questions concerning Maltese dog
by Cathy Manson
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
Hi, I have several questions concerning Maltese dogs.
1. What size crate should I get for a Maltese puppy that will probably 5 pounds when full grown?
2. I want to crate train for housebreaking purposes; should I have food and water in the crate for the puppy at all times? (I am in and out of the house) If I should put food and water in the crate, at what age should I stop putting food and water in the crate?
3. We also have a 20 pound, 6 year-old Miniature Schnauzer. What is the best way to introduce them and get them to become friends? (Both are females)
I would greatly appreciate it if you could respond to my questions!!!! P.S. I think that your MalteseOnly website is wonderful and has answered some of my concerns except for these three!
DISCUSSION:
Cathy,
1. My crate for Binky is approximately 20"x12"x12" (these are measurements taken from the outside, very approximate) and she's 5 lbs and fits it very well.
2. This depends on how old your puppy is now. I got Binky at three months and I never left food or water in her crate (I didn't leave her for long periods of time either). If your puppy is really young I'd say yes, leave at least some water (not too much though). I can't tell you the precise age at which to stop, but my roommate's 3 month old puppy stays in her crate without food or water for up to 8 hours if she has to.
3.Besides the puppy, my roommate also has a full-grown Lab, a Basset, and 2 greyhounds. So if it's size you're worried about, don't be. It depends on the dog. Regarding your schnauzer, just let them meet and sniff each other and see how it goes. They probably won't have a problem with each other at all. Binky has made friends with everything under the sun (including an intact male Doberman) with no problems at all. Good luck!
Judy
Hi Cathy. I will try my best to help you out here. Keep in mind what works for one will not work for another. So here goes:
#1--Crate size. When you go to the Pet Supplies store, you can just read the box and it will say on it what size dog it will comfortably hold. I have a crate that is kinda small, but my Annie can walk in it and she is very comfortable in it. I don't know the exact measurements of her crate, but I checked the box when I bought it and went from there.
#2--Everyone will answer this question differently. I only have food in Annie's crate. I never put water in there. She only goes in it at night to sleep and she drinks water before she goes in her crate. If she had acess to her water all night, she might have an accident in her crate. That's why I don't put water in. As far as what age to stop putting the food and water in the crate, I probably would do one of two things. Either don't stop, or when the pup starts to grow up I would stop. As they get older they don't need to eat as often as when their pup's.
#3--I would gradually introduce the two girls. Let them see each other and sniff and get to know one another at a slow rate. I wouldn't doubt it though if they became great playmates rather quickly.
Well, I hope that helped you. You will get a ton of different suggestions. Are you for sure decided on the maltese? If so, you will never regret it. You will fall in love with this breed. Good Luck!
Angel
In response to the best way to introduce the min. schnauzer to your Maltese, I want to say, be careful and go slow. My brother had one of these dogs and he was a sweet dog but...both Cubbie and his Schnauzer cousin wanted to rip each others heads off. Cubbie absolutely could not stand his own cousin, haha! He has never reacted this way before to any other dog. I guess doggies can have a "chemistry" problem just like people do.
Felicia
I bought a Maltese at Xmas - she was 8 weeks old. My existing dog is female and 12 years old, cross Lab/Ridgeback. I took the new puppy to her, sat down and let them smell each other. The pup loved her from the beginning, and Jessie my big dog, immediately started to lick her. They were instantly friends, and Cleo, the Malt, jumps up to her all the time and follows her everywhere. You should have no problems, just take it slow and watch their reactions.
Jan P
Jan P you didn't have a problem because your dog was female and already 12 years old. Se reacted to the little one like a mamie. It's not going to be the same with a younger dog. You have to be more careful and watch them. My daughter has a 5 year old female shi tzu. One year ago she was put together with two other dogs (lab/chow mix). It was alright with the older dog but they had to watch the two younger ones.
Janine
My son has a westie (3) that is very set in her ways. When my daughter got her poodle (6wks) the westie hated her. She wanted to snap and try to bite the poodle. Terriers have very strong jaws and can kill a little one without even trying. It took us several months for the westie to except the poodle. We would let them see each other and smell each other while we held the poodle in our hands. My son would leave the westie out in the bedroom while we placed the poodle in her crate and we would leave them in the room alone. You could go in and catch the westie trying to play with the poodle while in her crate. This was after about a week or so. Then we would supervise them in a room together for a little while at a time. Now they are the best of friends and play constantly. My maltesse is the oldest of the bunch (15) and she gets along with everyone.
Sandy
| Please bear in mind when reading topics pertaining to health issues, that most of these questions were answered by helpful Maltese owners with no formal education in veterinary medicine. When in doubt seek a professionals advise. |
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