What constitutes aggressive behavior? Snapping or lunging are clear indicators of aggression. Likewise, watch for signs like pushing and barking. Be aware of your dogs behavior when he meets new dogs. He may initially be timid, but if he alters his behavior to barking and baring his teeth, he may be trying to get back at what he perceives to be hostility.
In anticipation of potential signs of aggression in your cockapoo, you may wish to spend some time socializing your dog. Some cockapoo owners employ the Rule of Seven. This means that you take your dog to seven new places. You introduce him to seven new people. Make him familiar with seven new sights or seven new sounds. Beginning socializing your cockapoo at a young age should prevent aggression developing. This is usually better than waiting for the problem to develop and then trying to re-train him out of bad behavior.
You may wish to treat aggressive behavior with the use of puppy classes. These training sessions allow dogs to interact with one another whilst in a controlled environment. This school environment will assist puppies in letting go of their fearful behavior and timidity, and will also allow them to learn good manners from other dogs.
If you do not have the time or opportunity to attend puppy classes, why not form a group at your local park and meet up with other dog owners? Your dog will benefit from the interaction with other dogs whilst still having you close at hand. Remain attentive to your dogs behavior, always ready to separate your dog if he behaves badly. Likewise, be ready to reward your cockapoo as he behaves acceptably.
We also offer a free Cockapoo Obedience Training Guide. Using this guide, you can train your cockapoo by yourself, although you will occasionally have to take him to public areas to get the most from the training. This may help with aggressive tendencies.
As part of your cockapoo training, leash train him and be sure to take your dog on regular walks. Try to walk in areas with other people, and especially with other dogs and their walkers. If your cockapoo is left alone at home for long periods of time each day he may develop separation anxiety or destructive tendencies. Instead, a healthy, happy cockapoo enjoys regular walks in parks, on beaches and in public places. He becomes accustomed to different sights, sounds and smells, and benefits from exploring a varied environment.
If your cockapoo is food or toy aggressive, practice the methods found in our article on Canine Possession Aggression (CPA). If that doesn’t work, you may wish to try our free NILIF Program. If all else fails, see a dog behavior specialist!