How Are Cavachon with Other Dogs?

Cavachons are naturally quite friendly. They tend to be open towards other dogs and people alike, which usually means getting along with other dogs.

However, how they are socialized matters. If they are not introduced to many other dogs at a young age, they will likely be fearful once they grow up.

As smaller dogs, they can become unconfident and scared around larger dogs. These feelings crop up most often when they are not fully socialized with other dogs at a young age. If Cavachons grow up without socialization, they may become reactive.

Let’s look at how early socialization determines how your Cavi will react to other dogs!

Are Cavachons Good with Other Dogs?

As long as you properly socialize your puppy, Cavachons should get along just fine with other dogs.

This isn’t so much a matter of breed as it is how the dog is raised. Some dog breeds are territorial, which makes it harder for them to get along with other dogs. The Cavachon does not fall into this category, but that doesn’t automatically make them friendly.

If your Cavachon is not introduced to other dogs regularly, it isn’t odd for them to become fearful of others and potentially aggressive. These smaller dogs will not have the confidence to interact with other dogs if they never have before.

Imagine if you had hardly ever seen a dog, and then you are suddenly expected to interact with a large dog. You’d probably be pretty scared and unsure as well.

However, if you have been around plenty of different dogs over your life, you will probably run up and pet it!

The same can be said for a Cavachon. If they are regularly around other dogs, they will love having playmates (this is also a great way to provide your Cavi with exercise!) Otherwise, they’ll likely be a bit fearful. Fear in dogs often leads to aggression, as your Cavachon will feel the need to protect themselves. They don’t exactly understand that there is no reason to be fearful.

How to Introduce a Cavachon to a New Dog

Preferably, your puppy should be meeting new dogs all the time. You should take them out with you regularly as soon as they finish their puppy vaccinations.

Puppy classes are highly recommended. These provide training for your new puppy and give them plenty of time to play with other puppies. This sort of socialization is essential for your puppy to understand how to act around other dogs and develop confidence.

When you introduce two new dogs together, you should allow them to take the lead.

Assuming that both dogs are well-socialized, they should be pretty good at communicating. Pulling on the leash and giving commands can interrupt this process. Dogs often go rigid when their leash is pulled. The other dog can interpret this sudden, rigid body language as aggression, leading to a fight.

Of course, when introducing your Cavachon to new dogs, you should watch the body language of both.

The necessity of this skill is one reason why we recommend puppy classes. The trainer should help you learn how to read dogs since it is an essential part of dog training. If you can read a dog’s body language, you can often intervene before something goes wrong.

You should always be careful when introducing your dog to others. If the other dog appears uneasy or scared, then you shouldn’t force an introduction – even if the new dog happens to be your new dog.

Avoid the “Playful Puppy” Mentality

Often, people let behaviors slide when it comes to smaller dogs. After all, they’re small! What can they do?

However, this can lead to trouble in the long run. A Cavachon being reactive towards a larger dog can start a fight and get hurt – even if they can’t do much towards the larger dog.

You shouldn’t let all the responsibility fall on the bigger dog’s shoulders. Just because they are larger does not mean that they can deal with a smaller dog’s aggression without fighting them. They are dogs; they aren’t going to consider the size difference.

If a giant dog performing the behavior would send up red flags, it should also send up red flags with a Cavachon. Do not allow them to snap and growl at larger dogs, especially if they appear to be the aggressor.

In these cases, you should remove the small dog. Otherwise, you may end up with a dog fight, and the Cavachon will likely get sick.

Are Cavachon Puppies Aggressive?

Not typically. It is rare to find an aggressive puppy. However, some puppies are a bit more unsure than others.

Most aggression in puppies will arise due to fear. They are scared of their situation and feel the need to protect their selves.

The best thing you can do for these puppies is focused on socialization. Take them to a puppy class so they can socialize with plenty of dogs in a safe setting. After some time, they should learn that interacting with other dogs isn’t scary, which will reduce some of the reactive aggression.

Furthermore, we recommend working with a professional if your puppy is very aggressive.

Often, high-quality breeders will socialize their puppies from the moment they are born. Many of these puppies have already been around many different dogs and people, which reduces the odds that they will be scared. After all, it’s their regular.

However, puppy mills and some backyard breeders don’t understand the importance of socialization. These puppies may not get any socialization with other dogs. Therefore, when you adopt them at eight weeks, any new dog they encounter may be a scary experience.

This tends to be most accurate with puppies from puppy mills. Usually, these dogs don’t leave their small kennel until they are adopted. Therefore, everything will be new ad potentially scary.

If you want a Cavachon puppy that isn’t aggressive, you need to invest in a puppy from a quality breeder. These usually cost a bit more money, but you’re investing in the puppy’s future. Usually, breeders put far more time into their puppies than others, which is why they charge more. You’re getting more with these puppies.

Final Thoughts

Cavachon dogs are pretty neutral when it comes to other dogs. If you socialize with them, they can quickly become friendly and love other pups.

However, if you don’t socialize them, most will become fearful and potentially aggressive. It depends mainly on how they are raised.

We highly recommend taking them to puppy classes, as they allow them to interact with other dogs. We recommend this even if you have experience owning dogs. Puppy classes are just as much about socialization as they are training.

You can’t rely on these classes alone, though. As soon as your puppy is up-to-date on their vaccination, you should take them with you into the public as much as possible.

Take them to the park and pet-friendly patios. Visit pet-friendly stores. Most hardware stores and pet stores are friendly to dogs. You can also check to see if there are any dog-based events near you. Many towns have events that center around dogs, where your puppy can meet lots of different canines.

The more positive, controlled exposure you can provide, the better of a family dog your Cavachon will become!

Author: Kristin

Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish.