Let’s be honest — Cockapoos don’t come with an instruction manual. One minute they’re napping in a sunbeam, the next they’re zooming around the living room like it’s Crufts. So how much exercise do they really need?
Whether you’re a new owner or considering bringing one home, understanding their energy levels is key. Too little stimulation and your fluffy friend might turn destructive. Too much, and you could end up with an overtired, overstimulated pup bouncing off the walls.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how much physical and mental exercise Cockapoos need — by age, lifestyle, and even weather — plus ideas to keep them happy, healthy, and beautifully worn out.
Why Exercise Matters for Cockapoos
Cockapoos might be small, but they pack a surprising amount of energy — and curiosity. Skipping walks or underestimating their mental needs isn’t just a recipe for restlessness, it can lead to real problems.
Here’s why daily exercise is non-negotiable:
Plus, walks aren’t just for them — they’re for you too. It’s bonding time, mental reset time, and a great excuse to get out in the fresh air (even if it’s raining. And let’s be honest — in the UK, it usually is).
How Much Daily Exercise Do Cockapoos Need?
Most adult Cockapoos need at least 60 minutes of physical exercise each day — and some may thrive on up to 90 minutes, especially if they’re younger, more Poodle-leaning, or from working lines.
Ideally, this should be split across two or more sessions and combined with mental stimulation to keep them balanced, healthy, and happy.
🐾 Puppies (under 12 months)
- Follow the 5-minute rule per month of age, twice daily.
- e.g. a 5-month-old Cockapoo = 25 mins morning + 25 mins evening.
- Why? Over-exercising can stress growing joints and lead to long-term problems.
🐕 Adult Cockapoos (1–8 years)
- Aim for 60–90 minutes of activity daily
- Split across walks, free running, and active play
- Add in 15–30 mins of mental work (training, scent games, puzzles)
- Variety helps prevent boredom — rotate routes and games
Quick Tip
They don’t always need exhausting hikes, but they do need consistent, daily outlets for both body and brain.
🧓 Senior Cockapoos (8+ years)
- Usually need 30–60 minutes, depending on mobility
- Keep walks short and surfaces soft
- Switch focus to gentle activity and low-impact brain games
Don’t Forget Mental Stimulation
Walks alone aren’t enough for most Cockapoos. As a Poodle mix, they’re not just active — they’re clever, and clever dogs get bored fast. That’s where mental enrichment comes in.
Think of it as giving their brain a workout. Just 15–30 minutes of mental stimulation a day can leave them calmer, more settled, and less likely to find “creative” ways to entertain themselves (like shredding your post).
🧩 Easy Ways to Tire Their Brain:
- Puzzle feeders or snuffle mats at mealtimes
- Hide-and-seek games with treats or toys
- Clicker training or trick work (sit, spin, stay, paw, etc.)
- Scatter feeding in the garden or around the room
- Scent games using safe smells or their favourite treats
Mental stimulation isn’t just a nice extra — it’s a daily need. Many owners find that 10 minutes of brain games tires their Cockapoo out more than a 30-minute walk.
Indoor & Outdoor Activity Ideas for Cockapoos
Whether it’s pouring down outside or you’re just looking to mix things up, Cockapoos need variety — both indoors and outdoors. The good news? Keeping them active doesn’t require a huge garden or fancy kit.
🌳 Outdoor Activities
- Off-lead walks in secure fields or enclosed areas (if recall is solid)
- Fetch or ball games — great for burning off energy fast
- Training in the park — combine walkies with sit/stay/recall
- Nature walks — let them sniff everything! It’s mentally enriching
- Agility or obstacle games — DIY jumps or tunnels can work wonders
Quick Tip
Don’t walk the same route every day — changing the scenery keeps their brain engaged and helps prevent routine-related boredom.
🏡 Indoor Ideas (Perfect for Rainy Days)
- Tug of war with a soft rope toy
- Scent trails using hidden treats around the house
- Interactive feeders or KONGs for meal times
- Basic trick training — 5–10 mins goes a long way
- Mini “stairs zoomies” (if safe for their joints!)
Quick Tip
Just because you’re indoors doesn’t mean they should be idle — especially if they’re young or left alone for part of the day.
Example Weekly Exercise & Enrichment Routine
Here’s what a balanced week could look like for an adult Cockapoo:
Monday to Friday
- 🐾 Morning: 30-minute walk
- 🧠 Afternoon: 10–15 minutes of training or puzzle toys
- 🐕 Evening: 20–30 minutes of fetch, tug, or a second walk
Saturday
- 🌲 Adventure day: 60–90 minute nature walk or visit to a new location (secure field, dog park, canal path)
- 🧠 Add 15 minutes of new trick training or a longer scent game
Sunday
- 🛋️ Slower day: 20–30 minute light walk
- 🧸 Enrichment toy or gentle sniff-based activity indoors
- 💤 Lots of rest and cuddles
This isn’t a strict schedule — it’s a guide to help you balance movement, stimulation, and downtime. Some Cockapoos will need more, some less — the key is consistency and variety.
Signs Your Cockapoo Needs More Stimulation
Even with the best intentions, life gets busy — and Cockapoos will let you know when they’re not getting enough physical or mental exercise. These behaviours aren’t “bad dog” moments — they’re boredom signals.
Red flags your Cockapoo needs more:
If you notice these regularly, try increasing either walk time, play sessions, or mental enrichment — and see how fast things settle down.
Quick Tip
A tired Cockapoo isn’t just quieter — they’re also more trainable, affectionate, and easier to live with.
Final Thoughts
Cockapoos may be cute and cuddly, but behind those teddy bear curls is a brain that needs a job. Regular exercise — both physical and mental — isn’t just recommended, it’s essential if you want a happy, well-behaved dog.
Aim for at least 60–90 minutes of daily physical activity for adults, with 15–30 minutes of mental stimulation to keep that clever mind occupied. Mix it up, make it fun, and adjust based on your dog’s age, health, and energy levels.
A well-exercised Cockapoo is calmer, more content, and far less likely to chew your sofa. And the best part? You’ll get just as much out of it as they do — fresh air, bonding time, and a wagging tail that says, “thanks for making my day.”
