That Dog Won’t Hunt! (Cavapoos are Great Sock Hunters!)

Cavapoos are great sock hunters!

What is it about socks that make them so attractive and appealing to Cavapoos?

Can this skill be traced back to their genetic history?

Wouldn’t it be great if we could get into their minds and know the exact reasons as to why our pooches love socks so much?

But we can’t do that. So, we must do the next best thing.

And that is offering a few plausible suggestions as to why Cavapoos are sock snatchers.

Read below and enjoy!

Circling the Family Tree May Provide an Answer as to Why Cavapoos Hunt Socks.

History is important, even in the doggie world!

A F1b Cavapoo (like my Opie) is a breed where one parent is a Cavapoo and the other is a Poodle (most likely a Mini-Poodle).

Don’t forget that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is also in the mix.

And he has a background in hunting too!

Although known today for being a trick dog and a designer dog, Poodles were originally bred in Germany to retrieve waterfowl for hunters.

“Poodle” comes from the German word “pudel” or “pudelin,” which means “to splash in the water.”

The original task for Poodles was to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl and carry them back to their owners.

The old saying “That dog won’t hunt,” may be true in some circumstances.

But when it comes to the Cavapoo, “That dog will hunt!”

The F1b Cavapoo, with his massive bank of Poodle genes, possesses the instinct to retrieve.

Now, his scent is probably not going to be on ducks, geese, or other waterfowl—like his predecessors.

Instead, he’s on the trail of socks—either clean or dirty (it doesn’t matter to him). 

Because of his retrieving nature, the Cavapoo is happiest when he has something in his mouth, like your socks!

But now back to the question, “Why do Cavapoo’s snatch socks?”

Below are a few more suggestions.

Maybe Mischief is the Reason Why Cavapoos Hunt Socks!

Don’t let the innocent, cuddly, teddy-bear like Cavapoo fool you!

The Cavapoo also has a mischievous side.

He’s a showboat.

Eager to play and have fun, Cavapoos are quite adept at teasing their human family.

They become “sock thieves” and run away from the “law” when their owners chase them, wagging their heads with their fabric toys between their teeth.

Oh, the mischievous Cavapoo!

Perhaps Curiosity Explains Why Cavapoos Hunt Socks!

The ever-spinning wheel in the Cavapoo’s mind could provide the answer.

After all, the Cavapoo’s Poodle’s heritage contributes to its inquisitive nature.

Studies show that the Poodle is the second most intellectual dog in the world.

And with intelligence comes curiosity.

The Cavapoo’s brilliant mind becomes bored when not stimulated.

His cognitive drive needs to be fed.

So, he looks elsewhere (like the laundry bin) to entertain himself and you. 

Your Smell May Be the Cause Why Cavapoos Hunt Socks!

Your canine kleptomaniac might be able to offer a plea of “not guilty” because of your distinct smell.

Remember the Cavapoo is a “velcro-dog,” and wants to be near you.

And because he’s with you so much, he knows your scent.

He’s your buddy and you’re his favorite human.

Snatching your dirty socks allows him to feel close to you.

Like the battery in our automobiles, a negative must also have a positive.

While the negative is a sock ripped apart and destroyed, the positive is this: this practice can help reduce separation anxiety!

Maybe Your Cavapoo Hunts Socks Because He’s Teething!

Cavapoo puppies are prone to bite and chew when they’re teething.

They do this to relieve pressure on their gums.

The teething process begins between 3-12 weeks of age.

There are 28 baby teeth or milk teeth as they’re also called.

These will fall out at around 3 to 4 months of age.

42 adult teeth will follow, completing the teething process around 8 months of age.

A good alternative for the Cavapoo to chew on is the Kong.

Click here to buy it from Amazon.

It’ll be cheaper than buying new socks!

Maybe It’s a Combination of All the Above!

It just might be the case that all the above suggestions contribute to your Cavapoo being a sock snatcher.

His pedigree enforces the instinct to retrieve an object.

His mischievous nature challenges him to steal socks.

His curiosity of trying new, different things acts like a magnet, drawing him to socks.

The smell of your socks attracts him (allowing him to feel safe and secure).  

Conclusion

Missing any socks lately? 

Go find your furry canine friend. 

While we may chuckle at our Cavapoos for their showmanship, caution should be exercised.

Cavapoos can digest socks (and it could be your favorite ones). 

But when our canine family members do this, a trip to the veterinarian could be in the works.

The medical issue? Well, it could be a bowel obstruction.  

And this would be bad for your pooch and your pocketbook!

So, let me “sock-it-to-you.”

Here’s a little advice.

If you don’t want your puppy to experience pain and suffering, pick up your socks!

If you don’t want to hand over your hard-earned money for a surgery that could’ve been prevented—pick up your socks!

Socks belong on our feet—not between our Cavapoos teeth.

Here’s a reminder for all Cavapoo owners using the word SOCK: 

“S”—STORE SOCKS WHERE YOUR CAVAPOO CAN’T GET THEM. CLOSE SOCK DRAWERS AND LAUNDRY DOORS. AFTER ALL, PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE.

“O”—OBSERVE YOUR CAVAPOO (KNOW WHERE HE’S AT). IF YOUR HOUSE BECOMES TOO QUIET, YOUR CAVAPOO MIGHT BE UP TO NO GOOD!

“C”—COMPROMISE WITH YOUR CAVAPOO. IF HE FINDS YOUR SOCKS, OFFER HIM A SUBSITUTE. BUT MAKE SURE THAT IT’S MORE APPEALING THAN YOUR STINKY OLD SOCKS!

“K”—KEEP THE VET’S NUMBER ON SPEED DIAL (HOPEFULLY YOU’LL NEVER HAVE TO TAP HIS NUMBER FOR THE SURGERY OPTION). 

Best of luck to you and your socks!

-Howell