Are you tired of your adorable Cavapoo puppy biting (mouthing) all the time? Do you secretly worry that your innocent fluff ball might transform into a ferocious beast, hurting someone?
And let’s not forget about the state of your clothes, torn to shreds by those razor-sharp puppy teeth.
Oh, the struggles of being a Cavapoo owner!
We know exactly how you feel because we’ve been there too. Those thoughts racing through your mind — chaos and stress – we get it. It’s enough to make your head spin faster than a puppy chasing its tail.
Well, here’s the good news.
It’s time to put those worries to rest. We’re here to show you the light at the end of the tunnel. A way to transform your little pooch into a well-mannered dog.
In this article, you’ll discover seven proven strategies that will help you reclaim your sanity and keep everyone’s limbs intact.
No more torn clothes, and no more fear of your Cavapoo turning into Cujo.
Together we’ll make sure your Cavapoo grows into a gentle, loving companion who knows the difference between a chew toy and your favourite pair of sliders.
Let’s get started.
Why Is My Cavapoo Puppy Going Crazy And Biting?
Cavapoo puppies, with their innocent eyes and fluffy coats, can easily melt your heart. However, their puppy biting tendencies can quickly turn them into tiny K9 sharks. Like most pups, they will puppy-bite, so the first step is to educate and understand why your Cavapoo will engage in biting (nipping) at a young age.
Natural Instincts and Exploration
Puppies, including Cavapoos, have an inherent instinct to explore the world through their mouths. Just like human babies, they use biting to learn about their environment. It’s a natural behaviour that serves a purpose.
Puppy Teething & Instinct
Teething is one common cause, as the discomfort of new teeth coming through prompts them to chew and bite to relieve the pain. Biting can also be a form of play or communication. Puppies use their mouths to interact with their litter-mates (siblings), and this behaviour carries over when they join their new families. If you have watched a litter of Cavapoo puppies, you see them use their mouths when playing.
While puppy biting is natural, addressing and redirecting this behaviour early on is crucial. By setting boundaries and teaching appropriate behaviour from the start, you can shape their understanding of acceptable play and reduce the chances of unwanted biting in the future.
Triggers, Temptations & Keeping Track
There are certain triggers and temptations that can cause your Cavapoo to bite. For example, when your puppy is tired, you may notice they become more nippy, or if they have just finished with a toy, they may want to carry on this play with your fingers or feet.
The trick is to keep a record of when they are puppy biting and mouthing and counteract this with a dental chew or even place them in their crate for a nap.
As for temptations, try not to have any loose clothing or big fluffy slippers. If you already have these, then try to swap them with less tempting choices if possible. You can wear them again once the biting stops..
Proven Strategies to Stop Cavapoo Puppy Biting
Now that we understand the reasons behind Cavapoo puppy biting, let’s explore proven strategies that will help you curb this behaviour effectively.
Socialisation and Exposure
Socialisation plays a vital role in shaping a well-rounded Cavapoo. By exposing your puppy to various people, animals, and environments, you help them develop confidence and learn appropriate behaviour.
Introduce them to different situations gradually, offering positive experiences and rewards. This exposure helps reduce biting tendencies, as they become more comfortable and adaptable. They will develop an understanding that puppy biting is not what the human wants them to do.
Positive Reinforcement Training For A Cavapoo
Positive reinforcement dog training is a powerful tool for teaching Cavapoos appropriate behaviour. This method focuses on rewarding desired actions rather than punishing unwanted ones. Use treats, praise, and affection to reinforce good behaviour, such as gentle play and appropriate chewing. Techniques like clicker training and reward-based methods can help establish a strong bond and trust between you and your puppy.
Redirection and Chew Toy Training
Provide chew toys to satisfy their instinctive needs and redirect their biting behaviour away from your hands, clothes, or furniture.
Opt for durable toys specifically designed for teething puppies, such as rubber or nylon ones. Introduce the toys during playtime and guide their attention towards them when they show signs of wanting to bite.
Bite Inhibition Training
Bite inhibition refers to teaching puppies to control the force of their bites. This training is crucial for preventing accidental harm to humans or other animals. Start by providing gentle feedback whenever your Cavapoo puppy bites too hard.
You can yelp or say “ouch” in a high-pitched voice to mimic the response of a fellow puppy. This teaches them that their biting causes discomfort and helps them develop a softer mouth.
Side note: Some people say not to yelp when your puppy nips because this can make them believe that they’re the pack leader and, in return, make them worse. However, while training my own Cavapoo puppy, I noticed he would stop and go much gentler when I gave an ‘Ow’. Of course, if you find the opposite, then don’t use this tactic.
Timeouts and Consistency
Clear boundaries and consistent reinforcement of rules are essential when tackling Cavapoo puppy biting. If your puppy becomes too rough or persists in biting, use timeouts as a consequence.
I have alluded to this before, so remember not to be scared to pick them up and place them in a safe, designated space for a short period, such as a playpen or crate, with no attention or interaction. This helps them understand that biting leads to the loss of playtime and social interaction.
It’s also important to remember that you will need to be consistent. Make sure that all your family members enforce the same rules. Over time, your Cavapoo will understand that biting and nipping will cause an undesirable outcome.
Puppy Training Classes
If you find the problem is persisting after trying the strategies above, then you may need to consider professional puppy training classes. In fact, even if the strategies are working well, puppy training classes are a great way to eliminate lots of other problems that Cavapoo puppies can cause, such as separation anxiety.
To find puppy classes near you, a simple google search for your location should give you plenty of options.
What Not To Do When Your Cavapoo Puppy Is Mouthing
When your Cavapoo puppy is mouthing and nipping, it’s vital to avoid certain actions that can inadvertently escalate their behaviour. Here are some things you should not do:
- Don’t Smack Them: Physical punishment, such as hitting or slapping your puppy, is not an effective or humane way to address mouthing and nipping. It can lead to fear, anxiety, and aggression in your dog.
- Avoid Ranting or Raging: A stern ‘NO’ with a finger point is acceptable and recommended, but don’t use excessive shouting or raging at your puppy — it will probably frighten them. It may also worsen the problem.
- Don’t Encourage The Nipping Through Play: Avoid engaging in rough play with your puppy, as it can reinforce the idea that mouthing and nipping are acceptable behaviours. Avoid letting them mouth on your hand as play, as this isn’t recommended and will probably confuse them..
- Avoid pulling your hand away too fast: Pulling your hand away quickly when your puppy mouths or nips may unintentionally encourage them to chase or nip more. This reaction can be seen as a playful response by your puppy, and they may continue the behaviour.
- Don’t Ignore The Problem: Never ignore mouthing and nipping. You should address the problem early on. Ignoring the issue could lead to further behavioural issues down the line.
Time to Say Goodbye to Cavapoo Puppy Biting: Embrace a Bite-Free Future
The fear of your puppy hurting someone or becoming aggressive can keep you up at night, wondering if there’s a solution to this seemingly never-ending battle. But fear not, hope is on the horizon.
Picture this: You walk into your home, and instead of being greeted by a whirlwind of biting chaos, you’re met with a calm and well-behaved Cavapoo. Your clothes remain intact, your guests are safe, and you can finally relax without the constant fear of a nip here and a nip there.
It’s not a distant dream—it’s the reality you can create with the proven strategies we’ve shared in this article.
Sure, it might feel overwhelming at times. You may think, “Can I really do this? Will my Cavapoo ever stop biting?”
Those doubts are valid, but let me tell you something: you have the power to make a difference. With a little patience, consistency, and a lot of love, you can shape your Cavapoo into a well-mannered companion.
Remember, every moment you invest in training and redirecting their biting behaviour is a step closer to the peaceful solution you desire. It’s not just about preventing your puppy from hurting others; it’s about creating an environment where everyone can feel safe and at ease.
The benefits extend beyond your immediate concerns, too. A well-behaved Cavapoo brings joy to your family, strengthens your bond, and opens up a world of possibilities for shared adventures.
So, give yourself a round of applause for your commitment and determination. Take a deep breath and embrace the journey ahead. You have the tools, the knowledge, and the love to guide your Cavapoo towards a future free from biting.
It won’t always be smooth sailing, but remember, persistence creates success.
Now, go out there and be the best Cavapoo owner you can be. Say goodbye to Cavapoo puppy biting and welcome a new chapter filled with harmony, love, and an unbreakable bond.