There are some puppy care tips that apply to every puppy, like puppy-proofing the house. But, each breed also has its own unique needs. The Maltipoo is a hybrid dog breed, combining the Maltese with a Toy or Miniature Poodle. They are friendly, active dogs with minimal grooming needs.
How to Take Care of Your New Maltipoo Puppy
What to Feed Your Maltipoo Puppy
When you first bring your new puppy home, ask the breeder what food he has been eating.
Changing your Maltipoo’s food too quickly can upset his stomach.
If the food is a high-quality puppy food, continue to feed this diet until approximately 7 to 9 months old. This is the point when he can switch to an adult diet.
But, if your puppy isn’t eating quality food, you can slowly transition him to something better.
Anytime that you are changing your Maltipoo’s food, the process should take at least a few days.
Start by swapping just 25% of your Maltipoo’s meal for the new food for a few meals. Then move on to 50%, 75%, and finally completely switch the food.
This will give your Maltipoo’s system time to adjust.
Your Maltipoo Puppy’s Grooming Needs
There are two coat types that your Maltipoo may have. This is due to the fact that it is a hybrid breed.
Your puppy may have a curly coat if the Poodle gene is the dominant gene. Otherwise, his coat will be a soft, silky texture.
Maltipoos need to be brushed daily and bathed approximately once a month. Otherwise, their coats are prone to matting.
Many Maltipoo owners also prefer to have their Maltipoo’s coat clipped to prevent this problem.
You will also need to trim your puppy’s nails every 2 weeks to keep them from being overgrown.
Exercising Your Maltipoo Puppy
Despite being smaller in size, the Maltipoo is an active and energetic dog.
They are well adapted to any living environment including smaller apartments. But, you will need to exercise your Maltipoo daily to avoid destructive behavior.
The average Maltipoo will need at least 15 minutes of exercise each day.
If you notice that your Maltipoo still has a lot of pent-up energy, consider increasing the exercise time.
Training Tips and Tricks for Maltipoo Owners
The Maltipoo is an intelligent dog with a drive to learn and please its owner. They will thrive on positive reinforcement training methods.
But, like any dog, they do have some quirks. One common problem with the Maltipoo is that they are known to be barkers.
If you live in an apartment building or are close to your neighbors, you will need to address this.
They are social dogs that want to be around their owners at all times. This may lead to the development of separation anxiety.
Crate training is a great option for addressing separation issues before they happen. This will teach your Maltipoo that crate time is a positive and relaxing experience.
With a little dedication and hard work, they can be polite and well-behaved housemates.
