All dogs need exercise and a Cockapoo (Spoodle) is no different. How much daily exercise your Cockapoo will need depends greatly if your dog is descended from show stock or hunting stock. A Cockapoo descended from show stock will not have been bred for a highly active outdoors lifestyle like the hunting line which would have fetched and sniffed out prey as water dogs.
How Many Times a day Should you Walk a Cockapoo? With a 4 month-old puppy, you should be taking them out for about 20 minutes at a time. Once they’ve reached adulthood they can be walked further, for longer. Read until the end to see how much exercise is recommended for your Cockapoo as we separate myth from facts. Firstly, lets go over what actually is a Cockapoo.
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What is a Cockapoo?
The breed known as the Cockapoo or Cockerpoo (Spoodle inAustralia and Cockadoodle in Sweden) was the result of select breeding of Cocker Spaniels and Poodles in the United States in the1950’s.
In the UK, the English Working Cocker Spaniel was introduced as the Stud dog. This was later varied using the English Show Cocker Spaniel and the American Show Cocker Spaniel, all of which have different coat types. The Cocker Spaniel half of the equation also introduces a degree of variance because American Cocker Spaniels are slightly smaller than their English counterparts and have a longer coat. In the UK generally the Cockapoo is 1 – 2 inches bigger than its parents.
The first thing you should know is that the Cockapoo is a very lovable breed. The combination of the playful, energetic cuddliness of the cocker spaniel and the gentle, loving nature of the poodle makes the Cockapoo a very affectionate dog. In short, this breed is a result of cross-breeding a Cocker Spaniel and a Toy sized Poodle. This means that you’ll find a Cockapoo is seen as a good family pet. They are small enough to be very easy to take care of, but also affectionate enough to make a wonderful family member. Cockapoos are also great for people who aren’t able to walk large dogs. Their small size makes them ideal for apartment living, and they won’t require as much exercise as larger breeds might.
Where Does The Name Come From?
As is the case with many hybrid breeds, there is some debate as to where the name Cockapoo comes from. Some say that it is a combination of the names of the two parent breeds (cocker spaniel and poodle). Others say that it comes from the fact that the puppy’s fur looks like a cockapoo (a type of tropical bird).
What Does The Cockapoo Look Like?
The Cockapoo is a small dog that combines the long, straight coat of a Cocker Spaniel with the short, curly coat of a Poodle. The result is a dog that looks like a teddy bear. The Cockapoo’s coat usually takes on the colorings of either the Cocker Spaniel or the Poodle. The head of the Cockapoo is long and narrow, their ears are set high on the head, and their eyes are large and round. However, the eyes of Cockapoos are usually smaller than those of Cocker Spaniels. Cockapoos are wiry, narrow yet compact.
Colours & Grooming a Cockapoo
Cockapoos have a wonderful variation in colours. Including all of the following:
- black
- brindle (very rare)
- tan (from beige to buff)
- red, ( from auburn to apricot)
- browns (light to dark)
- sable (brown with tipping, shaded in black);
- white / cream
- silver (very rare)
- merle (very rare)
- roan (an even mixture of white and pigmented hairs);
- phantom (black, tan and white)
- part-black and white or brown and white
How many times a day should you walk a Cockapoo?
As with any dog breed, there is no one-size-fits-all ideal amount of exercise for a cockapoo. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow to make sure your pet is getting the right amount of daily exercise. Puppies and young dogs need plenty of exercise to keep their muscles strong and healthy. This is particularly important if your pet will be used for competition or working purposes.
You don’t want your puppy to suffer from over or under-exercising and have their joints become damaged or experience muscle strains. Older dogs, especially those who no longer work outside or compete, will need less activity each day.
Tip of The Day
Remember, your vet can advise you on Cockapoo care and how often and for how long your Cockapoo should be exercised. If you’re taking your dog on a car journey get a waterproof back seat cover and consider a leash designed to keep you and it safe.
For puppies, owners should exercise their pet for at least one hour a day. This will help build their muscles, strengthen their bones and joints, and improve their balance and coordination. For adult cockapoos, one and a half to two hours of exercise a day is recommended. This is particularly important for cockapoos who work outside. Regular exercise will keep them fit, healthy, and happy.
Taking Your Cockapoo for a Walk
Although walking may not seem like the most exciting form of exercise, it is an excellent way for your pet to get the daily activity they need. Ideally, owners should walk their Cockapoo for 30 minutes each day. Walking your pet regularly will provide them with the opportunity to sniff and explore the local area and burn off any excess energy. Don’t forget to take a poop scoop with you.
Playtime is not the Same as a Walk for your Cockapoo
All dogs love to play. It is a great way for them to burn off energy and release endorphins, which makes them happy. Cockapoos tend to enjoy the same types of play that most dogs do, including fetch, tug of war, and hide-and-seek. Although a good play session will help your pet to burn off energy, it won’t count as exercise. So, while playtime is great and will help your cockapoo to relax and have fun, it won’t meet their exercise requirements.
Walks are Good for Mental Wellbeing
If you have a young puppy that you’re trying to socialize, taking them on walks is a great way to do so. It helps them learn how to interact with other dogs and other humans as well. If you’re trying to build a stronger relationship with your current dog, walking with them is a good idea as well. Cockapoo’s crave attention — especially if they have been neglected or have low self-esteem due to past neglect. Exercising with your Cockapoo is also a good way to bond with a dog. You can also play fetch with your dog while you’re out walking, which is a great way to keep them busy and active without having to focus on the walk itself.
Taking your dog for a walk is a great way to clear your head. It gets you out of the house, allows you to get some fresh air and lets you spend time alone with your thoughts. If you struggle with anxiety or depression and feel like you need to get out more often, spending more time with your dog is a great idea as well. Dogs naturally help humans feel better.
Exercise is Good for Your Dog’s Health
Exercise is good for your dog’s health in a number of ways. It helps with muscle maintenance and helps prevent diseases like diabetes and arthritis. It keeps their joints strong and healthy, which is why veterinarians will often recommend that their patients get plenty of exercise each day. In most cases, dogs can simply be taken on a walk or run in the park. However, some dogs will require additional exercise to avoid weight gain and other health issues. If you have an overweight dog or one whose activity level is low, you should consider walking them more often or taking them to a dog park.
From a Behavior Standpoint, It Helms Behavioral Issues
There are other reasons to take your dog out for walks that have less to do with health or happiness. For example, it’s a great way to help keep behavioral issues at bay. If your dog is experiencing separation anxiety, for example, walking them can help ease the symptoms. If you’re worried about your dog reacting aggressively towards certain people or animals, walking them is a good idea as well. Dogs that are exercised are less likely to be aggressive — especially if the walk is used as a way to avoid the problem.
Conclusion
Exercising with your dog is a great way to improve both your health and happiness. It also helps strengthen your relationship with your dog and helps prevent behavioral issues in the process. Taking your dog out for a walk for about 30 minutes a day is one of the best ways to do so. You can let them run freely and enjoy the fresh air at the same time. You can also use it as an opportunity to clear your head and have some quiet time to yourself.
You’ll help your Cockapoo avoid common health issues associated with obesity and build a stronger relationship with you in the process. Even dogs with relatively healthy weight requirements will benefit from walking more often, as it can help build their strength and mental wellbeing.
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