Welcome to Our Puppy Care Guide!

At Delaware Cavapoos, we care deeply about the well-being of our adorable Cavapoo puppies. In this guide, we aim to provide you with essential information to ensure that your new furry family member has a happy and healthy life.

Fun facts about Cavapoos!
Cavapoos can come in many colors including white, golden, brown, and black, often with a contrasting, white tuft on their chests. They can even be tricolored! The Cavapoo is known for being Hypoallergenic, as they rarely shed or drool. The hypoallergenic trait is found primarily in F1 & F2 Cavapoos (50% King Cavalier 50% poodle).
They are very lovable around humans and even cats (think velcro babies)
They are said to be a great choice for a family, and to be very intelligent and trainable.

Feeding Guidelines

Our Cavapoo puppies thrive on a balanced diet. We recommend feeding them high-quality puppy food specially formulated for their needs. Avoid human food and ensure fresh water is always available.

Grooming Tips

Cavapoos have a beautiful coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting. We suggest grooming sessions to keep their coat healthy and free from tangles.

Trimming Nails

Understanding the Impact of Long Nails on Dogs
Long nails can have a significant impact on a dog’s overall health and well-being. It is important for dog owners to understand the potential consequences of allowing their pet’s nails to become too long and neglected.

1. Difficulty walking and running: Dogs with long nails may experience difficulty walking and running properly. When nails become excessively long, they can interfere with a dog’s natural gait and cause discomfort. This can lead to an altered posture and movement, resulting in a limp or uneven stride.

2. Joint and skeletal problems: The structure of a dog’s paw and leg is designed to function optimally when the nails are at a proper length. Long nails can disrupt this balance and put unnecessary strain on the joints and skeletal system. Over time, this can lead to joint problems, arthritis, and even long-term damage to the bones.

3. Pain and discomfort: Long nails can be painful for dogs, especially when they are walking or standing on hard surfaces. The pressure applied to the nails can cause them to dig into the paw pads, leading to cuts, ulcers, and infections. In some cases, long nails can curl under and grow into the paw, causing extreme pain and requiring medical intervention.

4. Difficulty in grooming: Regular grooming, including nail trimming, is an essential part of a dog’s hygiene routine. Long nails can make grooming more challenging for both the dog and their owner. It can be harder to trim nails that are overgrown, and dogs with long nails may be resistant to having their paws handled, making the process stressful for everyone involved.

5. Increased risk of accidents: Dogs with long nails are more prone to accidents and injuries. They may slip or lose traction on smooth surfaces, leading to sprains and strains. Additionally, long nails can get caught on objects or in carpeting, causing the dog to stumble or fall. This can result in bruises, cuts, and more severe injuries.

Conclusion: Taking care of a dog’s nails is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. Regular nail trimming helps maintain the health and comfort of dogs and prevents the potential complications associated with long nails. It is crucial for dog owners to be aware of the impact that neglecting nail care can have on their furry friend, and to prioritize regular grooming to ensure their dog’s overall well-being.

Potential Risks of Neglecting Your Dog’s Nail Length
Regular nail maintenance is an essential part of caring for your dog’s overall health and well-being. Neglecting your dog’s nail length can pose several potential risks and problems for your furry friend.

Pain and Discomfort: When a dog’s nails become too long, it can cause them pain and discomfort. Overgrown nails can curl and grow into the pads of their paws, leading to inflammation, infections, and difficulty walking.
Balance and Mobility Issues: Long nails can affect a dog’s balance and mobility. They can cause an uneven distribution of weight, leading to joint strain, muscle imbalances, and difficulty in walking or running properly.
Injury and Accidents: Dogs with long nails are more prone to accidents and injuries. Overgrown nails can get caught in carpets, furniture, or other surfaces, leading to painful nail fractures or dislocations. They can also cause slips and falls, especially on slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of sprains or fractures.
Behavioral Changes: Dogs with long nails may experience behavioral changes. The pain and discomfort caused by overgrown nails can make them more irritable, aggressive, or fearful. They may also become less active or refuse to participate in physical activities due to the discomfort they feel.
It is important to establish a regular nail trimming routine for your dog to avoid these potential risks. Regularly inspecting your dog’s nails and trimming them to an appropriate length helps to ensure their comfort, mobility, and overall well-being.

If you’re unsure about how to trim your dog’s nails or if your dog is particularly fearful or resistant to nail trims, consult with your veterinarian or a professional groomer for guidance and assistance

How Long Nails Can Affect a Dog’s Gait(
Long nails can have a significant impact on a dog’s gait, or the way they walk or run. When a dog’s nails are too long, they can interfere with the normal mechanics of their paw and leg movement, causing discomfort and potentially leading to limping or an abnormal gait.

One of the main ways long nails can affect a dog’s gait is by altering their posture and weight distribution. Dogs naturally place more weight on their toes and pads, and when their nails are excessively long, it pushes the weight back onto the nails themselves, rather than distributing it evenly across the entire paw. This can throw off their balance and make it difficult for them to walk or run smoothly.

In addition, long nails can change the angle of a dog’s paw when they make contact with the ground. Normally, a dog’s paws should be parallel to the ground, allowing for proper shock absorption and weight distribution. However, when nails are too long, they can cause the paw to tilt upward, leading to uneven weight distribution and pressure on the joints, tendons, and ligaments. This can lead to pain, inflammation, and ultimately impact the dog’s gait.

InFurthermore, long nails can also cause the toes to splay or spread apart, which can make a dog’s gait less efficient and stable. When the toes splay, it can increase the risk of tripping or stumbling, especially especially on uneven surfaces. It can also make it harder for a dog to maintain their balance, particularly on slippery surfaces.

Your dog won’t be able to walk or run correctly when their nails get too long. This may cause them to put stress on different joints which can lead to problems like arthritis. As we stated earlier, long nails can also be painful for your dog. They may experience pain while walking, and their paws may eventually become infected.

The length of a dog’s nails can also affect the way their feet interact with the ground. Excessively long nails can dig into the ground, creating resistance and making it more difficult for a dog to move smoothly. This can cause them to compensate by adopting an unnatural gait, potentially leading to musculoskeletal issues over time.

In summary, long nails can have detrimental effects on a dog’s gait by altering their posture, weight distribution, paw angle, stability, and overall movement. It is essential for dog owners to regularly trim their dog’s nails to a proper length to maintain optimal paw health and prevent gait abnormalities or limping.
FAQ:
Do long nails affect a dog’s ability to walk?
Yes, long nails can definitely affect a dog’s ability to walk. When a dog’s nails are too long, they can put pressure on the paw pads and cause discomfort. This can lead to changes in the dog’s gait and make them limp.

How can long nails make a dog limp?
When a dog’s nails are too long, they can hit the ground with each step, causing the nail to push back into the nail bed. This can be painful for the dog and can cause inflammation and infection. As a result, the dog may start limping to avoid putting pressure on the affected foot.

Can long nails cause injury to a dog?
Yes, long nails can cause injury to a dog. When a dog’s nails are too long, they are more likely to get caught on objects such as carpeting or furniture, which can lead to the nails getting torn or broken. This can be very painful for the dog and may require veterinary treatment.

Can long nails affect a dog’s posture?
Yes, long nails can affect a dog’s posture. When a dog’s nails are too long, it can force the dog to adjust its posture in order to alleviate the discomfort. This can result in changes in the dog’s gait and overall body alignment, leading to poor posture.

How can I prevent my dog’s nails from becoming too long?
To prevent your dog’s nails from becoming too long, it’s important to trim them regularly. You can do this at home with special dog nail clippers or take your dog to a professional groomer. Regular walks on hard surfaces can also help naturally wear down the nails.

What are the signs that a dog’s nails are too long?
Signs that a dog’s nails are too long include clicking sounds when the dog walks, visible curving or curling of the nails, reluctance to walk or exercise, and visible discomfort or limping. It’s important to regularly check your dog’s nails and trim them if necessary.

Dog Bags

Why Should Dogs Not Be Constantly Carried in Handbags? Can apply to the sling purse .

Firstly, most handbags are not designed to be able to accommodate dogs, and even with bags that are supposedly designed for such a purpose, the space is generally very limiting. If we consider the five freedoms of animal welfare, namely, freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury, or disease; freedom to express normal behavior; and freedom from fear and distress; there are some concerns regarding whether or not dogs carried in handbags still have all of these five freedoms.

For instance, the restrictive space can significantly impact a dog’s freedom from discomfort. Also, other items in said handbag may contribute to such discomfort. Some fabrics are less breathable than others and may limit airflow, putting dogs carried in handbags at risk of overheating.

Lastly, a dog is entitled to the freedom to express normal behavior, and being carried around in a handbag prevents such freedom. A dog in such a situation is limited with regard to normal socialization, which in itself can lead to behavioral issues. Not being able to interact with other dogs and even people can bring on behavioral vices (e.g., fostering traits such as aggression) and negatively impact nervous system development.

Going hand-in-hand with this is the freedom from fear and distress, with certain situations where a dog is restricted to a handbag precipitating a fear response or simply a milder form of distress.

Crate Training

What is crate training? It’s the process of helping your dog learn to spend time in their crate—and ultimately, to adopt it as their own personal space in your home. Crate training taps into your pup’s natural inclination to keep their sleeping space clean—they’re less likely to go potty where they hang out and sleep. Using a crate has benefits beyond just potty training, too; it also helps to keep your dog safe and out of mischief when you’re not around to supervise them, plus it provides a comfy retreat when household hubbub gets overwhelming and your pup wants to relax.

But there’s more to crate training a dog than simply putting them in the crate and closing the door. Dogs need to gradually adjust to spending time in their crates, with lots of positive encouragement from you. Rush the process, and you’ll risk causing your pup stress and anxiety, which can create negative associations with the crate that can be difficult to overcome.

So how do you crate train a dog, and what do you need to know to get started? We’ve got your complete guide to crate training a dog.

The Benefits of Crate Training a Dog

Your dog’s crate might look like a basic enclosure to you, but if you use it correctly, it’ll become one of your pup’s favorite places to be—aside from your lap, of course. Here’s how crates can help both you and your dog:

Giving your dog a space of their own: Picking an appropriately sized crate and taking time to gradually introduce your dog to it will help them consider the space a comfy refuge. Dogs typically prefer protected areas when bedding down, so a crate can tap into that natural inclination to rest in a safe space.

Encouraging potty training: One of the biggest benefits to crate training is that it helps streamline the housetraining process, since most pups won’t soil where they sleep. When you learn how to crate train a puppy, for example, you're also learning a key step in their potty training process—two birds, one stone.

Keeping your pup (and your stuff) safe: Successful dog raising is all about supervision, especially when they're puppies. But the reality is that most pet parents can’t watch their pup full-time. Once again, crate training saves the day! Left to their own devices, most puppies will chew anything they can get their teeth on, but a crate helps to keep your curious pup safely apart from your things (and vice versa) when you’re not able to keep an eye on them.

Providing a Recovery Zone: At some point in your dog's life, you may need to restrict their movement due to an injury or medical procedure. Making sure that they're happy in their crate will make that job much easier.

Some pet parents worry that “locking their dog up” in a crate could be cruel, but the reality is far different. Yes, it’s true that one benefit of crates is that they keep your dog contained (and out of mischief). But when used properly, your dog’s crate won’t feel like a cage. In fact, it’ll feel just like home! The trick is to introduce the crate gradually, without rushing your dog to adjust to it before you leave them in it alone. Let them settle into the crate on their own terms, and your pup will repay you with calm and happy crate time for years to come.

Where Should I Keep My Dog's Crate?

The perfect spot for a dog crate is a location that’s quiet enough for your pup to rest but not so far off that they’re isolated from the household (so the garage or the basement are out). A corner of the living room, dining room or other area where family regularly gathers is an ideal location.

Crate location is particularly important at night, especially for young puppies who often need to go out for a potty trip at least once before morning. You’ll want to put the crate close enough to your bed that you can hear them ask to go out—and somewhere easy for you to get to, so you don’t have to fumble around in the middle of the night. If keeping the crate in your bedroom isn’t an option, consider using a dog monitor near the crate so you can hear when your puppy needs a potty trip.

It can be helpful to purchase two crates, especially for pet parents with larger dogs who require oversized crates that aren’t easy to move around. Keep one in the common area where your pup will hang out during the day, and one where they sleep at night.

How to Crate Train a Dog: Step by Step

One of the secrets to kennel training success is giving your dog plenty of time to feel comfortable inside the crate before closing the door and leaving them alone for the first time. The goal is for your pup to have a positive association with being inside, so that the crate feels like a safe and comfortable resting spot—and you can’t rush that feeling. So remember: The steps below aren’t meant to be done all in one day. Spend as much time as you need on each step to ensure that your dog feels content and stress-free. That’s how you lay the foundation for a lifetime of looking forward to their crate.

Start off the crate training process by keeping the crate door open and letting your pup explore it at their own pace. Toss a treat inside and praise your dog when they go in to eat it, then give them another while they’re in the crate. You can also entice your dog with a busy toy stuffed with treats—anything to make that crate as appealing as possible! Stay happy and upbeat as your puppy explores the crate, making sure to give lots of praise when they go inside. At this stage, keep the door open.

Practice this step as many times as necessary for your dog to get comfortable in the crate. At this stage, the choice to go into the crate is up to your pup. Don’t force them if they seem reluctant. If your dog is hesitant to go inside, you can give treats to reward baby steps in the right direction, like if they glance at it or take a step towards it. These small successes will encourage your pup to keep it up! If they don’t get close to it, simply leave the treats inside for them to collect when they’re ready.

Once your pup has made a positive association to going into the crate, they’ll be ready for slightly longer sessions inside. First, have a play session with your dog and take them outside for a potty break—that’ll help them settle down when it’s crate time. Then, provide a lightly stuffed busy toy for them to enjoy inside the crate. Stay nearby as they enjoy the goodies, and experiment with closing the door while your pup is enjoying the toys and treats inside. Let your dog out right after they finish the treats, or at any barking, whimpering or pawing at the crate that might indicate they want to come out. Again, keep at this step until your dog seems relaxed and shows no signs of stress inside the crate.

In subsequent closed-door sessions, try leaving the room once your dog is focused on the toy. Listen at the door for whines or barks that tell you your pup is ready to come out. But at this stage, your dog may surprise you by settling into the crate easily. In fact, if you time your play session, potty break and crate time properly, you might just return to discover a napping pup in the crate!

How to Crate Train Your Dog: Tips and Tricks

The following simple tips can help speed the crate training process:

Always give your dog a potty break before putting them in the crate, and don’t forget to take them outside immediately after letting them out. This is especially important for puppies, whose "hold time" is still developing.

Don’t crate your dog for too long. Doing so might force them to soil inside. Again, this is the biggest concern for puppies, whose “hold time” is roughly their age in months translated to hours. That means a 4-month-old puppy can hold it for about four hours. (Remember, play and excitement can make your pup need to go out more frequently, too.) For adult dogs, avoid crating them for more than four hours. That means that you should plan for a mid-day break if you'll be leaving your dog crated during the work day.

Feeding your dog's meals in their crate with the door open can help to make it a positive spot. If they’re reluctant to eat inside, place the bowls next to the crate for a few meals, then just inside of it, then finally, at the back of the crate.

Remember that there’s a difference between “frustration” noises and “I gotta go” noises. If you’ve just returned from a potty trip, a dog whining in the crate for the first few minutes is likely just settling in.

The crate should never be used for punishment. Remember, the most important aspect of crate training is ensuring that your pup thinks it’s a fantastic place to hang out!

If your dog still isn’t settling into the crate, they may be experiencing separation anxiety or discomfort. Check out our tips on dealing with dog separation anxiety and puppy separation anxiety in particular, and talk to your vet for advice tailored to your unique pup.

But if you follow these tips, chances are that before long, your puppy will begin to happily settle into their crate with ease—and that’s a big life improvement both for them and for you.

Have More Questions?

If you have additional queries about caring for your Cavapoo puppy, feel free to get in touch with us via our contact form. We are here to support you every step of the way!

Take the first step towards a lifelong bond with your furry friend.