How to Use Positive Reinforcement with Cavapoos

Cavapoo owners should use positive reinforcement in the training and day-to-day activities with their pups. 

Positive measures can include giving your puppy treats after he learns a trick or obeys a command; using positive body language to provide him encouragement (such as patting him on the head and rubbing his back); using a firm, but gentle voice when correcting him; being patient with him; and taking plenty of time to play with him.

Negative reinforcement is never a good technique to use on animals! 

This would include using a harsh tone or yelling, disciplining a dog by hitting him, withholding food for punishment, and other measures that are inhumane. 

Cavapoos are a sweet breed resulting from the union of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. 

A good understanding of their parentage is essential to be successful in training a Cavapoo and in the maturing of a happy, contented pup. 

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is loyal, gentle, affectionate, playful, intelligent, and outgoing. 

You can readily see how using a negative approach in training and engaging in day-to-day activities could ruin his spirit. 

Poodles are highly intelligent (in fact, the Poodle is ranked as the second most intelligent dog in the world). 

They’re energetic and full of zest. 

They’re curious and inquisitive, eager to learn.

Poodles love attention! 

Again, negative measures in training could be so detrimental to Poodle’s.

The combination of the best traits of these two marvelous dogs necessitates a reasonable technique in teaching and training. 

And that method is positive reinforcement!

Give Your Cavapoo Treats to Reinforce Him Positively

Dogs are not that much different than children. 

Both enjoy receiving and eating treats! 

One of the easiest ways to stimulate and motivate learning tricks and obedience skills is to give your canine family member a special treat after meeting a goal.

Cavapoos love to please their owners. 

And the giving of treats lets your Cavapoo know that you approve of his conduct. 

It also is an indicator of the love you have for your pup!

So, whatever the learning activity may be (rolling over, sitting, fetching a ball, etc.), providing your pup with a treat will encourage him to do his best time and time again.

Remember though, don’t feed your puppy treats like you would eat popcorn. 

That’d defeat the whole purpose of positive reinforcement, now, wouldn’t it?

What Kind of Treats are Best for Positive Reinforcement?

• Treats that are healthy and safe. Treats should be without carcinogenic ingredients or other materials destructive to your dog’s health.
• Treats that can be bought regularly so that rewarding your dog will not be interrupted.
• Treats that are fitted for the size of your dog. It’s evident that a huge treat for a Great Dane wouldn’t be a good choice for a Cavapoo!
• Treats that come in a variety of flavors. Dogs may enjoy one flavor over another, encouraging them to work harder in learning obedience and training.

Recommendations for You

The following recommendations of treats for your Cavapoo are from Best Reviews. 

They researched 32 models, consulted 114 consumers, and spent 8 hours in research. 

Based on their in-depth study of dog treats they offer the following as the best in the dog treat world.

Note: I’ve never used these products for my Opie. 

However, after considering their research, I’m going to buy treats based on their recommendations. 

I encourage you to do the same. Your dog’s health depends on it!  Now, on to the selections!

• Cloud Star, Wag More, Bark Less Biscuits
• Greenies Original Dental Dog Treats
• Merrick Power Bites, Soft and Chewy Dog Treats-Real Beef Recipe
• Himalayan Dog Chew, The Original
• Blue Buffalo Wilderness, Grain-Free Trail Treats-Turkey

Use Positive Body Language to Encourage Your Cavapoo

Another positive reinforcement technique is to simply pat your Cavapoo on the head or give him a belly rub after he obeys a command or does a trick.

This shows him that you approve of his conduct.  

There is no substitute for the personal touch (in all areas of life). 

Using positive body language is indispensable in training and teaching your pup! 

It sends the message that you care. 

It lets him know that you love him and are proud of him. 

And it also gives him your stamp of approval!

Watch the Tone of Your Voice

Remember that Cavapoos are extremely intelligent! 

A Cavapoo can easily determine if you’re happy with him. 

When you’re teaching him to learn tricks and to obey commands, use a calm tone demonstrating that you’re patient with him.

Your pup will love you for it!

However, if you reprimand your Cavapoo with a harsh voice, your pup will be afraid and will exhibit timidity toward you. 

Remember, you’re in the driver’s seat! 

You’re supposed to lead the way. 

A calm voice will work wonders as you guide your pooch toward obedience training and trick learning.

The old saying “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar,” is true even with canines. 

But remember, you’re not trying to catch flies. 

You’re trying to teach and train your Cavapoo! 

Be kind and gentle toward your puppy and you’ll be richly rewarded for it!

Be Patient and It’ll Pay Off!

Obedience and the ability to do tricks are not inherited traits. 

They are achieved traits. 

It takes time for a little puppy to adapt to his environment and to learn basic skills. 

Teaching and training also provide a side benefit for you. 

That benefit is patience.

It’s a team effort between you and your Cavapoo, with each of you doing your part and cooperating to achieve the desired result.

Your Cavapoo will do his part-if you will be patient with him!

Be Sure to Take Time to Play with Him! 

It’ll take time to teach and train your Cavapoo.

That goes without saying. 

But, in addition to the amount of time this will take, use the positive reinforcement technique of spending additional time with him just to play. 

This “free-time” will free you and your Cavapoo momentarily from the tedious repetition required in successful training. 

It will let you and your canine buddy bond more and have more enjoyment. 

You’ll laugh more. You’ll interact with each other more. 

Conclusion

Positive reinforcement is the only way to go in teaching and training your Cavapoo.

Following these suggestions will result in a happy and fruitful relationship between you and your Cavapoo.

-Howell