If you’re considering adopting a Cavapoo, you may be concerned about how much they bark. After all, smaller breeds are often known for being “yappy”! However, the Cavapoo, for the most part, isn’t known for excessive barking (though dogs are individuals, so some may bark more than others).
That doesn’t mean they don’t bark—the Cavapoo can still be quite vocal. If your Cavapoo is barking, they are barking for a specific reason, and you’ll need to figure out what that reason is. Otherwise, the dog will continue to bark.
Here’s everything you need to know about Cavapoos, including why they bark and how to stop them from doing so.
Why Do Cavapoos Bark?
Cavapoos typically only bark for specific reasons, but what are those reasons? Turns out there are quite a few of them! Below are some possible reasons why a Cavapoo may start (and continue) barking.
1. Wants Attention
The Cavapoo breed is intelligent, and they quickly realize that if they want your attention, they can get it by barking. For this reason, when they are young and in training, you should ignore them when they bark so you don’t give them positive reinforcement for the behavior.
2. Changes in Routine
Dogs experience stress and anxiety just like we do, and one factor that can cause this is a change in their daily routine. Whether moving to a new home or a new person or animal coming into the house, routine changes can leave your Cavapoo stressed and feeling the urge to bark about it.
3. Alerting You
Cavapoos may not make the best watchdogs due to their friendly nature, but they’re still fairly vigilant. They may want to alert you to any strange noises they hear, people approaching the door, and more.
4. Discomfort
Cavapoos may also bark if they experience discomfort or fright. This discomfort may be due to an insect sting, a cut on the paw, or even being spooked by a loud noise.
5. Frustration
Your Cavapoo friend may also bark when they become frustrated by something, such as being unable to reach a toy or feeling bored if left alone for prolonged periods.
6. Separation Anxiety
An important thing to know about the Cavapoo is that some may be prone to separation anxiety and don’t do well when left to their own devices for long periods. So, leave them alone often, you can expect excessive barking and other behavioral problems.
7. Social Barking
One of the ways dogs communicate is through barking, so if your Cavapoo hears another dog in the house or neighborhood barking, they may join in.
How to Stop Your Cavapoo From Barking
You can’t stop a dog from barking entirely since it is one of their ways of communicating. However, you can work to keep your pup from barking excessively. The best way to go about stopping a Cavapoo from barking too much is by properly training them. You can do this by either ignoring your dog when they start barking a lot, redirecting your pup’s attention with a toy, or removing the element causing the barking. You can also train your pet to respond to a command, such as “Quiet!” to stop barking.
If your Cavapoo is a barker because they’re stressed and anxious, you’ll likely need to modify your home or routine. For example, if your dog becomes anxious when someone approaches the front door, try keeping the dog in an area of your home that’s furthest away from the door before attempting to desensitize them.
If your Cavapoo is barking excessively due to separation anxiety, you may want to invest in a dog walker or sitter who can visit with them daily or try out a camera that lets you see your dog wherever you are and allows them to hear your voice.
To remedy a situation where your dog is experiencing anxiety, you’ll need to first figure out what is causing the issue. Resolving this cause of barking may be a long process. Finally, exercise is another great way to help your pet handle stress, so be sure your dog is getting enough each day.
Or perhaps your dog is just the sort to bark at everyone they see through a window. Solving this issue is relatively simple—just close the blinds or curtains so your pet can’t see out. By incorporating these tips, you should be able to resolve some of the more common barking issues your Cavapoo may have.
If you are struggling to get down to the root cause of your Cavapoo’s barking or are unsure how to implement the recommended techniques that are meant to reduce it, consult with a veterinarian, a certified dog trainer, or a canine behaviorist for more personalized advice.
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Final Thoughts
Cavapoos may not be the barkiest of dogs, but some are pretty vocal. Your pup may bark to communicate with you or other dogs, whether to let you know someone is at the front door or to express frustration that they can’t get what they want. You can stop your Cavapoo from barking excessively by beginning training as soon as you get the dog. You can also try to remove any potential stressors from your home so they don’t cause your pup any fear or uncertainty. Consult with a vet or a canine behaviorist for a more detailed approach to managing barking, especially if your dog is showing signs of separation anxiety.
For the most part, your Cavapoo shouldn’t bark excessively (though every dog is different!). So, enjoy life with your new friendly furry pal!
Featured Image Credit: Sam Foster, Shutterstock
Why Do Cavapoos Bark?
