Does My Cockapoo Get Separation Anxiety? Understanding the Signs to Look For
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The Cockapoo is a designer crossbreed that has the intelligence, sociability, and loyalty of both their parents. As a result of breeding the Poodle and Cocker Spaniel together, the Cockapoo has an independent and confident persona. However, there is a chance that your lone Cockapoo can get separation anxiety. Read on to learn more!
Cockapoos Are Sociable Companion Dogs
Cockapoos are bred as companion animals, and as such, they tend to get attached to their human companions quickly. These loyal dogs want to be friends as often as possible, so they don’t enjoy spending much time at home alone. If left to fend for themselves, these dogs are prone to developing separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety is not fun for a dog, as it negatively affects their quality of life — and it could affect yours too. Your dog can’t tell you that they are suffering from separation anxiety, so you’ll have to detect the problem by keeping an eye out for signs and symptoms as time goes on. The sooner you address the issue, the easier it should be to relieve your dog’s anxiety and improve their overall quality of life.
Signs That Your Cockapoo Suffers From Separation Anxiety
Luckily, your Cockapoo will show signs of separation anxiety, so you can identify and address the problem before it becomes too serious. That said, you may have to rely on your neighbors to help you identify if and/or when separation anxiety has developed in your Cockapoo. Your dog might only bark and whine excessively when they are home alone.
In fact, excessive whining and barking when you aren’t around is the most notable sign that your dog is suffering from separation anxiety. Since you won’t be there to hear it, your neighbors will have to clue you in. You could also install an audio-visual system to keep an eye on your dog while you’re away from home if you don’t have close neighbors or can’t rely on their help. Other signs that your Cockapoo is suffering from separation anxiety include:
- Chewing furniture, shoes, clothing, and pillows
- Scratching at the walls and doors and leaving marks behind
- Excessive grooming to the point that bald spots have developed
- Excessive barking and excitement upon your return home.
- Training and sociability regression
Effective Ways to Address Your Cockapoo’s Separation Anxiety
Your Cockapoo does not have to continue suffering from separation anxiety once it develops. It’s important to start addressing the problem as soon as you know that it exists. First, understand that you can still leave your dog at home alone, just not all day long. Someone should show up to provide companionship after about 4 hours of your dog being left at home alone. If you can’t get home for lunch or you can’t get away from your commitments to check in, consider hiring a pet sitter or getting a neighbor to check in on your pooch for at least 15 minutes every few hours until you return. This should help ease your Cockapoo’s loneliness and reassure them that they will never be alone for long. Here are other things that you can do:
- Make sure your dog has access to plenty of water, food, toys, and bedding when you leave. Put a puppy pad out, or leave a door open to the fenced yard so they can use the bathroom. This will help ensure that your dog doesn’t feel anxious about their needs being met.
- Leave out a treat-dispenser toy full of peanut butter or other snacks so your dog has something to focus on other than your absence.
- Leave a radio or television on to give your dog the sense that they are not alone.
- Rotate the toys that you leave out so there is always something new to discover and do.
- Switch up your routine whenever possible so your dog doesn’t have an opportunity to build up anxiety before you even leave.
- Offer plenty of attention and love every time you return home to assure your dog that you’re there for them.
If all else fails, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian so you can share your concerns with them. They should be able to provide you with resources, recommendations, and guidance that can be used to correct your Cockapoo’s separation anxiety issues once and for all.
Conclusion
Cockapoos are prone to developing separation anxiety, but they don’t have to live with it for long if you can identify the problem quickly and are willing to take steps to ease their anxiety as time goes on. Hopefully, this guide will make it easy for you to address your dog’s separation anxiety overall.