Why Is My Cockapoo Barking All The Time? + Tips To Curb It

A barking Cockapoo isn’t anything new on this planet. Dogs bark, it’s a natural instinct for them, and that’s how they communicate with the world around them. But even though some occasional barking is completely normal, it can become an issue if your pup just won’t stop barking whenever they feel excited, meet someone, or hear something unusual (or not so unusual…). In this guide, we’re going to discuss what are the most common reasons for excessive Cockapoo barking, as well as provide you with some proven methods and tips on how to curb this behavior. Keep on reading to learn more! 

Table of Contents

• Cockapoo Barking: Intro
• Do Cockapoos Bark A Lot?
• Why Does My Cockapoo Keep Barking?
• How Can I Stop My Cockapoo From Barking A Lot?
• What Can I Do If My Cockapoo Barks At Strangers?
• How To Stop My Cockapoo From Barking At Other Dogs?
• My Cockapoo Barks A Lot At Night. What Should I Do?
• Cockapoo Barking: Frequently Asked Questions
• Cockapoo Barking: Final Thoughts

Cockapoo Barking: Intro

The Cocker Spaniel-Poodle mix is one of those smaller Doods that certainly make an impression on anyone they meet. They’re small, fluffy, absolutely adorable, and just the sweetest lil’ things you can imagine. 

Obviously, the Cockapoo has become so popular thanks to its heritage. They’re usually very well tolerated by people with allergies, and they have the most wonderful personality traits that you could wish for in a canine companion.

But the thing about canines is that they also tend to bark. Some more than others. Regardless if you’ve got an excessively barking Cockapoo or you’re still deciding whether or not you should adopt this precious Dood, this topic is surely one of the biggest aspects that any dog owner has to consider. 

Do Cockapoos Bark A Lot?

Cockapoos are generally very friendly and affectionate dogs, which makes them perfect companions for almost anyone. They’re also quite intelligent and easy to train, provided that you do your part. Namely, staying consistent and providing your pup plenty of opportunities to thrive. 

But do Cockapoos bark a lot? Fortunately, Cockapoos aren’t the most vocal pups out there, so excessive barking isn’t something that’s in their nature. As they aren’t exactly territorial, either, they generally don’t feel the need to vocalize their needs as much. 

On the other hand, every dog, even the amazing Cockapoo, can develop an issue with excessive barking if they haven’t been trained and socialized properly. To be fair, even if you’ve done everything by the book, it might seem like nothing helps and your pup just won’t stop barking! Some dogs are simply more stubborn than others, or maybe you’ve accidentally overlooked some part of your pup’s early training. 

So, although a barking Cockapoo isn’t anything out of the ordinary, a good training regimen, proper socialization, and providing your pup a healthy and loving home environment will likely help prevent and curb this behavior. 

Why Does My Cockapoo Keep Barking?

If you’re one of those few unlucky ones whose Cockapoo just won’t stop barking, there are many possible reasons to consider. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common causes for excessive barking in Cockapoos. 

He Wants Your Attention

If you’ve got a constantly barking Cockapoo, one thing you must consider is that they might be trying to get your attention. As we said earlier, barking is just one way our dogs communicate with us. So, it’s not at all uncommon for them to vocalize their displeasure by barking whenever they feel like they’re not getting enough attention from us. 

Maybe your pup feels bored and is trying to get you to take them for a walk or throw the ball. Or maybe they’re just feeling extra cuddly and affectionate, trying to get you to spend some quality time with them. Whatever it is, it’s fairly normal for an outgoing dog like the Cockapoo to try and get your attention with some barking.

Similarly, if you’ve rewarded your Cockapoo’s barking with attention in the past, this could also be to blame. In fact, any sort of attention is considered as a reward, even if it’s negative. So, if you’ve rewarded your Cockapoo’s barking with attention or praise in the past, you might have to put in some effort to teach your pup new cues and appropriate behaviors. 

Nonetheless, if your pup is bored and is not getting nearly enough attention and love from you, excessive barking will soon follow. In addition to that, it’s not uncommon for a bored and borderline neglected pup to start acting out and even become destructive. 

Your Cockapoo Has Separation Anxiety

Poodle mixes like the Cockapoo tend to form very strong bonds with their favorite humans. The downside of this is that they’re also prone to separation anxiety. This means that they might not do well when having to spend long hours at a time alone. 

In fact, separation anxiety is very often to blame for excessive Cockapoo barking. You’ll either notice that your pup starts barking whenever you’re about to leave the house. Or, maybe you’ll hear afterwards from your family members or neighbors how your pup won’t stop barking when you’re out of the house. Either way, separation anxiety is not just a nuisance for anyone who has ears, but it causes serious stress and anxiety to your pup. 

If your pup struggles having to spend time on their own, crate training could be a helpful way to make your pooch feel more comfortable in their own company. It’s also an excellent way to keep your pup from destroying the house while you’re out and about! 

Aggressive Behavior Leads To Excessive Barking

In some cases, an excessively barking Cockapoo may actually be showing signs of aggressive behavior. This type of behavior needs to be addressed and diffused as soon as possible. With proper training, aggressive behaviors can be managed, but it does require a lot of work, patience, and consistency. 

Identifying the root cause of aggression can help you understand why your dog is reacting this way and how to properly handle the situation. If at any point you suspect that your pup displays aggressive behaviors, consider consulting with a certified dog behaviorist or your veterinarian who can provide advice and guidance on how to best manage your dog’s aggressive behavior.

Your Pet Is Communicating Danger And Guarding

Although Cockapoos aren’t exactly territorial, they may still start barking excessively when they sense an imminent danger or if they’re trying to guard you or your home. For instance, your Cockapoo may exhibit signs of guarding behavior if they are excessively barking at people and animals they consider a threat to their territory. 

Of course, if you’re really in danger, it’s only a good thing that your small pup is trying to warn you with loud barking and growling. However, it’s not the most pleasant situation when you’re just out for your leisurely stroll around the block or whenever someone’s knocking on the door. 

Your Cockapoo Is Excited

One of the most common reasons for excessive barking in Cockapoos is very simple – they’re just so overly excited! You’ll notice this type of barking whenever your pup gets excited during playtime or when you get home and they’re just so happy to see you again. They’re simply letting you know how happy they are. 

You’ll know that your pup is barking from excitement and joy if their tail is wagging and they just can’t seem to contain themselves. Although there’s nothing wrong with your pup getting excited, you may have to work a little bit on their reactions, as excessive barking isn’t the most desired behavior, either. 

Your Pup Is Fearful

Fear is another common cause for excessive barking in Cockapoos. Whenever your pup is feeling fearful in certain situations, they may start to bark and tremble to express their emotions. This could even happen whenever your pup gets startled or when they hear loud noises that stress them out. For instance, if they hear dogs barking in the neighborhood or even the fireworks. 

If your pup is showing signs of fear or distress, it’s important that you do everything on your end to provide your dog a safe space to calm down. Make sure to prepare a safe and comfortable environment for your pet. Maybe even put on some calming music, as this can help reduce their stress levels. Additionally, avoid loud noises and speak gently so as to not cause any further distress. 

Your Pet Is Suffering From Dementia

Dog dementia, or canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), is a disorder that affects many older dogs. Symptoms of CCD are rather similar to cognitive dysfunction in humans. You may notice that your pup’s sleeping and bathroom habits have changed. They may get easily disoriented, and even fearful in situations or around people that they were never afraid of in the past. 

Unfortunately, CCD isn’t as uncommon as some may think, and it affects many elderly dogs. In some cases, dogs with dementia can also start exhibiting aggressive behaviors, such as excessive barking. 

There’s no cure for canine dementia, but you can support your pup throughout its later stages of life by taking certain measures. You’ll want to provide them a safe and nurturing home environment, avoid stressful situations, and have your pup routinely checked by your veterinarian to ensure that other medical conditions aren’t the reason for the excessive barking. In some cases, the barking may also indicate that they’re in pain and there’s an underlying medical condition that has to be dealt with. 

How Can I Stop My Cockapoo From Barking A Lot?

Even though your Cockapoo’s barking may seem so tedious, there are plenty of ways you can tackle this behavior. Here are our top tips on how to handle excessive barking in Cockapoos. All of these are tried and true methods than even dog trainers swear by:

Figure Out The Root Cause

If your Cockapoo is barking excessively, the very first thing you need to do is figure out the root cause. Whether it’s due to boredom, separation anxiety, or simply excitement, knowing exactly what triggers the excessive barking is vital, as each of these reasons requires a different approach. 

To start, identify any possible triggers and then begin to address them one by one. If your pup starts to get anxious and bark excessively whenever you’re about to leave the house, it’s likely due to separation anxiety. Similarly, if you notice your Dood getting overly vocal during playtime, whether it’s with you at home or at the dog park, it’s likely because they’re super excited about all the fun they’re having. 

Remove The Barking Triggers

In order to stop your Cockapoo from barking a lot, it’s important to remove the triggers that are causing the behavior. Identify what could be causing them stress and then work on addressing these issues one by one. This could include removing any sources of loud noises in the home or providing more exercise and stimulating activities for your pet to prevent boredom. 

Once you’re able to identify the specific trigger that is causing your Cockapoo to bark excessively, try gradually desensitizing them until they no longer respond with barking. For instance, if your pooch just has to let you know that someone’s at the door, you know that this is something that you have to work on. 

Train Your Pet To Stay Quiet On Your Command

Training your Cockapoo to stay quiet on command is an effective way to stop them from barking excessively. Start by teaching them the ‘quiet’ command and then reward them with a small treat and praise when they respond appropriately. This is called positive reinforcement training and it teaches your pup how to associate certain commands and behaviors with a positive outcome – the treat. 

However, keep in mind that it’s important that you’re consistent in your training, giving verbal praise whenever your pup obeys your commands, and only providing treats and praise when they behave the way you expect them to. Additionally, you can use distraction techniques, such as toys or games to help focus their attention away from whatever is causing them stress.

Don’t Engage With Your Pet If He Is Barking A Lot

As we mentioned earlier, your Cockapoo’s barking may also be down to the simple fact that you’ve previously rewarded this undesired behavior with your attention. Essentially, attention is also a form of reward. And if your dog has picked up those cues, it’ll lead them to think that barking is the way to get your attention. This in turn will only reinforce this behavior. 

When your Cockapoo starts barking excessively, it’s important not to engage with them. It’s best to wait until your pup is quiet before speaking to them or providing treats. That’s where the ‘quiet’ command comes in handy! 

Never Scold Or Punish Your Pup

Needless to say, you should never scold or punish your pup when they bark excessively. Especially if you’re in the process of training them. The goal of positive reinforcement training is to teach your pup how to associate certain behaviors with positive outcomes. However, undesired behaviors should simply go ignored. 

In fact, negative reactions can cause unnecessary fear and anxiety in your pup. Not to mention, this could seriously damage the relationship between you and your pup. This in turn can make them less likely to obey your command in the future. Instead, you should focus on positive reinforcement, providing verbal praise as well as small treats whenever they stay quiet after obeying your command. 

Provide Enough Exercise & Mental Simulation

Since excessive barking in Cockapoos is often caused by boredom, you need to make sure that your pup is getting plenty of mental and physical stimulation each day. That’s especially true for active and intelligent breeds like the Cockapoo. They need to keep both their bodies and minds working. 

Regular walks outdoors and fun playtime will ensure they are getting the physical activity they need daily. Additionally, mentally stimulating activities like training, puzzle games, and even chew toys can help keep them mentally stimulated throughout the day and prevent them from becoming overly bored or frustrated.

Consult With Your Vet To Address Separation Anxiety & Aggression Issues

If excessive barking persists, it may be a sign of more serious issues, such as separation anxiety and aggression. If that’s the case, we recommend you consult with your vet or a professional dog trainer to address these issues appropriately. 

An experienced professional, or even your vet, can provide you with advice on how best to manage the situation and create a plan tailored specifically to your pup’s needs. Additionally, they can help you identify any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to this type of behavior.

What Can I Do If My Cockapoo Barks At Strangers?

If your Cockapoo barks excessively when meeting new people, it may be a sign of fear or anxiety. The best way to address this issue is to start with socialization from a young age to help them build positive associations with other people. This also helps to build your pup’s confidence, so that they won’t get stressed out whenever they meet someone new. 

If you’re a bit late and you’ve got a slightly more grown-up Cockapoo, then don’t worry. Even adult dogs can be socialized, it just may take a little bit more time and patience. Nonetheless, early socialization is the best way to go. You want to teach your new puppy from a young age how to properly interact with strangers. 

Start by introducing your pup to new people in a relaxed and calm atmosphere. By the way, you want to introduce your puppy to as many different people as possible. Your pup should socialize with people of all ages, including children and elderly. Even better, have adults wearing different types of clothing or hats. This way, your pup is less likely to get frightened by the sight of a large coat, for example. 

The key here is to ensure that you’re not forcing your pup to socialize with anyone, and that all parties remain calm and relaxed. Ask the person not to pay too much attention to your dog while they are getting to know each other, and allow the first meeting to be short and sweet. Over time, you can gradually increase the time spent together as your pup gets more comfortable. 

Additionally, you can reward your pup for remaining calm and quiet when around unfamiliar people with treats or verbal praise. This will help them understand that they are being rewarded for their behavior, which should make them less anxious in such situations over time.

How To Stop My Cockapoo From Barking At Other Dogs?

If your Cockapoo barks aggressively at other dogs, the best approach to take is to start with desensitization and counter-conditioning. This involves introducing them to other canine friends in a controlled environment and teaching them how to respond calmly and politely instead of instinctively barking or snapping at the other dog. Of course, early socialization is also helpful here, as your pup will learn that other dogs are simply friends and not in any way a threat to them. Likewise, obedience training can also go a long way here. 

My Cockapoo Barks A Lot At Night. What Should I Do?

If your Cockapoo is barking a lot during the night, it likely means they are feeling anxious or bored. To address this issue, start by making sure they get plenty of exercise throughout the day to tire them out and give them an outlet for their energy. You should also provide them with enough mental stimulation to keep them entertained. 

However, if your Cockapoo is barking in its sleep, it could indicate that there’s something else to be dealt with. Firstly, a very common and harmless cause for bedtime barking is that your pup is dreaming or having nightmares. Yes, our canine pals can bark even in their sleep! By the way, nightmares can also be caused by excessive stress or anxiety. For instance, if you’ve recently moved or there have been changes in the family, such as divorce or death. Again, managing stress and providing your pup a safe and loving home environment is key. On the other hand, if the barking is caused by very deep REM sleep, there’s likely no reason to worry! 

But if the nighttime barking is caused by certain medications or pain, getting in touch with your vet will be the best course of action. As we said earlier, figuring out the exact cause for excessive Cockapoo barking is key to finding the most appropriate solution. 

Cockapoo Barking: Frequently Asked Questions

Cockapoo Barking: Final Thoughts

To sum it all up, Cockapoos, like any other breed of dog, can get a little overly vocal if not properly socialized and trained from an early age. If your Cockapoo’s barking has become somewhat of an issue, you’ll first have to figure out the cause. Only then can you take appropriate steps to fix the problem. Oftentimes, excessive barking in Cockapoos is caused by either boredom or anxiety. So, make sure that you’re providing your pup plenty of exercise and mental stimulation each and every day. Of course, proper training with positive reinforcement methods is also crucial, and it’ll only make the bond you share that much stronger.