It is an oft-quoted phrase that “a dog is man’s best friend”. Clearly this applies not only to men but to anybody who has a special bond with their dog. The bonds that some owners feel are so strong that it is often as if they were a blood relative. So how do you build a great relationship with a new Cavapoo? What are the secrets to having a happy friend for life?
Bonds can be made with a Cavapoo by giving them attention, playing with them and training. Simple acts help establish and strengthen the bonds between you and them and can lead to a long-term rewarding friendship.
But where do you start? We are going to break down the key things you should do, and when to do them, so you can start on the right footing and make sure you create a valued and lasting relationship.
Cuddle and Touch
Cavapoos are people dogs. They crave human attention and they can quite often get so excited by the mere presence of a human that they can wet themselves. Yep, we are that important to them.
One of the simplest ways to start bonding with your Cavapoo is through touching and cuddling. Most Cavapoos love to have their bellies rubbed, and love to be stroked, and they will also usually love a cuddle from you. Studies have shown that petting your dog produces raised levels of neuropeptides (endorphin, oxytocin and prolactin) that control pleasure and social attachment. It’s also been shown to reduce aggression.
Training Time is Treasured Time
Moving on from general cuddling and touching is training. Training is a great way to build a lasting relationship with your Cavapoo as it establishes trust, ground rules for your relationship – i.e. that you are in charge – and your Cavapoo will also just love spending time with you while you train them.
Set some time aside each day to focus on training from when your Cavapoo is a puppy. This daily routine of training will help build your relationship and starting early has advantages not only for that, but also for your Cavapoo’s ability to learn their training drills faster.
Find a Favorite toy
A great way to build a strong bond with your Cavapoo is to find some toys they really like and include them in games you play together.
Your Cavapoo might have a favorite rope toy which you can – gently – play tug of war with them. Or they might have a soft toy which you can throw across the room and get them to chase after. Or you could have a ball which they love to run after. Whichever toy it is, use this in your games with them and they will love you even more!
Fancy a Walk?
Daily exercise is an important time for any dog and Cavapoos are no different. While you might be excused for with not walking your Cavapoo every day – particularly if they are toy sized – exercise is important and should ideally be a regular activity.
But walking also has a secondary benefit in firming and building your bond. Your Cavapoo will be spending time with you, but you will also be able to use this time to get some training in which means focused time with your pet as well as treats for them (and I’m yet to meet a dog that doesn’t like their owner even more after receiving some treats!)
To make it extra special, every so often take your Cavapoo for a walk to a new place. It could be a high street where they can socialize with other dogs and people, or a walk in a new park, or maybe a walk in the countryside. Guided by their noses, exploring new places is very exciting for your Cavapoo who will smell all sorts of new things and be indulged by the experience.
Be in the Moment
It is a sad reality of the 21st century that we all spend far too much time worried about the future or in a state of distraction. This is why mindfulness is so important. Mindfulness is defined as “the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.” [1] and practicing it requires focus on the here and now rather than distraction on what is to come.
Dogs are natural experts at Mindfulness as they do not have a strong perception of ‘future’. Cavapoos do not plan, or worry about work the next day, or check their phone social feeds; they are in the moment.
So, when you want to spend quality time with your Cavapoo and improve your bond make sure you are actually ‘there’ and not somewhere else. Put your phone to one side, switch off the TV and give your dog lots of attention. If you’re out for a walk, avoid marching to a timetable. If your Cavapoo starts sniffing something interesting – let them. And while they’re in the moment use this as a great opportunity to be so yourself. Good for dog and owner!
When to Get Started?
There is no time like the present! It is recommended to start laying the foundations of your relationship with your Cavapoo as early as you can. This begins from the day you bring your beloved puppy home from the breeder. They can be cuddled, trained and even walked from an early age (just remember to not take them outside or mix with other dogs until the recommended age).
Be Patient!
Like humans, building a relationship with a Cavapoo takes time. They are naturally a very loving breed who will be very attentive towards you and keen for your affection but building that lasting bond of trust and obedience takes weeks and months of effort.
Stick with the tasks we have outlined for you here and you will be on a great track to having a wonderful relationship with your Cavapoo for the long time.
[1] https://www.mindful.org/what-is-mindfulness/