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At 8 weeks old, your Maltipoo is starting to explore its surroundings and learn new things every day. They are naturally curious and playful, and with consistent training, they can develop good habits that will last a lifetime.
Housebreaking is a crucial part of training at this age, and it's essential to establish a routine of taking them outside frequently to prevent accidents in the house. With positive reinforcement, they can learn to go potty outside in no time.
Maltipoos are prone to hypoglycemia, so it's crucial to feed them a nutrient-rich diet that includes frequent, small meals throughout the day. A good rule of thumb is to feed them 3-4 times a day, with each meal consisting of 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food.
As they grow and develop, it's also essential to provide them with plenty of love, attention, and socialization to prevent separation anxiety and other behavioral issues.
Training and Care
Training your 8-week-old Maltipoo can start as soon as you bring them home. It's essential to begin house training immediately, as it usually takes 3 to 6 months for a puppy to be completely house trained.
Take your Maltipoo outside frequently, and reward them for their successes. Puppies have limited bladder control, so it's crucial to know their limits. A 2-month-old puppy, like your Maltipoo, can only hold their urine for 2 hours.
Keep in mind that puppies tend to have bowel movements approximately 20 minutes after a meal. This is something to consider when leaving your dog alone, especially for extended periods.
Training
Training is essential to help your Maltipoo become a well-behaved and obedient companion.
Training can begin when you first bring your Maltipoo puppy home, usually between the ages of 8 and 12 weeks old.
You should have reasonable expectations and take your Maltipoo outside frequently to prevent accidents.
A 2 month old puppy can only hold their urine for 2 hours, so regular potty breaks are crucial.
Puppies tend to have bowel movements approximately 20 minutes after a meal, so keep an eye on your Maltipoo's eating schedule.
It usually takes 3 to 6 months for a puppy to be completely house trained, so be patient and consistent.
A 3 month old puppy can only hold their urine for 3 hours maximum, so adjust your schedule accordingly.
These times should be kept in mind when leaving your dog alone, to prevent accidents and make cleanup easier.
As your Maltipoo grows, their bladder control will improve, and they'll be able to hold on for longer periods, up to 8 hours when they're about 8 to 9 months old.
House Training Details
Choose a specific spot near your house for your Maltipoo to use as the bathroom area, avoiding areas used for other purposes.
This spot should be accessible during different times of the year, especially in areas with heavy snowfall in winter.
Stand in the center of the bathroom area with your puppy on a leash, allowing them to sniff and choose the perfect spot.
Dress appropriately for the weather and bring your phone, as you'll need to stay with your puppy during house training.
Allow your puppy at least 10 minutes to go to the bathroom each time, as many have weak bladders and take their time.
Don't let your puppy run loose in the house, stay close by to properly house train them.
Use a leash or keep your puppy in a gated area if you can't keep an eye on them.
Give your Maltipoo a reward, such as praise, pats, or healthy treats, every time they pee or poo in the correct area.
Never scold your puppy for housebreaking accidents, as they don't pee or poo on purpose.
Punishing your puppy will only confuse them and make them think it's not okay to go potty.
Indoor and Outdoor Management
As an 8-week-old Maltipoo owner, you'll want to establish a routine for managing their indoor and outdoor time. Keep an eye on your Maltipoo when indoors, as they shouldn't be allowed to run loose in the home.
You'll need to monitor them closely until they learn to hold their bladder better. Gated play areas are a great way to keep your Maltipoo confined while allowing them enough space to roam. This will help prevent accidents and give you peace of mind.
Know when to take your Maltipoo outside, especially during critical times like first thing in the morning and 20 minutes before bedtime. If your dog has been confined, take them outside immediately afterward.
Taking Your Outside
Taking your Maltipoo outside is crucial for its health and well-being. You should take your dog outside immediately after any confinement, such as being in a playpen or gated area.
Morning bathroom time must be as soon as your puppy wakes up. This is a critical time to let them out, as it helps prevent most overnight accidents.
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Your Maltipoo should be taken outside 20 minutes before bedtime to prevent accidents during the night.
If your dog has been confined, they should be taken outside immediately afterward.
Anytime your Maltipoo signals that they need to go, you should let them out. Signs they are ready for a bathroom break include pacing in circles, behaving skittishly, and barking.
Here is a schedule to follow:
- Every 2 hours for a 2-month-old Maltipoo
- Every 3 hours for a 3-month-old Maltipoo
- And so on
You'll learn to read your Maltipoo's cues after a few weeks of taking care of them. They will give you signs that they need to go, such as circling around or acting skittish.
Keep an Eye on Your Dog Indoors
Maltipoos shouldn't be allowed to run loose in the home.
Since a puppy's bladder is relatively less capable of holding in urine, you'll need to keep a close eye on them until they learn how to hold their bladder better.
Gated play areas are a great way to keep your Maltipoo confined while allowing them enough space to roam.
Positive Reinforcement
At 8 weeks old, your Maltipoo is beginning to learn the ropes, and positive reinforcement is key. Maltipoos respond well to praise, so be sure to give them plenty of it when they do something good.
Reward your Maltipoo promptly after they urinate or defecate in the designated area. This can be praise, pets, or yummy treats.
Consistency is crucial, so make sure to provide rewards consistently and promptly. If treats are given long after they go potty, the behavior you want to instill will not be reinforced.
Offer Praise
Praise is a powerful tool in positive reinforcement. Maltipoos respond well to it, and it can be used to encourage good behavior.
Consistency is key when using praise as a reward. If treats are given long after they go potty, the behavior you want to instill will not be reinforced.
The Endearing Qualities
The key to successful positive reinforcement is understanding the endearing qualities of the animals we're working with.
Maltipoos are intelligent and affectionate, making them a joy to train. Their adaptable nature allows them to thrive in various living conditions.
Their hypoallergenic coat is a boon for those with allergies, making them a great choice for families and singles alike.
Breed Information
The Maltipoo is a hybrid breed, created by crossing a Maltese with a Poodle.
They are known for being friendly and outgoing, making great family pets.
Maltipoos typically weigh between 4-8 pounds and stand about 8-10 inches tall.
They have a low-shedding coat, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice for first-time dog owners.
Maltipoos are generally good with children, but as with any breed, early socialization is key to ensuring they get along.
They are relatively low-maintenance pets, requiring moderate exercise and playtime.
Nutrition and Feeding
At 8 weeks old, your Maltipoo puppy's nutritional needs are crucial for their growth and development. Dry food, or kibble, is a popular choice due to its convenience, cost, and ease of use and storage.
You'll want to choose a high-quality dry food that meets your puppy's specific nutritional requirements. It's also good to use dry food for training because it's easy to carry around.
As your puppy grows, you may consider switching to a wet food or a raw or homemade food diet, but for now, dry food is a great place to start.
Feeding Amount for Puppies
Feeding your puppy the right amount of food is crucial for their growth and development.
For small breed puppies like Maltipoos, it's recommended to feed them four fixed meals a day, with one meal portion for training treats. This schedule works best with kibble, but can be adapted with wet meals with a bit of prep.
Feeding your puppy at set times can help establish a routine and prevent overeating.
Put five dishes on the countertop at the start of the day and measure out your pup's daily ratio of food as shown on the side of the packaging. Spread it between the five bowls.
Feed your puppy at around 7am, 11am, 2pm, and 5pm to maintain a consistent schedule.
Choosing Food Type
Choosing the right food for your Maltipoo puppy is a crucial decision. Dry food, or kibble, is a popular choice for its convenience, cost, and ease of use and storage.
It's also good to use dry food for training because it's easy to carry around.
Puppy Food
Choosing the right food for your Maltipoo puppy is crucial for their growth and development.
You'll want to choose a dry food specifically designed for toy or small breed puppies, as these formulations are extra-small to prevent choking.
Reading the label is key, as the first five ingredients listed will tell you if the kibble is worth considering.
Dry food usually has fewer preservatives and more meat protein than wet food, but it's almost always more expensive.
Wet food, on the other hand, is widely considered to be more palatable, but it's been associated with contributing to dental problems in dogs.
Dry food is a popular choice for its convenience, cost, and ease of use and storage, making it great for training.
You should also be aware that some kibble contains questionable meat sources and additives, so it's essential to choose a high-quality option.
If you do decide to feed your Maltipoo puppy wet food, you may want to mix it with kibble to minimize the risk of dental problems.
Puppies Delivered in Gloucester, NJ
If you're looking for a Maltipoo puppy in Gloucester, New Jersey, Pilesgrove Pups is a great place to start. They deliver adorable Maltipoo puppies to families in the area.
Pilesgrove Pups has an exceptional lineup of Maltipoo puppies for sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a Maltipoo weigh at 8 weeks?
For a healthy Maltipoo, a typical weight at 8 weeks is between 2.50 and 2.75 pounds, but this can vary depending on the puppy's lineage and genetics.
How often should I feed my 8 week old Maltipoo?
Feed your 8-week-old Maltipoo four times a day, as their small stomachs require frequent, nutrient-rich meals to support rapid growth.
When should Maltipoos get their shots?
Maltipoos typically receive their core vaccinations at 6, 12, and 16 weeks old. This series includes essential shots against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvo, and parainfluenza, along with a rabies vaccination.
Sources
- https://www.mydoodlepuppy.com/blog/house-training-your-maltipoo
- https://www.dogster.com/dog-training/how-to-potty-train-a-maltipoo
- https://pilesgrovepups.com/locations-gloucester-nj/maltipoo-puppies
- https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/got-puppy-blues-adopting-dog-141500512.html
- https://thehappypuppysite.com/feeding-a-maltipoo-puppy/
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