A little about cockapoos in general for the curious: They are of course, a cross between the poodle and the cocker spaniel thus the name cock a poo. They generally pick up the non shedding hair of the poodle with out being so tightly curled, along with the low doggy odor of the poodle. Both sides contribute intelligence. They are especially well suited for a family companion as they tolerate the indiscretions/roughness of small children while making a playful loving friend for the rest of the family. They are wonderful for people with allergies as they do not have the normal undercoat of many breeds ( this is what most allergies are to) They acquire some sturdiness from the cocker. and being a hybrid - hybrid vigor. The poodle factor and hybrid vigor combine to create a nice longevity.
All Birdwalk pups are born and raised in the home. Puppies are handled every day and socialized to other dogs (and also learn that the cat is boss). Puppies are provided with multifaceted stimulation from the time their eyes open after birth. Toys are provided as soon as the puppies have gained a sense of their surroundings and play is encouraged. We like to know what environment a pup will be going into as well as what will be expected of it. As we watch emerging personalities and to temperament testing we can help guide you to choosing which pup will fit in best as your new family member. All puppies will have at least two rounds of vaccinations (including distemper, hepatitis, adenovirus, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, corona virus and bordatella) before leaving for their new homes and families as well as being started on monthly heartworm protection.Microchip identification is available and highly recommended (a nominal charge of $20). Microchipping provides permanent ID for your pet, and can also the the deciding factor in proving ownership should your pet become lost or stolen and someone else attempts to claim it as theirs. Should your dog become lost microchipping provides the best chance of return since the registration information is added to a national database, and most vets and shelters in the country now as a matter of course scan for a chip when a stray dog is brought to them. It involves no more than an injection similar to a vaccination in the area between the shoulder blades of the pup, and is an invaluable link matching your pet to you.
Puppies are acclimated
to a
crates and will have spent some time (a few hours per day) alone in a
crate prior to leaving the farm in order to ease the transition from
their mom to
their new homes, and to also begin crate training as the first step in
house
training. We start puppies on newspapers here and you can easily
progress to outside potty training from there.
Cockapoos require little but brushing every week. However, they may be groomed like a poodle having their faces shaved or left with a mustache, cleaned on top like a cocker or left au naturale. Many faux cuts are possible too. Most people just keep the hair to a manageable length while cleaning around the eyes and under the tail for obvious reasons.
Cockapoos do well indoors or out although they live to be with their people. They will be fine outside when they cannot be with you. With a good dog house and a shade tree they do fine, or with a doggy door. In the winter ours go play in the pond and come back covered in ice crystals and don't seem to be cold for their play, although I will not leave them out in severely cold weather despite what they want. I have one who will sleep on top her dog house to wake up covered in snow, not 20 feet from the doggy door into the house and the warmth of the fireplace.
If you plan to own a cockapoo plan a toy budget. I recommend latex squeaky toys over vinyl for stretchability and durability. Lambswool stuffed toys are a favorite around here. Knotted rawhide bones but never chipped glued together ones ( I have had sharp chips cut their mouths) no little rawhide sticks ( they chew one end until it's soft and try to swallow it (choking hazard). No toys or balls with bells or eyes that could be swallowed. And finally, a damp frozen washcloth is great for those teething weeks (16 weeks to six months). I highly recommend obedience training, be it a book from the library or that you join the local dog club, or classes that are offered by many larger pet stores. It is nice to know that you can call "fido" away from the road and danger if needed. I will also recommend a crate for house training as the pup will not want to mess in his/her private den. When you are at work you know your pup is not home chewing electrical wires, and when you come home you go outside on a good note ( not having to correct any indiscretions).