A dog trainer says cockapoo owners are getting it wrong — and that with the right exercise, scent work and breed-specific activities, even the most boisterous pooch can be calm all day17:10, 27 Jul 2026Updated 17:10, 27 Jul 2026Training a dog can be incredibly rewarding, as you teach your faithful friend how to behave, to obey commands, or some fun tricks. And one of the main factors fuelling the popularity of cockapoos is just how easy they are to train.‌Combining the friendly nature of a cocker spaniel with the cleverness of a poodle, they're considered by many to be the ideal family companion, so it's no wonder they've become one of the UK's most popular breeds. However, they're not without their challenges.‌Cockapoos have a lot of energy and need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, and without both regular walks and plenty of toys or activities at home to keep them busy, they can misbehave. As a result, some owners have warned they're not as easy to have in the home as some people say. However, one dog trainer has dispelled this myth, explaining how they're actually one of the easiest breeds to teach.‌Cockapoos are 'highly trainable dogs'John, who runs Sidcup-based Aspire Dog Training, insists cockapoos are more manageable than many people believe. In a video posted on TikTok, John explained that cockapoo owners frequently complain their pets struggle with separation anxiety, pinch socks and underwear, and constantly follow them around, reports the Express.However, he pointed out that his own cockapoo Woody is "not a nutter or a headcase", and he'd achieved this through straightforward training methods. "What you've got to remember is, a cockapoo is a mix of two working breeds, two working dogs," he said."You've got a cocker spaniel, especially if it's a working cocker spaniel, and a poodle. Highly intelligent dogs, poodles, bred to retrieve game from the water originally, but highly trainable dogs.‌"Cockapoos - clever dogs, but dogs that do need fulfilment, that do need breed-specific activities in order for them to be like that. We do lots of stuff."Get his nose working, scent work, tracking, gundog type training. And I walk him an hour, hour and a half in the morning, and then he's chill all day."And then he gets another walk in the evening and he's chill all evening. There is no need for a cockapoo to be like that.‌"But so many people get these dogs because they think, 'oh, I'm gonna have a teddy bear, a fur baby, and he's just gonna sit next to me on the sofa all day and cuddle'.Content cannot be displayed without consent"Now, he'll cuddle me. Very affectionate dog, loves a cuddle. But I have to do the other stuff with him otherwise, yes, not dissimilar to many dogs, he would be a pain, and he would do all those sorts of things."Article continues belowWrapping up, John said: "If you're a cockapoo owner and you're having these challenges, it doesn't have to be like that, I promise you that."How do you train a cockapoo?Pooch & Mutt outlined these tips for training a cockapoo:Be positive and give them lots of praise. Reward good behaviour with treats. Cockapoos can also identify different tones in voice.Give them lots of mental stimulation such as puzzle toys and games.Practice recall in busy environments such as parks or trails.Cockapoos require quite a bit of grooming, so incorporate it into their daily routine, and reward them when they behave.Teach them some simple tricks like spinning, rolling over, and high fives.Compete in dog spots like agility training.Socialise them with children, adults, and other dogs and animals as early as possible.Be patient with separation anxiety. Gradually increase the amount of time they're left alone, starting with just five to ten minutes. Always make sure they have toys or puzzles to keep them occupied.