PREPARING FOR YOUR NEW PUPPY...
We want you and your puppy to have the happiest, healthiest relationship together. So, we have compiled a list of important aspects that you can use to prepare for an easy adjustment from our home to yours. Please, feel free to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or need some helpful advice. We are here to help!
ASK YOUR BREEDER!
Use us a valuable resource for advice and information. Don't be afraid to ask questions! We are only a text or a phone call away. We want your relationship with your puppy to be successful and can offer many tips based off of years of experience.
CRATES
Long ago, when dogs were still wild animals, they often slept in dens - shallow holes they dug in the ground hidden away in places where they felt safe from predators. A "crate" is just a modern version of a den. Just as you enjoy having your own room where you can go for peace and privacy, your dog likes having his own room, too. As well as giving him a safe, cozy place to stay, crates can make training your dog a whole lot easier! Housebreaking goes much faster when you use a crate and destructive chewing becomes easier to control. Traveling is safer for both you and your dog when he's in a crate.
The most popular crates are made of plastic or heavy welded steel wire. A crate need only be big enough for the dog to stand up, turn around, lie down comfortably and large enough for your Maltese to stretch out on his side to sleep.
The most popular crates are made of plastic or heavy welded steel wire. A crate need only be big enough for the dog to stand up, turn around, lie down comfortably and large enough for your Maltese to stretch out on his side to sleep.
BEDDING
When your puppy first comes home, he will need a lot of rest following his exuberant and playful excursions in his new environment. It is important to find a place for the puppy's bed that is out of the main stream of household traffic that will allow him the rest he needs. If you have purchased a crate for your puppy this makes an excellent bed. If your puppy will sleep in a bed other than a crate, stay away from beds made of wood or wicker as they are tempting for your puppy to chew on and could potentially harm himself! Look for beds made of the same silky type of fabrics that your crate pads are made of.
LEASH & COLLAR
Your Maltese will need a leash and collar. A thin, nylon, one-piece collar seems to work best for us. Many of these have a ring at one end that can be used to clip a lead to. Select a lead that is made from a similar lightweight material.
WATER & FOOD DISHES
You will need small lightweight bowls for food and water. These can be made from metal, plastic or ceramic materials. Many Maltese fanciers avoid using plastic bowls as there have been indications that they may be cause of staining the facial hair.
We will let you know the food that your puppy was eating. We recommend not changing this food immediately, as this can cause stomach upsets. If you wish to change the food that they are. currently eating, we recommend doing so slowly to avoid any accidents and to keep your puppy comfortable!
Maltese that drink water from a water dish get wet and sloppy faces. The wet facial hair can be a breeding ground for yeast which can cause tear staining. Many Maltese owners will offer their Maltese water from a water bottle such as those used for rabbits to alleviate this problem.
We will let you know the food that your puppy was eating. We recommend not changing this food immediately, as this can cause stomach upsets. If you wish to change the food that they are. currently eating, we recommend doing so slowly to avoid any accidents and to keep your puppy comfortable!
Maltese that drink water from a water dish get wet and sloppy faces. The wet facial hair can be a breeding ground for yeast which can cause tear staining. Many Maltese owners will offer their Maltese water from a water bottle such as those used for rabbits to alleviate this problem.
TOYS & CHEWIES
When shopping for Maltese toys - small is best! Look for toys that squeak and toys that are interactive. Maltese particularly like the fuzzy, plush, soft toys, as well as the latex, chewable ones. The small, twisted ropes with knots at both ends can be a delight when there are more than one Maltese in the household to play tug-of-war. Maltese are very inquisitive, little guys! It is wise to have a good supply of toys for your puppy or she may find her own - and you never know what she will drag out of the closet!
FEEDING YOUR PUPPY
Puppies should be fed three a times day until they are three months old. After three months, they can be weaned back to two feedings a day for the rest of their lives. If you are feeding a dry kibble, you may wish to soak the kibble in water to soften this for younger puppies. By the time they are three to four months old, they should be eating the kibble dry or with a little canned food mixed in.
Do not give your puppy fresh milk. If you have problems getting your puppy to eat, you may consider adding a little cottage cheese or some Gerber baby food meats to his kibble.
It is important that you check your puppy's rectum daily as stool can get stuck in their hair and prevent them from having a bowel movement. This can cause serious problems and be very painful for your puppy! Keeping the hair trimmed around the rectum can help prevent this.
Do not give your puppy fresh milk. If you have problems getting your puppy to eat, you may consider adding a little cottage cheese or some Gerber baby food meats to his kibble.
It is important that you check your puppy's rectum daily as stool can get stuck in their hair and prevent them from having a bowel movement. This can cause serious problems and be very painful for your puppy! Keeping the hair trimmed around the rectum can help prevent this.
SOCIALIZING YOUR PUPPY
Because your puppy will quickly grow up, you should give serious thought to the socialization process as soon as you bring it home. Decide what rules you want obeyed and stick with them from day one! Inconsistent rules do not work. If you don't want your Maltese to beg while you eat, never feed it from the kitchen or dining room table, and never feed it soon after you eat. By feeding your Maltese before you eat, and requiring it to remain away from the table while you eat, your puppy will become a polite dog. Just a few pieces of food dropped on the floor (by accident or on purpose) that the dog gets to eat during your meal, and all of your previous work will be undone.
If you allow your puppy to jump up onto people when it is little, it will do it when it is an adult. If the puppy sees what life is like from on top of a chair or sofa, it will be at home there when it is an adult also. Decide what rules you want the adult dog to obey in your house and apply them to your puppy now. Be consistent!
If you allow your puppy to jump up onto people when it is little, it will do it when it is an adult. If the puppy sees what life is like from on top of a chair or sofa, it will be at home there when it is an adult also. Decide what rules you want the adult dog to obey in your house and apply them to your puppy now. Be consistent!
HOUSEBREAKING YOUR PUPPY
A puppy should have a schedule. He should be taken to his outside relief spot first thing in the morning and last thing at night! He should be praised when he does his duty. When taking the puppy to his outdoor spot, don't play with him or allow the children to do so. First things first, potty time! If the pup does not relieve himself, put him in the crate for a few minutes, then try again. Most puppies will not soil in their crates if they can possibly help it. Take your Maltese out every 2 hours to the "potty" area, whether it has eaten or not. Don't play with the puppy until he relieves himself. If he does not urinate and defecate within 10 minutes, bring him inside, place him in his crate for 10-15 minutes, and then try again. Continue this routine until he is successful, and then praise him! The times that a puppy will most likely want to eliminate are after eating or drinking, after a nap, or after a period of vigorous exercise.
Be patient, consistent, and regulate what goes into your puppy's tummy, so you can regulate what comes out!
Be patient, consistent, and regulate what goes into your puppy's tummy, so you can regulate what comes out!