01Feeding & Fresh Water
Use a complete small-breed puppy food and avoid an abrupt food change during the first days home. Young puppies usually do better with several smaller meals rather than one or two large meals.
- 8–12 weeks: keep a frequent small-meal routine; our original guide used four meals a day.
- 3–6 months: many puppies transition toward three meals a day.
- Older puppies: your veterinarian can help you decide when two meals a day is appropriate.
- Keep fresh water available and ask your vet to confirm the right daily amount for the food you use.
02Potty & Crate Routine
Potty training starts the day your puppy comes home. Take them to the same toilet area after waking, eating, play and naps, and reward success right away.
- Supervise closely indoors while the routine is new.
- Use an appropriately sized crate as a safe resting place—not as punishment.
- Keep crate sessions short at first and build duration gradually.
- Clean accidents thoroughly and move on; consistency works better than punishment.
03Grooming a Maltipoo Coat
Maltipoo coats are often low-shedding, but that does not mean low-maintenance. Hair that stays in the coat can tangle and mat if it is not brushed out.
- Brush frequently, especially behind the ears, legs, collar area and underarms.
- Many Maltipoos benefit from professional grooming about every four to eight weeks.
- Introduce nail trims, ear handling, bathing and tooth brushing while your puppy is young.
- Use dog-safe grooming products and stop if the skin becomes irritated.
04Training & Socialization
Keep lessons short and upbeat. Maltipoos are bright companion dogs, and they usually learn faster when the reward for getting it right is clear.
- Start with name response, come, sit, settle and gentle leash skills.
- Introduce normal household sounds, different surfaces and friendly people gradually.
- Do not overwhelm a nervous puppy; confidence grows from positive experiences.
- Ask your veterinarian when puppy classes and public dog areas are appropriate locally.
05Exercise, Play & Alone Time
Short walks, indoor play, sniffing games and simple training are usually more useful to a young Maltipoo than long, repetitive exercise. They are social dogs, so teach alone time gradually rather than suddenly leaving a new puppy for hours.
- Use age-appropriate play and allow plenty of naps.
- Provide safe chew toys and simple food puzzles.
- Build calm separation in small steps.
- Watch hot pavement and midday heat in Southern California.
06Veterinary & Preventive Care
Our original adoption terms ask families to schedule a licensed-veterinarian examination within 48 hours of receiving the puppy. Bring the puppy’s records so your veterinarian can review vaccinations, deworming and the next recommended steps.
- Follow your veterinarian’s vaccination schedule rather than relying on a generic calendar.
- Discuss parasite prevention appropriate to your puppy’s age, weight and local risks.
- Keep copies of veterinary records, receipts and test results.
- Ask your veterinarian about dental care and the right timing for spay/neuter for your individual dog.
