A new puppy.

[cba191]

I've basically had Maltese since I was a kid. I haven't had a dog since I moved out years ago, and want another. My friend's two dogs just had puppies the parents are registered Maltese. I know that for a pet, that's not a big concern for me. The parents are 6 and 8 pounds. Is that about right? The pups are a little over a week old, but I know which one I want.
He's the little one.

I know that some people can get real worked up over puppy mills (rightfully so) and BYBs. The two parents are their family pets who just happened to have puppies.

The training part is the thing I'm not sure on. Crate? Playpen? Both?

[Morkie4]

Well congrats on getting a new baby! It's always exciting when you can pick the one you want and raise it from early on. Do you have a name already picked out??

As far as training.........a lot of members crate train and x-pen train. I've never done either but it's been years since I had a wee puppy........I've always adopted older maltese which is quite different than adopting a puppy. I am sure you will get more imput from other members on the training.

Welcome to Maltese Talk!!!ai.gif

[cba191]

His name will be Bear. I was thinking about Ditka for a bit though

[MJsBella]

How Precious!!!! At least you have a couple months or so to decide what to do!

Adorable!!!

[doggylover]

Congrats and welcome to MT. The puppies are adorable. If your puppy will be alone all day, I would recommend a pen. That is what I used and it was great. I could put his bed, food, pee pad and toys. Also, if alone all day, 2 are better than one. It is not anymore work and the cost for feeding is very minimal. The only thing are the vacines and spay/neuter which is the most expensive at first. They will keep each other company, play together when you are too tired to do so and will also learn from each other.

[cba191]

Two would be cool, but in an apartment I just want to start with one.

[JiJi's Mom]

I have a pen also. Whatever you use you will hear some crying. Just whatever your comfortable in. If your going to be away for a long period I recommend a pen. If your at home then a crate is not bad idea.

[angeleyes]

I think an xpen with a small crate would be best. The crate is their safe place and I have raised 3 puppies with a crate to sleep in at night. I cover the crate and none of my puppies have cried at night. It makes them feel safe. I put a blanket in the crate and a stuffed toy to cuddle with. When you get your baby take a blanket with and rub it on the mom and litter mates so he'll have their scent to make him more at home. Please don't get your baby until he's 16 weeks if possible. They learn so much from their mom and siblings in that time it really helps them adjust. There are going to be several things you'll need to have before you bring him home. The 6 to 8 pound range is what a lot of Maltese are nowdays. I have them ranging from 4.5 pounds to 8 and 11 pounds. I'm wondering if you're from the Chicago area with the name Bear or Ditka? Glad you joined our family here and we're glad to help any way we can.

[cba191]

I'm in Utah, but born in Chicago. I think I'm getting him at 9 or 10 weeks. He will have a fellow Maltese at my parents house. He'll be there a lot.

[LuvMalteseGirl]

Hi and Welcome to Maltese Talk! Congrats on Bear...I can't wait to see more pictures and watch him grow.

[Tebow's Mom]

Congrats, congrats. How exciting. A new baby to watch grow. Welcome to MT.

I'm a working mama so I trained using an Xpen and crate. Tebow had to be in the Xpen while I was at work. It was big enough to fit his crate, water bowl, pee pad and toys. Pee pad was for when he was little and couldn't make it through my work day without needing to potty. My baby is 2 now and totally outside trained and has free roam of the house. But the Xpen was the best thing for while we were training. Now when I was home, he didn't have to be in the Xpen but I watched him like a hawk and we quickly went out when he gave potty signals. If I had to do something, I would put his leash on and have him come with me or I'd hook his leash around something (chair leg, drawer handle, etc) where I could keep my eye closely on him. You can search the forums for Xpen pictures or if you want to see the one I used let me know and I'll track down a link to it.

Ask away on your training questions. You will get plenty of help here.
Glad you joined us.

[cba191]

I ordered a crate and a playpen, but don't have room for a huge playpen. So I don't think the crate will fit comfortable in the playpen. I was thinking about just putting a small bed in there with a pee pad and toys when I'm at home. I hope that works.

[Morkie4]

Originally Posted by cba191

I ordered a crate and a playpen, but don't have room for a huge playpen. So I don't think the crate will fit comfortable in the playpen. I was thinking about just putting a small bed in there with a pee pad and toys when I'm at home. I hope that works.

All you can do is give it a try but it should work.

[cba191]

2 weeks.

[JiJi's Mom]

Adorable!!!!

How precious