Maltipoos are friendly and very clever dogs that quickly make everyone fall in love with them. They are suitable even for people without prior experience; however, they require attentive care, proper nutrition, and delicate adaptation to a new home. This guide will help you prepare for your puppy’s arrival and create comfortable conditions for them from day one. If you are just choosing a pet, it is convenient to browse our puppy catalog right away and watch videos of them in motion along with short descriptions.

1. Nutrition: How Many Times and What Exactly

At 2–4 months, 4 meals in small portions are optimal. At 4–12 months, switch to 3 meals; after one year, it is convenient to stick to 2 meals. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for small breeds and monitor the “waistline”: ribs should be easily felt under the fingers without visible hollows. Introduce a new diet over 5–7 days, increasing the portion daily while observing the stool and skin. After eating, allow a few minutes of quiet time before leading them to the pee pad. No feeding from the table: this is a quick path to allergies and begging during your meals.

2. Hydration and Bowls

Fresh water must be constantly available, replaced 1–2 times a day, and the bowl washed daily. The intake guideline for small breeds is approximately 40–60 ml per kilogram of body weight per day—more often and in small sips during hot weather. Take a bottle with a dispenser on walks; at home, a water fountain helps if the puppy is reluctant to drink. Signs of dehydration: dry tongue, darker urine, lethargy—increase “water breaks” and consult a veterinarian if necessary.

3. Adaptation to a New Home: First Day, First Week, First Month

First Day.

Quietness and a safe “island.” Prepare a bed or a crate, a blanket with a familiar scent, and one toy for calm chewing; show them the location of the pee pad. No guests or long “tours.” If the puppy whines at night, place the crate closer to your bed, speak calmly, and do not turn it into a game.

First Week.

Rhythm. Fix the feeding and sleep hours, practice short hand contact during hygiene, and add simple signals like “come” or “sit” using treats. Introduce novelty in small doses: one new sound, one short meeting, then a long break for rest.

First Month.

Habits. After vaccinations are complete—short, quiet walks. Start “dry rehearsals” for grooming: a brush near them during play, light touches to paws and ears, and a few seconds of the hairdryer on minimum. All family members must follow the same rules—this way, habits form faster.

4. Grooming and Hygiene

Brushing 3–5 times a week with a soft brush; wipe folds and mustache with a napkin after meals. Bathing every 7–10 days with puppy shampoo; conditioner or a detangling spray makes brushing easier. Haircut or trim—every 4–8 weeks depending on the length. Inspect ears weekly, removing only visible dirt with a special lotion. Teeth—with a brush and veterinary paste 2–3 times a week. Trim nails every 2–4 weeks if they don’t wear down naturally.

5. Toilet and Pee Pad: How to Establish the Habit

Choose one permanent location for the pee pad, keeping a distance from the bed and bowls. After sleep, play, and food, lead the puppy to the pad and give them 2–3 minutes of peace. The reward must be immediate—within 2–3 seconds. If you plan for outdoor potty training, move the pad 20–30 cm toward the door every day after a few weeks, while simultaneously adding short outings outside.

6. Toys and Development: No Overloading

For the puppy’s teeth, soft plush toys without small parts and safe teethers are suitable. Light tug-of-war ropes are good for short sessions to relieve tension. In the evening, calming activities are better: a lick-mat or soft chewing for 10–15 minutes. For older pups—simple puzzles where the reward is gained by spinning or pushing. Maintain a rotation: keep 3–4 toys available, returning the rest after a few days to maintain interest.

7. Starter Kit and Safe Space

Two bowls made of metal or ceramic, a bed of appropriate size, pee pads or a tray, a brush, grooming spray, puppy shampoo, a towel, and a tag with your phone number. In a minimal first-aid kit: antiseptic for minor scratches, a sorbent, parasite treatment suitable for their age, and your veterinarian’s contacts. Remove wires from the floor, close gaps between furniture, use baby gates to restrict areas if necessary, and avoid drafts or direct sun at the sleeping spot.

8. Red Flags: When to See a Doctor

Repeated vomiting or loose stools lasting more than a day, complete refusal of food for more than 24 hours, sudden lethargy, blood in the stool, persistent cough, or itching—these are reasons for a quick consultation. It is better to call and clarify once more than to miss the start of a problem.

Conclusion

The secret to an “easy” Maltipoo is simple: a stable routine, clean water, short hygiene rituals, identical rules for everyone, and small steps without overloading. This is how trust is formed, leading to a calm lifestyle and a true partnership.

When to Write to Us and What We Will Do

We are here if you need a tip on shampoo, bathing frequency, the first salon visit, or choosing gear. We will help create a personal adaptation plan, feeding schedule, and grooming calendar tailored to your rhythm. You will find all our contact details on our “Contacts” page. Write to us wherever it is convenient for you. We are always in touch. To see our approach in daily life, subscribe to our Instagram or Telegram pages, where we often publish various useful tips.