15 Outdoor Activities To Do With Your Cavoodle

Cavoodle,Puppy,Laying,Down,In,Garden,Bed

Do you have a Cavoodle puppy? Don’t you just love the super cute face of this small breed of dog? Well, as it turns out, your dog pal also finds you cute — especially when you smell like bacon. Pets are cute indeed but they’re also social animals so you must keep them from getting bored. There are all kinds of activities you can design just for them but be aware that you must be somewhat involved. In fact, your mere presence in the same room isn’t enough and you must actually pay attention to your puppy. Let’s dive more into this subject before we get to the 15 outdoor activities to do with your Cavoodle that we plan to share today.

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Your Cavapoo Puppy Is a Social Animal 

This designer dog is a pack animal, like most canines, and thus, quite good at reading your gestures and behavior. Furthermore, they most likely interact with others through body postures, facial expressions, ear, and tail positions, vocalizations, scents, and even by raising their hair. 

It may seem hard to believe but your Cavoodle evolved from the ancient grey wolf. The various domestication and breeding practices led to variations, not only in a dog’s appearance but in their temperament and socialization. Early and frequent socialization with other animals (including humans) can help improve your dog’s ability to feel comfortable in every social setting.

For one, dogs tend to focus on their kind between the ages of 3 and 8 weeks when available and then they shift their focus on humans between the ages of 5 and 12 weeks. Your Cavoodle will be quite receptive to new situations until the age of about 16 to 20 weeks. They’ll be more skittish after this time although it doesn’t mean they won’t be able to learn, you just have to be more patient.

As you can see, socialization at an early age is very important and you must provide smaller dogs with plenty of opportunities to learn about their social and physical environments. You may not know it but those kept tied, kenneled, or away from social exposure by the age of 14 weeks of age will have a hard time developing their social skills. Thus, they’ll have all kinds of behavior problems

Furthermore, a young pup needs to remain with their mother and siblings until the age of 8 weeks, at least. Don’t adopt a younger one unless their circumstances are truly dire.

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The Personality and Needs of This Poodle Mix

The names Cavoodle and Cavapoo are short for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle, as it’s a crossbreed. Designed to minimize the genetic diseases often present in purebred dogs, those in the first-cross group have the maximum genetic benefits of a hybrid dog. What that means is a Cavoodle with purebred parents of each, Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, have fewer genetic diseases than second or third cross ones. Some Australian farmers began to breed them towards the end of the 1990s because they wanted a gentle non-shedding family dog. This cutie is quite intelligent and playful, loyal and smart, and thus, easy to train.

The popularity of the Cavoodle breed has significantly increased in the past decade. These mixed breed dogs are usually small with a thick soft wavy or straight coat, a medium-length muzzle, and large brown eyes. Of course, their appearance can vary significantly from dog to dog given their crossbreed origin.

The Cavoodle dog breed is a lively, affectionate friend who enjoys being part of your family and daily activities. They’re quite gentle and thus, great with children; they make good guard dogs and will surely bark at visitors. Don’t worry though, they won’t attack unless something or someone makes them feel threatened. This little furball is quite vocal and will let you have it as soon as you try to leave them alone at home. Fortunately, you can prevent separation anxiety with proper early socialization and training.

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15 Outdoor Activities To Do With Your Cavoodle

A Cavoodle requires daily walks, regular trips to the park, and opportunities to socialize with others dogs to release energy. You can train them to do all kinds of tricks, retrieving a ball, for example.

1. Your Cavoodle Needs Exercise So Take Them Out 

This dog requires 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise at least so take them out for a walk and try to give them a break from the leash for free play and activity. These animals also require mental stimulation to prevent boredom so adjust their activities to their individual needs, taking their age and energy levels into account.

Dogs need to go out every day and special long weekend sessions won’t do. In fact, be careful not to over-exercise your dog as too much of it could be worse than none at all. The amount of exercise your Cavoodle should get depends on many factors like their age, state of health, and other individual needs. For instance, the bodies of the little ones are still developing and too much physical activity could harm them. In turn, an older dog still needs to exercise to stay mobile and manage weight but overdoing it can leave them sore. 

2. Socialize Your Cavoodle

The easiest way to allow your dog to socialize is to take them to the park. Another way to do it is to get a walking buddy, another person with an easygoing dog who can join you both. You might want to introduce them at a distance as you walk to let them get used to each other. Once they seem relaxed, allow them to sniff each other. Dogs are more aggressive when on a leash so keep these loose but be ready to pull back if you notice any signs of aggressive behavior. These signs aren’t always clear though, oftentimes a dog will bark at another just because they want attention. Pay attention to the position of the tail and the hair on the back to determine if a dog is friendly, fearful, or aggressive.

3. Dogs Love Going On Hikes

Dogs are the stuff outdoor adventures are made of and are always ready to hit the trail. Hiking with your furry pal isn’t only healthy for both but also deepens your bond. Check the rules of the place where you’re going in advance and make sure they’re allowed there. Obey the restrictions in areas that might be off-limits. Also, pre-treat your furry pal against heartworm and bloodsucker infestation.

For one, you might have to keep them on a leash to ensure the safety and peace of mind of your fellow hikers. This restriction is often set in place to keep dogs from chasing wildlife. Also because it reduces the habitat damage they might do if they run off the trail. Did you know dogs leave behind a predatorial scent? It disrupts wildlife and often hinders nesting and feeding activities.

4. Go Camping 

This is similar to the above. Again, be sure to keep them on a leash to ensure their safety, especially while you’re asleep. As you know, your dog loves tracking scents and would quickly go out of sight if unleashed. Furthermore, plan for their needs in a camping situation along with your own. Pack enough food and water for both and bring along any toys and accessories that’ll keep them comfortable. 

Many people dislike dogs so don’t assume every person you run into will be happy to meet yours. Moreover, keep them under control at all times so as not to frighten or threaten other campers. In turn, not every dog you encounter there will be friendly so, again, pay attention to body language. A waggy tail isn’t always a positive sign.

Practice Leave No Trace for outdoor ethics and clean up after yourself and your dog. You might want to bring along a spade to bury waste or pack it out in plastic bags and toss it out when you return to civilization. Fecal waste is toxic and theirs could even carry coliform bacteria, salmonella, and giardia, and lead to disease and pollution. 

Never, ever leave a dog behind in a closed vehicle; the temperature skyrockets in minutes and turns into a hot chamber even on a cool day.

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5. Scavenger Hunting 

This is a fun activity to bond with your Cavoodle but requires a little training. It isn’t so much about teaching them new tricks as much as reactivating their natural instincts. Also, it should be as much fun for you as it is for your dog. 

A scavenger hunt is a great stimulus to promote the use of the animal’s senses and will keep them sharp. To begin, find out if your Cavoodle reacts to basic commands such as giving you the paw, sitting, etc. Don’t forget to reward them when they do as you ask. You want to boost their confidence.

Then, teach them discipline by placing their favorite treat in front of them and instructing them to sit where they are. They should be able to wait for permission to grab it and you must clearly state the command. Say “go” or something along those lines when it’s time for the dog to get the treat. You can progressively hide the goodies farther away when you think the animal is ready to find them. Give the animal a hint of where these are at first and then, let them find the treats on their own. Reward them when they find the treasure.

6. Take Them for a Car Ride 

Dogs are adventurous by nature and love car rides as it’s similar to their instinctual need for running with their pack. It doesn’t only give them a sense of comfort but also an adrenaline rush as they get to explore new sounds, places, and smells.

Your Cavoodle requires the same safety measures you’d need if you were riding with a child. Don’t let them place their paws out of the windows and restrain them to keep them from invading the driver’s seat and distracting you. The back seat of a car is the safest for your dog pal and don’t hesitate to use a harness or a crate if you have to. It’s never a good idea to keep dogs on your lap while you’re driving. Again, never, ever leave them alone inside a car, not even for a few minutes.

7. Swimming

A Cavoddle loves water and thus swimming, and this activity has many health benefits for them. Not only will they burn energy but also strengthen and tone their muscles. The best part is it’s low-impact and doesn’t put too much strain on their joints and tendons. In fact, it’s the perfect activity for a dog recovering from injury or surgery. Set up an inflatable pool in your backyard if you don’t have access to a pool, river, lake, or ocean.

8. Plan a Playdate at Your Local Dog Park

Give your Cavoodle the chance to play with other dogs. It’s a great way to burn energy, stimulate their mind and teach them important social skills. Remember, your dog is a social creature and wants to play and interact with other dogs and humans.

9. Go Up and Down a Staircase

This is great for burning energy and strengthening the muscles. You can have fun just by getting your dog to stay at the bottom of the stairs and then go up and throw the ball from the top and let them bring it to you. Be sure to return them down the staircase at a slower pace to avoid injury.

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10. Play Frisbee

Dogs love round flying things so, of course, they love frisbees. These devices are easier to catch than a ball so their chances for success increase along with their confidence. Of course, they’ll want to play all day long.

Anyone who’s ever thrown a frisbee at a dog knows how much fun it is to play with them, they’re so cheerful and carefree when they do. This game is basically a version of throw and catch, only with a frisbee instead of a ball. It’s a great way for dogs to release energy. In fact, running and catching don’t only stimulate them physically but also mentally. 

11. Hide and Seek

Scent and nose games are fun for your Cavoodle so teaching new commands and tricks is a great way to mentally enrich this kind of dog. They’re quite smart and love to learn new things. For instance, you could teach them the names of their toys and then hide them and ask them to find a specific one. You could also command them to stay or hide and watch them enjoy the process of finding you. 

12. Dig a Pit

Digging is second nature for dogs as their ancestors did it to create dens to escape extreme temperatures. Your Cavoodle is no exception so don’t try to get them to stop. Instead, give them a place of their own and get them to help you dig a pit to hide their bones and toys.

Find a suitable place outside. You might want to outline the area with some wood or bricks and fill this area with sand or loose dirt. Encourage them to bury some toys, bones, or treats just under the surface level of the sand or dirt. Then bring them over and show them the treasure to bury. Get deeper and deeper once they get the hang of it.

You might want to replenish the treasures from time to time to maintain your Cavoodle’s interest. Don’t hesitate to begin digging on your own to show them what it’s all about.

13. Run Through an Obstacle Course

Do you have tools? You could build an obstacle course in your backyard with any items you might have around. Be sure to include a weave, tunnels, hoops, and even a platform for them to jump on and stay at your command.

14. Boating

You’re not the only one who loves to relax and smell and feel the ocean breeze, your Cavoodle loves it too. In fact, it’s a great way to build their confidence. This is because dogs are natural swimmers. Mainly, play it safe and keep a life jacket just in case. Also, be aware that some dogs might be nervous so try to comfort and reassure them. Everything will be new to them at first but they’ll eventually relax and enjoy the ride. Who knows, they might even enjoy the beautiful sunset too.

15. Play Fetch

This is the most common outdoor activity but dogs love it all the same. It’s a great way to burn energy and most Cavapoos love to play with balls. Use their favorite toys if they don’t care too much for balls.  Be aware that your dog won’t tire and can go back and forth a hundred times. 

To conclude, play outdoors with your Cavoodle as often as the weather allows, even if it’s just in your backyard. Dogs benefit from vitamin D, the same as humans, and can only get it from the sun. Mainly, spend quality time with them. Be sure to provide a safe environment if you must leave them alone outdoors.

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