best of luck.
Sherri

Becky Prewitt says...
I'm about to get a one-year-old cockapoo. He's been an outside dog and not house broken. He will be an indoor pet for us. Will the "house-breaking" training methods be any different than what your site lists for a new puppy? Also he's not trained to "stay" or "come." Again, will the training be any different than what you describe for a puppy?
Thanks so much,
Becky

Hi. You really can teach an older dog new tricks. How sad that he was kept outside! I would follow all the same rules as if he were 8 weeks old. It will take consistency and time for you to housebreak him, but it is certainly doable. As for obedience training, ,make it a positive experience. Use treats and praise for each step he takes towards performing the right way. He will respond well to the attention and will want to get it right for you. Let me know how it goes.

Sherri

I just want to let everyone know that for some reason, I did not have access to this page for some time. I know that my responses are late, but I now have access and would be glad to provide help to anyone or just talk about Cockapoos. They are so awesome!!!

Thanks for your understanding.
Sherri

Hi Sherri - Just checking in to say THANK YOU for sending us so much love by way of Rusty, Henry (Harley) and Charlie (Frosty) - we feel so blessed - they are great! We also just added a new Bichon puppy - Sophie Rose. Let me tell you, although she is only 5 pounds - she already knows how to boss her older brothers around - it is hilarious! Just thought i would drop you a quick note to let you know the "boys" are doing well. Look for a picture in the mail real soon!