We are now at the 31-40 weeks with Arlo and I can’t believe how fast time has gone. It’s been amazing to watch him settle into our family home and routine, although, I must say, It’s not always easy. Although he is growing up quickly, his playful (and naughty) personality and all those Cavapoo quirks are still present.
Here’s a look at how he’s coming along, from his new sleep habits to some funny little surprises on our walks.
Sleeping In Is Fantastic
Sleep was a slight challenge very early on, but I would say now that we are totally at the point where Arlo’s is never giving us uninterrupted nights. He’s usually out by 10 pm and doesn’t wake up until 7 am — a solid stretch that makes all the difference for everyone. Now and then, he’ll let out a low growl if he catches a strange noise outside, but that’s rare, and it’s nice to see his little protective instincts kicking in. Overall, his sleeping schedule has become a relief and a routine we can rely on. Arlo will even sleep in from time to time.
Homemade Food is a Win
As mentioned in the last post on Arlo’s journey, weeks 21-30, we’ve landed on a mix of homemade food and kibble, and Arlo seems pretty content with it. He’s become less fussy, and mealtime doesn’t feel like a guessing game anymore. There was definitely a learning curve to figure out what would work best, but this combo seems to keep his energy up and his tummy happy.
Sidenote: We buy his kibble online and do our research on his food through the website All About Dog Food, which is an excellent resource for all Cavapoo lovers.
Potty Training—Almost Perfect (With One Quirk)
Potty training was a priority from day one, and it has paid off. He’s practically spot-on indoors now, and accidents are extremely rare. The funny part? On walks, he’s decided to make a routine out of pooping multiple times, sometimes five times in one go! I’ve no idea why, but he’s definitely keeping us well-stocked with doggy bags. Maybe it’s his way of marking his territory—or maybe he’s just that excited to be out. Whatever the reason, it’s one of those quirks we’ve come to expect on every walk. Hopefully it stops as he matures because each poo gets harder to scoop up.
Small Wins Against Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety was a challenge, and it’s been a gradual journey to help him feel comfortable alone. These days, though, we’re starting to see a change. He’s not as distressed when we leave, and he’s more settled overall. It’s a relief knowing he’s starting to safer, even when he’s not by our side. There’s still work to be done, but seeing this improvement has given us all a confidence boost.
Teeth Brushing and Grooming Progress
In terms of grooming, Arlo’s getting more used to our routines. We’ve introduced teeth brushing, which he wasn’t sure about at first, but now he’s more cooperative, not fully I must add, but it’s getting easier! Keeping up with his coat brushing is also getting easier, and regular brushing has kept his fluffy fur in check. These routines are feeling more natural for him—and for us—so we’re calling it a win for now. We have had a few nots early on, but now it’s so much better. We use a good slicker brush and he gets groomed every six weeks.
Reflections on Progress So far
It’s hard to believe how quickly Arlo is growing up. He’s found his rhythm with us, and he’s starting to feel like an independent little character, not just a puppy. Of course, he’s still got that cheeky side, but that’s part of what makes him Arlo and a Cavapoo I guess. Watching him change each week has been a joy, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
You can read weeks 41-52 of Arlo’s journey here.
