Maltipoo Puppy Tips
The Maltipoo (or Maltapoo) is a hybrid dog rather than a pure breed. It is a cross between a Maltese and poodle. Hybrids are specific mixes of two recognized breeds where the parentage and genetic background is known. There are many different kinds of hybrid dogs, many of which are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club. The ACHC keeps a register so that parentage and ancestry is known, just as the kennel club or other purebred dog club keeps a register of breeds.
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Taking a Maltipoo Puppy Home
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Preparation to take a puppy home should start long before the puppy is collected. Check that plants growing in the garden are not poisonous to the Maltipoo, for instance aloe vera or baby's breath. Just as with a toddler, make sure all cleaning materials are out of the puppy's reach and as a Maltipoo puppy loves to chew, make sure all electrical cables are either hidden or covered.
The First Night
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Decide ahead of time where your Maltipoo puppy will sleep and once the decision is made, stick with it. A crate will work well as it confines the puppy in one space overnight so you know it is safe and at the same time help with housetraining as your Maltipoo puppy will be reluctant to soil its bed area. It's important to resist any whining overnight as the Maltipoo will quickly learn that whining brings him attention. The first night is the hardest, and he will quickly settle into his new routine.
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Temperament
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These little dogs are loving and affectionate and your Maltipoo puppy will enjoy plenty of cuddles and curling up with you to watch TV or relax. They are generally even tempered and should get on well with other household pets and older children.
Grooming
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Maltipoo puppies can have a variety of coats ranging from straight and curly. If the coat is very long it will need daily brushing to keep it free from tangles and mats, and for curly coats a professional groom and trim is recommended. Puppies need a bath from time to time, and the Maltipoo should be bathed using a mild shampoo for a baby or puppy when necessary.
Training
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Maltipoos are an intelligent and capable breed that is eager to learn. Use positive reward training with your Maltipoo, letting the pup know it got it right with a reward of a tasty food tidbit, and ignoring any "mistakes." Maltipoos also respond well to clicker training, where you give a click with the device at the same time as giving the reward of a food treat.
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References
- Photo Credit An afraid poodle on dark background image by Will from Fotolia.com
