Cockapoo Crate Training: 5 Mistakes to Avoid in 2025

Cockapoos rank as one of the UK’s most popular dog breeds, beloved for their friendly and fun nature. This hybrid crossbreed suits many family types and lifestyles, adapting well to different homes and living situations.

However, Cockapoos can be prone to separation anxiety, so crate training needs careful planning to ensure it helps your dog feel secure rather than stressed or overly clingy.

Crate training offers many benefits, including giving your Cockapoo a safe, comfortable space to rest and relax independently. Done correctly, it supports house training, reduces anxiety, and prevents behavioural problems.

Below are five common mistakes to avoid when crate training your Cockapoo, ensuring a smooth, positive experience for both you and your dog.

Your crate is the wrong size

Selecting the right crate size is crucial. For a Cockapoo puppy, a crate approximately 36 inches long is recommended to accommodate growth up to adulthood. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around, lie down stretched out, and feel secure without being cramped or having too much empty space.

A crate that is too small restricts your dog’s comfort, while one that is too large can feel less cosy and secure, potentially reducing the crate’s effectiveness as a refuge.

Leaving your Cockapoo in the crate too long too soon

Crate training is a gradual process. While an adult, well-trained Cockapoo can happily stay crated for 3-4 hours, puppies build tolerance slowly. Trying to leave your puppy inside the crate for extended periods too quickly can lead to anxiety and negative associations.

Begin with short, positive stays and slowly increase duration as your Cockapoo becomes more comfortable and relaxed. Be attentive to signs of distress such as whining, scratching, or restlessness.

Not providing entertainment and stimulation during crate time

A crate should be a haven, not a place of boredom. To help your Cockapoo enjoy crate time, provide interactive toys, puzzle feeders, or safe chews within the crate. This helps prevent restlessness and fosters a positive relationship with the crate.

Always ensure your dog’s physical and mental needs are met before time in the crate – adequate exercise, toilet breaks, and social interaction go a long way to making crate time pleasant and stress-free.

Placing the crate in an unsuitable location

Your Cockapoo’s crate needs a quiet, low-traffic spot in your home. Avoid busy hallways or noisy rooms where your dog might feel nervous or disturbed. The crate should be cosy, with comfortable bedding and perhaps partially covered to reduce drafts and external stimuli. Maintain access to fresh water in a spill-proof bowl.

Using the crate as punishment

Crate time must be positive. Using the crate to punish or isolate your dog for bad behaviour will create fear and resistance. Instead, the crate should be a safe retreat that your Cockapoo associates with calm and comfort.

If your dog needs a time-out, find other methods—do not banish them to the crate as a form of punishment.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can crate train your Cockapoo effectively and compassionately. This fosters a secure, happy, and confident canine companion who can enjoy their personal space comfortably.

For those looking to find a Cockapoo puppy or connect with Cockapoo breeders, it's important to choose reputable breeders who prioritise health and temperament.