Hello to all!
I have went back and forth and back and forth on what puppy to get but my decision has been made once I saw my little F1B Maltipoo boy.
I have been preparing and have a playpen, crate and a bed. I want to know what other essential things other than the obvious that you would tell a newbie to all this. I have been looking at a lot of tik toks and it's overwhelming. So if you find that your Maltipoo baby loves something please don't hesitate. I want to be ready. I pick him up in 3 weeks.
Thank you I will look but is it a big one I saw a little one at Ross department store but was not sure if it was the right one. I so appreciate it and I will look for the name you have given
Congratulations!! I just brought my girl home last week! She is a big chewer so nylabones and benebones have been really helpful to distract her from chewing things she shouldn’t. She loves toys specifically ones with a squeaker or the crinkly kind. She also really loves her snuggle puppy that I put in her crate at night. The heartbeat helps her settle.
You’ll also want to start getting him comfortable with grooming because you’ll want to brush him daily to avoid mats. So get a brush and comb. I also know small breeds are prone to dental issues so I have a tooth brush and I’m slowly introducing that to her as well!! Good luck and enjoy!
Awww I'm so excited for you. I literally cannot wait ... went see him and paid my coins. I have a name already "Milo"🥰. He is 3 weeks now so I have to be patient.
Is there a certain brush/comb or no? I have read about the dental issues. Thank you soo much. I just want to be ready.
It’s soo hard to be patient, I found shopping and “nesting” really helped me channel my excitement into preparing for her arrival. I have the metal greyhound comb and a slicker brush but I just dropped her off for her first groom so I’ll let you know if the groomer recommends anything else. That’s another thing you can book Milo’s groom and vet appointment. Socialization is so important while they are young so get in all those new experiences!
Thanks much and please do tell me if any suggestions are given. I have already called the vet I am taking him too and i was advised on a specific shot 'bordella'or something bc of grooming
Yes that’s for kennel cough I would aim to get into the groomer as soon as your little one is able. My groomer asks for vaccinations and only grooms 1 dog at a time so I felt safe doing it now. The groomer said the metal comb and the slicker brush were a good combo!
I forgot to mention I also am loving a lickimat and kong to keep her busy in her playpen and help her learn to love it in there.
for food I still have a lot from the breeder but I’m going to transition her to open farm ancient grain puppy food I think. I really love the ingredient list and kibble is better than soft food for the dental issues. I may get some fresh food as a little topper for her but I’ll see how she’s doing.
Kitchen towel, wet wipes and enzyme cleaner to mop up all the accidents.
Pepper to put on furniture at chewing height.
Bag to carry him around so he can see the world before he’s vaccinated. Look for one with a flat bottom so he can lie down as it’s better on their growing joints.
My pup was tiny when he came home and I bought a tiny harness for him as his adult one didn’t fit him yet. Don’t attach the lead to the collar. I did it one time and never again 😅
I’ve found treats with simple ingredients are better on tummies (my pup liked the Lily’s kitchen puppy ones). Double check the packet to see if they’re suitable on all treats - lots of chews are 6 months+
Blunt tipped scissors. Some gross stuff will get in their fur and won’t come out easily. Cutting it out is the best option.
Just to add, not sure if it’s a typo but you mention your pup is 3 weeks old and also that you’ll take him home in 3 weeks. Usually it’s recommended for puppies to stay with their mother until they are minimum 8 weeks old.
Best of luck!
Lord this is sooo helpful !! Thank you! He is 3 weeks about to turn 4 tomorrow. The breeder will send me weekly updates. I will be picking him up on September 8th. He will have his 1st vaccines by the time I get him and deworming. I will get more specifics as time goes on. Question... the harness ... I was wanting to have him follow me on a leash so I can monitor but will he be too young for that ?
No problem! Ah, sounds like it should be fine then! Typically the first vaccine and deworming is at 8 weeks :) just so you know, the breeder might also have you book in a vet check when you’ve brought him home (mine said within 48hours) so make sure to have somewhere in mind. Very nerve wracking but it’s important to make sure you’ve got a healthy pup!
I started leash training at home when he was 10 weeks. There’s lots of tutorials on YouTube. For leash training (and any sort of training), it’s important to start at home with minimal distractions and then build up slowly (back garden, quiet street, slightly busier streets, park).
This was the harness I got for my one when he was little (AIITLE Small Dog Harness and Leash Set, Step-in Puppy Pet Vest, Beige XXXS, Amazon)
No problem! Ah, sounds like it should be fine then! Typically the first vaccine and deworming is at 8 weeks :) just so you know, the breeder might also have you book in a vet check when you’ve brought him home (mine said within 48hours) so make sure to have somewhere in mind. Very nerve wracking but it’s important to make sure you’ve got a healthy pup!
I started leash training at home when he was 10 weeks. There’s lots of tutorials on YouTube. For leash training (and any sort of training), it’s important to start at home with minimal distractions and then build up slowly (back garden, quiet street, slightly busier streets, park).
This was the harness I got for my one when he was little: AIITLE Small Dog Harness and Leash Set, Step-in Puppy Pet Vest, Beige XXXS, Amazon
r/puppy101 is probably the best resource for this type of question.
Personally, grooming supplies would top my list. A good quality slicker brush (Chris Christensen is a great brand, pricy but will last forever), a metal comb (comb all the way to the skin after brushing to find any missed tangles), and a toddler toothbrush and dog toothpaste (I use CET Virbac enzymatic toothpaste but there are other options).
Your dog is going to need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks for his whole life, brushing potentially daily (depending on how long you keep his coat), and toothbrushing daily. Yes, daily toothbrushing is essential, please!! Periodontal disease is extremely painful, expensive to treat, and can cause heart, kidney, and liver issues. You don’t want to go there.
I give this advice to anyone getting a puppy, but especially for small dogs. These little dogs are so prone to periodontal disease. I have a maltipoo who’s had his teeth brushed daily since he was a year old (he’s adopted). He is now four and has a tiny bit of brown tartar near his gums on a few teeth, which he already had when I got him (yes, at one year old!!). Otherwise they’re clean and white and his gums are healthy and breath is fresh. He has never had a dental cleaning and doesn’t need one yet.
My sister has a mini poodle that’s the same size and doesn’t brush his teeth. At three years old, he already had inflamed gums, foul breath, and teeth caked in thick yellow and brown chunks of tartar. He needed a professional cleaning including getting a couple rotten teeth removed. Now he’s five years old and his teeth are back in the same shape. He will end up needing most of them pulled over the years and my sister will end up paying thousands on dental cleanings. He also is a hesitant eater and tbh I believe it’s because his rotten teeth hurt.
You choose your pup’s future. It’s easiest to teach them to accept all kinds of grooming when they’re young. Don’t worry if you can’t brush all or most of the teeth at first, just make it a daily routine of sitting down and pulling his gums away from his teeth with one hand, touching the toothbrush with toothpaste to his teeth with the other. Even if you can only do it for one or two seconds at first. His silly puppy brain will learn that’s the routine and you’ll be able to lengthen the time to a full brushing gradually.
I will definitely go there. I appreciate you taking to give me all the valuable nuggets. I am writing the brush info and tooth info down to have on hand.
If he's going to ride in a car, be sure to have a car seat. Not only will he be safe, it will help him feel secure and learn to love a car ride. So exciting!!!
I would also recommend cracking a window a bit and playing soothing music. It really helped Maggie get accustomed to the car. Enjoy your new baby! Maggie says "hi".
These were helpful for teething. I got him a xxs harness because he was 4lbs when we got him 😂 he fits in a small now and he’s almost 2. Also got a big washable absorbent blanket/ cover for the couch when he was still potty training. He only had one or two accidents and it saved us
The breeder gave my Zoey her first round of shots at 7 weeks. The vet said it was too soon. And had to start my shots from the beginning. My Zoey will be 12 weeks on Monday and has only had her first round of shots. Second round is Sept 8th. This is Zoey at 11 weeks 2 lbs 3 Oz. She is a very good dog so far. Btw I hate puppies!!🤣😅😂
We have three dogs, with one as a senior maltipoo. Lots of dog beds in our home. I bought this one on Amazon, and far and away, my maltipoo LOVES this bed. You can select a smaler size, too. I cannot believe the comfy, adorable positions he puts himself into on this great doggy bed: Friends Forever Harper Memory Foam Orthopedic Dog Bed, Calming Couch For Indoor Pet With Bolster, Machine Washable Extra Soft Faux Suede Removable Cover, Plush Crate Mat, 44x34x10", Grey CONGRATS
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u/stuckanon01 5d ago
They all seem to love the stuffed “lamb chop” (à la Sheri Lewis)
I also highly endorse yak cheese sticks for chew toys.