How to Take Care of a Mal Shi Puppy

Mal Shi dogs are created by crossing the Maltese breed with the Shih Tzi. The result is a sturdy, compact, adorable dog that makes a wonderfully entertaining and lovable pet. If your Mal Shi is the result of a pure bred cross breeding, he or she will be a healthy pup with great intelligence and energy. Caring for your Mal Shi puppy is easy, requiring a big of knowledge and a lot of love. Mal Shis should not be weened from their mothers too early. Make sure you speak to the breeder to understand the history of your puppy so that you know more about his/her parents and their genetic dispositions. Ask questions. there are a few rules for excellent puppy care to ensure that your pet will have a healthy, happy and long life.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fresh water, preferably filtered High quality kibble for puppies Water bowl Food bowl Hard chew puppy treats Constant supply of newspaper

Feeding your Mal Shi Puppy

1. Place fresh water in a bowl and constantly replenish as needed. Leave a fresh bowl of water available for your puppy at all times.

2. Place a small amount of dry puppy kibble in a bowl. Puppies should get puppy food for the first year as this is easier for them to digest.
   Make sure you buy the highest quality food you can afford. Check the label. Just because a brand says it is complete and balanced does not mean it is so. High grade protein will be easier for your puppy to digest, causing him/her to eat more efficiently for his/her little body.

3. Feed your Mal Shi puppy in the morning, afternoon and evening. Food should be given three times a day for the first six months. After your Mal Shi puppy has eaten his/her fill, take the bowl away until the next feeding. Let your puppy determine how much he/she wants to eat. Do not force your Mal Shi to eat more.

4. After six months, feed your puppy in the morning and then again in the early evening. Twice a day should be sufficient.

5. 
    
   Your Mal Shi puppy will be happier after a little rest

   Let your puppy rest after each meal. This means no playing as his/her digestive system needs the down time in order to process the food.

House Training your Mal Shi Puppy

6. Mal Shi puppies can generally become housebroken after five weeks. In the beginning lay newspapers down in areas that your puppy will frequent.

7. After eating and food has been taken away, place your Mal Shi on newspaper to indicate that this is where you want him/her to pee and poop.

8. Clean up newspaper immediately after your puppy has defecated. Place dirty paper inside a sealed plastic bag and then inside a garbage can that cannot be easily accessed by your pet.

9. Once your Mal Shi begins to respond more quickly, give him/her the command to go outside to pee and poop. Show your pet the way outside by accompanying him/her and waiting.

10. When your puppy relieves him/herself outside, praise him/her effusively.

Tips & Warnings

• Dry kibble is best for your puppy as it contains only 9 to 11% water. Dry kibble is also good for your Mal Shi puppy's teeth and gums as chewing action will decrease tartar and prevent dental problems due to plaque build-up and gum problems. It is easy to store and more economical. Puppy food based on corn is too high in calories and not high enough in nutrients. Look for puppy food that places poultry, lamb, or beef first on its list of ingredients. Look for balanced omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids. They should be a 5 to 1 ratio. Protein content should be at least 30%, fat 18%, and preservatives should be either vitamin E and/or C. When changing puppy food brands, add ¼ of new food to usual food for few days, then go to half, then ¾ before making an entire change. The process usually takes a week. If your puppy vomits or has loose stools, slow down the process as his/her digestive tract needs more time to accustom itself to the change.
• Canned food is high in fat and includes too much water. Semi moist food (in sealed packages) is usually high in salt and sugar. Do not feed your Mal Shi puppy table scraps! Their digestive tracts are not fully developed and giving them human food can cause gastro-intestinal problems. This will also create an unwanted begging and finicky eating habits. Do not give your Mal Shi puppy milk as puppies cannot digest the sugar lactose found in dairy. Do not give your puppy treats before meals. They should be given in between meals for exercising gums and cleaning teeth or as a reward for good behavior.

Resources

• How to take care of your puppy
• Information on all dog breeds