Health and Well Being

This page provides helpful information that Mike and Susan learned the hard way when we brought Caramel home three years ago. Here, we embark on a journey to explore the health, happiness, and overall welfare of your beloved Cockapoo companion. Whether you're a seasoned Cockapoo owner or considering adding one to your family, we're here to provide you with valuable insights, helpful advice, and practical tips to ensure your furry friend enjoys a fulfilling and vibrant life.

Puppy Feeding and Nutrition

Starting from week four from birth, we will introduce the puppies to dry kibble; however, we will moisten it into much initially since they haven't cut their baby teeth yet. By the time they leave us, they will have teeth and we'll slowly move towards serving the kibble dry. We are feeding it to Caramel already, as puppy kibble has extra protein, calcium and calories that a lactating dog needs in order to help her puppies grow as they should. For Caramel, we mix the puppy kibble with Butcher's Puppy Perfect canned wet dog food. We are also giving her calcium supplements and folic acid. The brand of puppy kibble we use is AVA Small Breed Chicken Puppy Kibble. AVA is a high quality food and it's the Pets at Home store brand making it widely available in the UK. The Puppy Packs will have a 2Kg bag of this food to go home with each puppy, which should last a few weeks. If owners choose to switch their puppy to different food, they should start by mixing a small amount of the new food with their current food and gradually increase the ratio until they have switched over.

What Not to Feed Your Puppy

There are a large number of human foods that are unhealthy or downright toxic to dogs. We recommend that you never feed your puppy food from your dinner table. Two things that are extremely toxic to dogs are anything from the garlic, onion or allium family and anything from grapes, whether it be the fresh or fermented juice, grapes, raisins or anything containing these, such as cookies or drinks sweetened with red or white grape juice. Most fresh vegetables are good for dogs, but if you give them these, place them in their food bowl at a different time than your family meal time. If you feed your dog from your dinner table, she will become a constant beggar at the table. Don't ask us how we know. If you see or suspect your puppy has eaten grapes raisins, depending on the quantity (if known) you must decide whether or not to take him or her to the Vet right away. One grape or raisin generally is nothing to panic over, as the toxic dose is 3 grams per Kilogram of body weight. If your dog eats a lot of them, your Vet will give the puppy an injection to induce vomiting. As for garlic and onion, it takes about 25 grams to damage a puppy's liver and it is unlikely she'll ever eat that much before you can intervene to stop her. Just be aware that a lot of prepared food and many dry seasoning mixes contain garlic and/or onion powder, which are heavily concentrated and impossible to tell how much is too much.

Exercise and Play
Your puppy will have a lot of energy and will want to play a lot. Just be careful about playing with a puppy on slippery floors, as overdoing this can lead to hip problems later in life.

When can my puppy go outside?

In their first few weeks, puppies are incredibly vulnerable, so taking them outside too soon runs the risk of exposing them to nasty viruses. If you have a secure garden that is safe from unvaccinated dogs, you can spend time outside to start their toilet training, but make sure you keep a close eye on them. If foxes or rodents frequent your garden, it's best not to allow your puppy into affected areas until she is 14 weeks old, which gives the 12 week Leptospirosis booster time to become effective because this disease is shed in rodent and fox urine. Our Vet has seen five dogs with Leptospirosis and none of them survived.

Vets tend to recommend waiting two weeks after their second vaccination before heading out to public spaces, so this will be age 14-weeks. This allows plenty of time for them to settle into their new home, and for their natural immune system to kick in.

Can I take my puppy for a walk after its first vaccination?

It’s important to wait until your puppy is fully vaccinated before you start walking plus give them two weeks to develop antibodies after their 12-week jabs. If your vet agrees, they may say it’s okay to take your pup out with you if you carry them in your arms or in a carry bag or sling, but you should never put them on the ground in public places. What we did is bought a sling carrier for Caramel, so we could take her on walks without her feet touching the ground. She benefitted from the stimulation, sights, sounds and smells eve though she couldn't explore on her own.

While you wait for their second vaccination, make the most of your safe space at home and introduce your puppy to its harness. Pop it on for short periods of time, then once they’re comfortable wearing it, start walking them on a lead in the garden so they know what it feels like before you hit the streets. If you have friends with friendly, vaccinated dogs you could also arrange a playdate in your garden for their first dog-meet-dog experience.

Walking a 14-week-old puppy requires special consideration because their muscles and joints are still developing, and they have limited endurance. It's important to strike a balance between providing them with exercise and not overexerting them. Typically, at this age, puppies should have short, gentle walks. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Age-Appropriate Exercise: Limit walks to around two sessions of 10-15 minutes per day for a 14-week-old puppy or 3-4 shorter ones. You can gradually increase the time as they grow and develop. Let the pupy set the pace. She will stop often to sniff and explore. The mental stimulation this provides to your puppy is vital, but it also helps tire them so they will sleep afterwards. Puppies need a lot of sleep, so don't be surprised if yours sleeps 18-20 hours per day at first.
Frequency: Puppies have a lot of energy, but it's best to break their exercise into several short sessions throughout the day rather than one long walk. Three to four short walks or playtime sessions are better than one extended walk. They will most likely want to nap afterwards.
Low-Impact Exercise: Focus on low-impact activities like indoor play, exploring your yard, or gentle play with toys. Avoid high-impact activities like jumping, running, and climbing stairs.
Leash Training: Use this time to introduce your puppy to a leash and teach them to walk on it. Keep the leash relaxed and allow them to explore at their own pace. Puppies and adult dogs will stop frequently to smell their environment and the stimulation they get from this is important for their development and continued wellbeing. Don't rush them. Don't attach a leash to a collar, rather, acquire a harness, as collars can choke a puppy or adult dog. Remember that UK law requires all dogs and cats must have an ID tag with owner contact details when they are in public. This is in addition to the microchip we will implant before you receive your puppy. We didn't put our dog's name on her tag, as we don't want would be thieves to know what to call her. We put our surname, address and telephone number only.
Socialization: Socialization is crucial for puppies. Expose them to different people, places, and experiences, but do so gradually and in a controlled manner.
Watch for Signs of Fatigue: Pay attention to your puppy's body language. If they start to lag behind, sit down, or show signs of tiredness (excessive panting, slowing down), it's time to end the walk or play session. Take them home and they will crash and fall asleep immediately.

Remember that an 8-week-old puppy is still very young and developing, so their exercise needs will change as they grow. Consult with your veterinarian for specific guidance tailored to your puppy's breed and individual needs, as there can be variations based on breed and size.

Grooming and Hygiene

We started brushing your puppy's hair when they were about two weeks old. These were short, gentle sessions intended to get them used to being handled and to the feel of the brush on their hair and skin. We also clipped their toe nails approximately every two weeks. Most groomers offer puppy grooms only until a dog is six months old. Don't take a puppy to the groomer until they are at least 14 weeks old when their vaccinations are fully effective. A puppy groom usually consists of trimming hair out of their eyes, trimming around their bum and private parts and bathing them followed by a gentle blow dry. We recommend a puppy groom oughly at 14 and 20 weeks and their first full groom at 26 weeks then every 6-8 weeks thereafter. We trim Caramel's toenails at home as needed between grooming visits.

Socialisation Plan

Socialisation is a crucial aspect of raising a well-adjusted and happy puppy. We have gotten them off to a great start and you simply need to continue it and expand it.

A socialisation plan for an 8-week-old Cockapoo puppy should focus on exposing them to a variety of people, animals, environments, and experiences in a positive and controlled manner. Here's a sample socialization plan:
Day 1 or 2: Vet Health Check

Visit the Veterinarian of your choice to have your puppy examined. If the Vet finds any defects or health concerns, please notify us immediately as we will need to confer with PetPlan to ascertain their coverage. Bear in mind that our vet will have checked the puppy when we took him or her for the first vaccinations a few days before you collected him or her.

Week 1 - Home and Family

Introduce your puppy to all family members, one or two at a time, in a calm and welcoming manner. If you have other pets, introduce them slowly and limit contact if there are initial signs of stress.
Continue to expose them to household sights and sounds, such as the vacuum cleaner, television, music and doorbell.
Begin basic obedience training with simple commands like "sit" and "stay", using the click trainer from your Puppy Pack to mark the exact moment they do the desired action or an approximation of it. You can find click training videos online to learn more about the technique, but here is a basic clicker starter video.

Week 2 - Handling and Grooming

Continue the work we began, by touching your puppy all over their body, including their paws, ears, and tail.
Gently brush or comb your puppy to keep them familiar with grooming tools.
Start nail trimming in a calm and positive manner.

Week 3 - Socializing with Other Dogs

Arrange playdates with well-vaccinated, friendly dogs besides your own in controlled environments.
Supervise interactions to ensure positive and safe experiences.
Encourage positive play behavior and prevent bullying or overly rough play.

Week 4 - Novel Environments

Take short, calm trips to new environments, like a park, beach, or pet-friendly store with your puppy in a carrier sling.
Visit the Veterinarian for booster vaccinations and a wellness check, and ensure your puppy has a positive experience.
Allow the Vet to handle your puppy gently and give treats during and after the visit.
Reward calm and confident behavior with treats and praise.

Week 5 - Meeting New People

Introduce your puppy to a variety of people, including children, adults, and seniors.
Encourage gentle interactions and provide treats for positive interactions.
Use different scenarios such as people wearing hats, sunglasses, or different clothing.

Week 6 - Sounds and Noises

Expose your puppy to various sounds, like car engines, sirens, doorbells, and thunderstorms.
Start with low volume and gradually increase it as your puppy becomes more comfortable.
Reward calm responses to noises.
Now that their second jabs have become effective, expose your puppy to different surfaces (e.g., grass, sand, pavement) and let them explore.

Week 7 - Puppy Groom

This is a good time to take your puppy for his or her first grooming appointment, but be sure to make the appointment as soon as you get your puppy home, because it is difficult to get short notice grooming slots.

Week 8 - Miscellaneous Experiences

Continue to expose your puppy to different experiences and people.
Take them for car rides to get them used to traveling.
Practice basic obedience commands in different environments.

Remember to keep all interactions positive and never force your puppy into situations that make them uncomfortable. Focus on rewarding calm and confident behavior with treats and praise. Always prioritize your puppy's safety and well-being, and consult with your veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for guidance and support throughout the socialization process. A well-executed socialization plan will help your Cockapoo grow up to be a well-adjusted and confident adult dog.

Common Behavioural Issues

Common behavioral issues in puppies are a normal part of their development, and many can be addressed with patience, consistent training, and positive reinforcement. Here's a list of some common puppy behavioral issues and how to address them:

Biting and Mouthing:
- Redirect their attention to appropriate chew toys.
- Use a "yelp" sound or say "ouch" when they bite too hard to mimic how puppies communicate.
- Reward gentle play with treats and praise.
House Training Issues:
- Establish a consistent routine for potty breaks and take your puppy outside and set him or her on grass. If they need to go, they will, so be sure to praise and reward them for it.
- Keep the astroturf we provided in the Puppy Pack (with a puppy pad under it) near the door you will use to take them outside for potty breaks and if you catch your puppy heading towards it, scoop him or her up, take them outside and set them on grass.
- Praise and reward them when they eliminate in the desired spot, whether it be the astroturf or outside.
- Supervise your puppy closely indoors and use a crate when you can't watch them. We have already gotten your puppy used to a crate.
Chewing on Inappropriate Items:
- Puppy-proof your home by removing tempting objects.
- Provide a variety of safe and appropriate chew toys. Puppies particularly like to play tug, so get a few rope toys and tug with them.
- Correct undesired behaviours calmly and redirect them to a toy if caught in the act.
- If you identify furniture they like to chew on, acquire Simple Solution Chew Spray or similar. It tastes bitter, but won't harm furniture. Caramel liked to chew corners of our baseboards and this spray stopped her.
Jumping Up:
- Turn away and ignore your puppy when they jump.
- Teach them to sit as an alternative behavior and reward it.
- Ask guests to do the same when they arrive to discourage jumping.
Excessive Barking:
- Determine the cause of the barking (e.g., boredom, fear, excitement).
- Use commands like "quiet" and reward them for stopping barking. We tell Caramel in a very quiet voice to "Whisper" and when she reduces the volume of a bark, we reward her.
- Provide mental and physical stimulation to reduce boredom.
Separation Anxiety:
- Gradually acclimate your puppy to being alone for short periods.
- Use a crate or playpen when you're away. Your puppy will already be used to a crate, but won't have been alone in one yet.
- Make departures and arrivals low-key to reduce anxiety. In other words, don't make a big deal of it when you leave or arrive.
Pulling on the Leash:
- Teach loose-leash walking through positive reinforcement.
- Stop and/or change direction when they pull, rewarding them when they walk nicely. When Caramel pulls and hits the end of her extendable lead, we stop and she will usually walk back toward us. If she doesn't, then we call her back. She also responds to a "slowdown" command if given before she gets to full lead extension.
- Use a harness for better control, as attaching a lead to a collar can choke your puppy.
Aggression or Fearfulness:
- Consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for personalized guidance.
- Use desensitization and counterconditioning to address fear-based behaviors.
- Avoid punishment, which can worsen aggression.
- Remember that if a dog lays on its back and puts it's paws up, this is not an invitation for a tummy rub, rather, it is a signal of anxiety and you should respect their boundary.
Resource Guarding:
- Teach "drop it" and "leave it" commands using the click trainer.
- Trade up – offer a better treat in exchange for what they're guarding.
- Consult a trainer for more serious cases.
Excessive Energy:
- Ensure your puppy gets enough exercise, both physical and mental. Remember, stopping to smell things during a walk provides your puppy with much needed mental stimulation.
- Puzzle toys and interactive play can help tire them out.
- Consider puppy playdates for socialization and energy release.
Destructive Behavior:
- Provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
- Use a crate or playpen when you can't supervise.
- Gradually increase their freedom as they mature and exhibit better behavior.

Remember that consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key when addressing behavioral issues in puppies. If you're struggling with a particular issue, don't hesitate to seek guidance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who can provide tailored solutions and support. Early intervention and training can lead to a well-adjusted and well-behaved adult dog.

Health Considerations

Here are a few pointers on common health issues in Cockapoos and how to prevent and manage them. Here, we delve into some aspects of Cockapoo health, and offer tips on recognising the early signs of illness and when to consult a veterinarian.

Vaccinations - We have already taken your puppy to a Vet and obtained a health check and his first set of vaccinations, including DHP and Lepto4. These start the process of providing immunity to your puppy from Canine Distemper, Hepatitis from adenoviruses, Parvo and four different strains of Leptospirosis.
Worming - We wormed your puppy at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age using a three day course of Panacur 10% oral Suspension each time. We wormed their mother with Panacur sachets in her food at these same intervals. Panacur does not prevent fresh-infestation of worms, rather, it simply kills any that are present in your puppy's digestive system, heart or lungs. Your Vet will provide a preventive worming prescription once your puppy is old enough to have one.
Flea and Tick Treatment/Prevention - Speak to your Vet about the products they recommend for flea and tick treatment and/or prevention. We use Endectrid, an oily, topical drug placed between the shoulder blades once per month to prevent fleas and ticks. It can't be used during pregnancy, so we stopped application when we bred Caramel.
Dental Care - Here are four things you can do to promote strong healthy puppy teeth:

Brushing: Start brushing your puppy's teeth as soon as their adult teeth come in, usually around 3 to 6 months of age. Use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Human toothpaste is not safe for dogs. Brush their teeth 2-3 times a week.
Chew Toys and Dental Chews: Providing appropriate chew toys and dental chews can help remove plaque and tartar buildup. Look for products labeled as "dental" to ensure they promote oral health.
Diet: Choose a high-quality puppy food that supports dental health. Some foods are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
Regular Vet Check-ups: Your veterinarian will check your puppy's teeth during routine check-ups. They can identify early signs of dental issues and provide guidance on dental care.

Spaying and Neutering - Your puppy can be spayed or neutered once it is six months old
Here are ten signs of illness in which you should consult your Vet:

Lethargy: Unusual tiredness or lack of energy, with reduced interest in play and exploration.
Loss of Appetite: A significant decrease in food consumption or a complete refusal to eat.
Vomiting: Frequent or persistent vomiting, particularly if it is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
Diarrhea: Frequent, watery, or bloody stools that persist for an extended period.
Coughing or Sneezing: Persistent coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharge, which could indicate respiratory or infectious issues.
Fever: A noticeable increase in body temperature, often indicated by warm ears and a hot nose.
Dehydration: Symptoms include sunken eyes, dry gums, and excessive panting due to lack of fluids.
Change in Thirst: An extreme increase or decrease in water consumption, which can indicate various health problems.
Behavioral Changes: Sudden changes in behavior, such as excessive restlessness, anxiety, or aggression.
Inappropriate Elimination: Accidents indoors, especially if your puppy has been previously housetrained.

Exercise and Play

Below are some ideas on how you can provide appropriate exercise routines, games, and activities to keep your puppy physically and mentally engaged. You don't need to do all of them, so pick a few that are within your reach and time constraints:

Keeping Cockapoo puppies physically and mentally engaged is essential to their well-being. These active and intelligent dogs thrive on exercise and mental stimulation. Here are some guidance on appropriate exercise routines, games, and activities:

Exercise Routines:

Regular Walks: Take your Cockapoo for daily walks to fulfill their exercise needs. The duration and intensity can vary depending on their age and fitness level. A typical guideline is 30 minutes to an hour per day.
Playtime: Engage in interactive play sessions that include games like fetch, tug-of-war, and hide-and-seek. These activities not only provide exercise but also strengthen the bond between you and your puppy.
Running and Off-Leash Play: Cockapoos enjoy running and playing off-leash in safe, enclosed areas like a fenced backyard or a dog park. Off-leash play allows them to burn off extra energy and socialize with other dogs.

Mental Stimulation:

Puzzle Toys: Invest in puzzle toys that dispense treats when your puppy figures out how to solve them. This challenges their problem-solving skills and keeps them mentally engaged.
Training Sessions: Cockapoos are intelligent and eager to learn. Regular training sessions not only teach them valuable skills but also provide mental stimulation. Teach new tricks and reinforce obedience commands.
Nose Work: Dogs have an excellent sense of smell. Hide treats around the house or yard and encourage your puppy to find them. You can also try scent training or even enroll in scent work classes.

Games and Activities:

Agility Training: Set up a mini agility course in your backyard or participate in agility classes. This is a great way to provide both physical exercise and mental challenges.
Fetch and Retrieve: Cockapoos often love playing fetch. Use a ball or a favorite toy to engage in a game of fetch. It's an excellent way to combine exercise and mental stimulation.
Water Activities: Many Cockapoos enjoy water, so if you have access to a safe and dog-friendly swimming area, consider swimming or fetching toys in the water.
Tug-of-War: Tug-of-war can be a fun game, but establish clear rules and boundaries to ensure it remains safe and enjoyable for both you and your puppy.
Playdates: Arrange playdates with other dogs to provide social interaction and exercise. This can be an excellent way to combine exercise and mental stimulation.

Remember to tailor the exercise and activities to your puppy's age, health, and individual preferences. Cockapoos are social dogs and enjoy spending time with their human families, so make sure to include them in your daily activities and routines. A well-exercised and mentally stimulated Cockapoo is a happy and well-behaved companion.

Making Your Garden Safe for a Puppy

Puppy-proofing your garden is crucial to ensure your furry friend's safety and to prevent them from getting into potentially harmful situations. Here are ten steps you can take to puppy-proof your garden, including information on toxic plants commonly found in English gardens:

1. Secure Fencing: Check your garden's fencing for gaps or weak points that your puppy could escape through. Ensure the fence is high enough to prevent climbing and digging underneath.

2. Toxic Plants: Be aware of toxic plants commonly found in English gardens, such as foxglove, laburnum, and yew. Virtually all bulbs, from alliums to tulips to daffodils are toxic to dogs, so if you plant them, make sure they are deep enough that puppy won't get to them. Wisteria pods are also toxic to dogs.

3. Pesticides and Herbicides: Avoid using chemical pesticides and herbicides that can be harmful to pets. Opt for pet-friendly alternatives or use natural pest control methods. Be mindful of warnings on fertiliser packages as well. Snail and slug bait is highly toxic to dogs, though the UK banned them a few years ago. You might still have some of the deadly kind on hand, so read the labels carefully.

4. Garden Tools: Store garden tools and equipment securely to prevent your puppy from getting hurt. Sharp objects like pruners, shears, and rakes should be out of their reach.

5. Mulch and Compost: Keep your puppy away from mulch and compost piles, as they may contain materials that are harmful if ingested.

6. Garden Decor: Remove or secure decorative items like garden gnomes and ornaments that your puppy might be tempted to chew on or play with.

7. Garden Pond Safety: If you have a garden pond, ensure it has a secure barrier or fencing to prevent your puppy from falling in. Ponds can be a drowning hazard.

8. Vegetable Gardens: Protect your vegetable garden with a fence or raised beds to keep your puppy from digging, trampling, or eating your plants, especially if you grow onions or garlic.

9. Garden Furniture: Check for any sharp edges or parts that could cause injury if your puppy were to run or jump onto them. Secure or pad these areas if necessary.

10. Poop Patrol: Regularly clean up after your puppy in the garden to prevent them from ingesting their waste or digging it up.

In addition to the steps above, it's important to create a safe play area within your garden where your puppy can explore and play without access to potential hazards. Supervision is key, especially when your puppy is young and inquisitive. Regularly inspect your garden for any new potential dangers that may arise, and make adjustments as needed to ensure your puppy's safety and enjoyment.

In conclusion, ensuring the health and well-being of your puppy is not just a responsibility; it's a rewarding journey of companionship and care. Throughout this article, we've explored the fundamental aspects of puppy health and happiness, from nutrition and exercise to socialisation and mental stimulation. By prioritising proper nutrition, regular veterinary care, a safe environment, and positive training methods, you lay the foundation for a lifelong bond of love and trust with your furry friend. Remember, puppies are not only our faithful companions but also our cherished family members. As they grow and develop into adulthood, your dedication to their well-being will be repaid in a lifetime of love, loyalty, and unforgettable moments. Embrace the role of a responsible and loving pet parent, and savor every step of the incredible journey you and your puppy are embarking upon together. Your puppy's health and happiness are worth every effort, and the rewards are immeasurable.