One mistake can make this dog breed ‘destructive or anxious’ says vet

The Cockapoo has undoubtedly become the canine sensation of the last decade, capturing hearts across the UK and soaring to the nation’s third favourite dog breed.

A delightful cross between the energetic Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle, often the Miniature variety, this teddy bear-like dog has charmed its way into becoming a ficture across households. The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), a veterinary charity, reports there are an astonishing 590,000 Cockapoos in the UK, a figure that’s expected to rise.

Touted as one of the most ‘hypoallergenic’ dogs, Cockapoo owners are quick to praise their doggie companions for their lack of shedding. With their popularity at a peak, these pups are seldom seen in rescue centres and are typically snapped up from private breeders online, some of them fetching prices over £1,500.

However, there’s a downside to this adored dog breed, and it can have a tendency towards “destructive” behaviour if not properly trained.

Dr Anna Foreman, an in-house Vet at Everypaw Pet Insurance, highlighted that any dog can develop behavioural issues stemming from fear, which may escalate to aggression. Speaking to the Mirror, she emphasised: “The main factor is the nurture of a dog how it is raised by its owner, particularly in the first 16 weeks of life (the learning period).”

The expert warns that dogs not properly socialised or trained, or those with negative experiences during their formative period, are ‘prone to anxiety and fear’. She emphasised that stereotypes around ‘aggressive dogs’ should be avoided, as any dog can display problematic behaviour if they’re not well-trained.

“Dogs who were puppies during the COVID-19 pandemic are a prime example of this,” Dr Anna added. “Without socialisation and with excessive contact with their owners during the first 16 weeks, many of these dogs now are fear anxious/aggressive and have separation anxiety.”

Cockapoos, along with other adorable breeds like French Bulldogs, saw a surge in popularity during this period – resulting in a large number of pups that were ‘poorly socialised’ during their early stages. “Cockapoos particularly are an intelligent cross breed, being produced from two working dog breeds, and so a lack of stimulation often leads to these dogs becoming destructive or anxious,” the vet explained.