It’s hard to believe that Arlo, our very own Cavapoo is almost one year old. We’ve watched him transform from a timid pup to a confident little chappie. Over the past few months, weeks 41-52, Arlo has tackled separation anxiety and gained confidence and a swagger during our walks. Here’s another look into life with Arlo as he blossoms into a cheeky one-year-old Cavapoo.
Separation Anxiety Training (Finally Feeling Better)
At last, further progress with Arlo’s Separation anxiety! After tackling Arlo’s separation anxiety for weeks, we’re seeing real changes. We implemented strategies like monitoring him with indoor cameras, tweaking our routines, and adjusting the Ring doorbell’s settings. That doorbell was sending him bonkers, so we narrowed its detection zones. Now, he’s handling alone time much better—what a relief! The house is calmer, and so are we.
Improvement on Walks with the Gen Con Lead
Investing in the Gen Con lead was a game-changer. Arlo’s pulling was a headache from day one and did become much worse. We tried a few training techniques, but no positive results, however, this lead gave us control without discomfort. He wasn’t thrilled at first — who would be? He tried to get it off, but eventually, he accepted it. As a result, he sticks by our side much better, and we have no pulling at all. We’re thinking of returning to his harness soon to see how he is, but if your dog pulls on the lead, look into the GenCon lead.
Turning One and Showing Some Attitude
Now that Arlo has turned one, he has a bit more swagger about him. He’s also become pickier with his dog food but still likes homemade human food. They say Cavapoos stay puppyish until two, but Arlo’s already showing signs of maturity, although now and again, he kind of goes back to being a puppy, if you know what I mean — mouthing, running away, etc.
Zoomies and Mischief
If there’s one thing that has yet to change, it’s his zoomies! Even as he grows, Arlo still darts around like a maniac. It’s chaotic and fun at the same time, and we worry about him hurting himself, which is why dog insurance is so important.
Routine Grooming and Brushing Progress
As mentioned in the last blog post on Arlo’s journey, grooming is every six weeks. Yes, he gets a trim every six weeks and it really has helped with knots and tangles.
Home brushing? It’s getting easier, although he still needs a bit of coaxing. Less resistance, more acceptance — proof that he’s adjusting to the little “must-dos” of dog life, albeit with treats as a bribe!
Summing Up One Year With A Cavapoo
Seeing Arlo’s progress over the past year has been a mix of things, including fun, rewarding, hard work, and stressful, but overall, a joy. There’s still work to do with him, but watching him mature and develop his personality has been amazing to see. We kind of think we have gone past the testing times now, and honestly, he does sometimes test your patience, but it does feel as though the year mark is a turning point.
A lot of people I chat with who have older Cavapoo dogs tell me they don’t fully grow up until they are two, so it’s positive for us to feel like it’s easier now.
Our aim now is to enjoy his younger days because if the next year goes as quickly as the first year, he won’t be as mischievous, and we will miss them overall.
I will occasionally post an update on his progress, so this topic of covering Arlo’s journey hasn’t fully ended. Hopefully, it will help others who have a Cavapoo dog.
