If you’re going to be a first time Cockapoo owner, perhaps the best place to start is by answering ‘What is a Cockapoo?’ A Cockapoo is a crossbreed or hybrid of a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. While there are different Poodle sizes (toy, miniature, standard), most Cockapoos are a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle, so they are relatively small dogs.

What is the difference between Cockapoo vs Cavapoo

These days, lots of mixed-breed dogs are becoming more and more popular. You might have also heard of the Cavapoo. Rather than being crossed with a Cocker Spaniel, Cavapoos are a cross between a Poodle and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Although they look quite similar to Cockapoos, Cavapoos are usually smaller in size. Both dogs are generally friendly and sociable, and they don’t tend to bark much. They need regular grooming, although Cavapoos may have a slightly shorter coat. Cavapoos are also likely to be slightly calmer than Cockapoos, so they may be a better choice if you don’t want a particularly active lifestyle.

What is an F1 or F2 Cockapoo?

If you've been researching Cockapoos, you might have seen the terms F1 Cockapoo and F2 Cockapoo. But what do they mean?The Cockapoo isn’t yet a recognised pedigree breed because there haven’t been enough generations bred. The terms F1 and F2 are a way of quickly explaining which generation of their family line they are. When a pedigree Cocker Spaniel and a pedigree Poodle are bred together, the litter of Cockapoos produced will be F1 or first-generation Cockapoos. If two F1 Cockapoos are bred together, the litter produced will be F2, or second-generation Cockapoos, and so on. To become a recognised pedigree breed, there needs to be F7 Cockapoos being bred. Visit The British Cockapoo Society website for further information on Cockapoo generations.

How big does a Cockapoo get?

Cockapoo weight and height vary depending on whether the parent is a Miniature, Toy, or Standard Poodle. However, the majority of Cockapoos are from Miniature Poodles. As an adult, you could expect your Cockapoo to be around 36 to 38 centimetres tall and weigh between 6 and 11 kilograms.

Cockapoo owners often choose this breed because they shed less fur, meaning less hoovering and cleaning, and potentially fewer allergy symptoms from your family members. However, the amount that your Cockapoo sheds fur will depend on whether they are more like a Poodle or a Cocker Spaniel. It’s the Poodle in their lineage that makes them shed less fur.

Are Cockapoos hypoallergenic?

Many Cockapoo owners find that their allergy symptoms aren’t so bad compared to when they have owned other breeds that shed more fur. However, allergies are very individual, and some Cockapoos will still shed fur if they’re genetically more similar to a Cocker Spaniel. Therefore, it’s impossible to predict whether a particular Cockapoo will be suitable if you have allergies.

When do Cockapoos stop growing?

Cockapoos reach adult size at around 12 months old, although they don’t tend to get taller after 9 months. Adult Cockapoo size will vary depending on whether their parent was a Miniature, Toy, or Standard Poodle.

Are Cockapoos easy to train?

Cockapoos are curious, social, and have lots of energy, making them easy to train.

Are Cockapoos good dogs?

The Cockapoo temperament is mainly friendly and social. However, they can be anxious, especially if poorly socialised, and this can affect their behaviour long-term.

Do Cockapoos bark a lot?

Cockapoos don't tend to bark very much, although they can suffer from separation anxiety, especially if their routine changes suddenly.

How much exercise does a Cockapoo need?

Cockapoos have a lot of energy and require lots of physical exercise and mental stimulation. Daily walks or exercise of at least 1 hour would be ideal for adult Cockapoos. This could easily be split into two 30-minute sessions. For puppies, the general recommendation is to stick to five minutes of walking for each month of age, up to twice a day. E.g. A four-month-old puppy can enjoy 20-minute walks once or twice a day.

The Role of Treats in Positive Reinforcement Training

Written by: Kate Hepplewhite

July 31, 2025

Training your dog should feel like a bonding experience, not a battle. That’s where positive reinforcement comes in. This training method rewards your dog for getting things right, and when done properly, it can lead to happier dogs, better behaviour and a stronger relationship between you. And one of the most effective tools you can use? Tasty treats.

What is positive reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement is when we reward the dog for good behaviour. In science terms, we're adding something the dog enjoys to make it more likely that they will repeat whatever it is they just did.

This might look like giving your dog a treat for sitting when you asked, giving them their meal when they wait patiently, or giving them a game of tug because they brought you their toy.

Why treats are so effective?

Most dogs love food. That makes treats a natural choice for training rewards. They’re quick to deliver, easy to carry and incredibly motivating. When used the right way, treats can speed up the learning process and keep your dog interested, especially during more challenging training sessions.

Treats are also versatile. You can use them to teach basic cues, reinforce polite behaviour or help your dog overcome fears and build confidence.

Picking the perfect training treats

Here’s what to look for in a good training treat:

Small - You want your dog to eat it quickly so you can keep the momentum going.
Irresistibly tasty - The more your dog loves it, the harder they’ll work for it.*
Nutritious - Especially during longer sessions, it helps if the treat offers something beneficial, not just empty calories.

* Keep in mind that sometimes treats can be too motivating, and your dog might lose focus because of it - matching the right level of tastiness to what you're trying to teach can work wonders

You might even find it helpful to mix up treat values - use something simple like kibble for easy tasks, and save the really special stuff (like bits of Chicken Crackling or Brainy Bites) or those trickier moments, like recall.

Timing is everything

The key to reinforcing behaviour is good timing. Reward your dog as soon as they do what you’ve asked. That split-second connection between action and reward helps them understand what they’re being praised for.

It’s also important to stay consistent. Everyone in the household should use the same commands and the same approach to rewards. That way, your dog knows exactly what’s expected of them.

As your dog gets more confident, you can start to phase out treats and use other rewards like praise or play. This process - called "fading the lure" - helps ensure your dog listens even when food isn’t on the table.

Common pitfalls to avoid

Using treats for training isn’t foolproof. Here are a few things to watch out for:

Bribing instead of rewarding - Show the treat after your dog performs the behaviour, not before.
Overfeeding - Treats should be factored into your dog’s daily food intake to avoid weight gain.
Inconsistent rewards - Skipping rewards or changing the rules can confuse your dog and slow down their progress.

It goes beyond sit and stay

Treats aren’t just for tricks. They can help with socialising, managing fear or introducing your dog to new situations. For example, rewarding your pup for calmly watching another dog from a distance can help them feel more relaxed and confident over time.

The link between nutrition and learning

Just like people, dogs do their best thinking when they’re well-fed and feeling good.

A balanced, nutrient-rich diet can improve your dog’s ability to concentrate, reduce anxiety, and support overall brain health.

Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA), B vitamins, and antioxidants all play a part in helping your dog stay sharp and focused.

On the flip side, poor nutrition can make learning harder, leading to low energy or erratic behaviour. So, if your pup is struggling to stay engaged, it might be worth taking a closer look at what’s in their bowl.

How Years supports better learning through better nutrition

At Years, we believe that every dog learns best when they feel their best. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to support not just your dog’s physical health, but their mental sharpness too.

Our meals are made with real, whole food ingredients chosen to fuel your dog’s body and mind. We include naturally brain-boosting nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and high-quality proteins - because when your dog is nourished from the inside out, they’re more focused, more relaxed, and better equipped to take in new information.

Whether you’re working on recall, lead manners, or just teaching your pup not to jump on guests, the right diet can make all the difference. With Years, you're not just filling their bowl - you’re helping them become their happiest, most well-behaved self.

Conclusion

Training doesn’t have to be a chore. With a bit of patience, the right treats and a focus on positive reinforcement, it can become one of the most rewarding parts of life with your dog.

And when your dog’s diet is supporting their brain and body, you’re setting them up for long-term success. At Years, we’re proud to help dogs feel their best-so they can learn, grow, and enjoy every step of the journey with you.

Try Years for 7 days from £7!

FAQs

How many treats should I give during a training session?

Use just enough to reinforce desired behaviours without overfeeding. Break treats into small pieces if needed and keep sessions short (5–10 minutes). The generally accepted rule of thumb is that your dog's treat provision should make up no more than 10% of the daily calorie intake.

What if my dog isn’t food-motivated?

Food is a core need for dogs, and it should be rewarding by nature. If a dog isn't food-motivated, double check that they're in good health and not overly stressed - as both short- and long-term stress can impact appetite.Try different types of treats or use toys, praise or play as alternative rewards. Some dogs respond better to non-food incentives.

Can I use human food as training treats?

Yes, but choose healthy options like cooked chicken, turkey or cheese in moderation. Avoid anything toxic to dogs, such as onion, garlic, or chocolate.

When should I stop using treats in training?

As your dog masters a behaviour, gradually reduce treat frequency and replace with praise or affection. However, occasional treats can keep training sharp.

Are store-bought treats okay for training?

Yes, as long as they are made with quality ingredients and suitable for your dog’s size and diet, like Years range of treats. Avoid artificial additives and any additional sugars