A New Chapter: Welcoming Ginny Home
Bringing Ginny into our home felt like a new beginning. She’s our first family dog — a tiny Maltipoo with the softest fur and the sweetest eyes. My son and daughter (6 and 4) were over the moon the moment we brought her in. We had talked about getting a dog for months, thinking it would be a beautiful addition to our little family, a way to bring more love and laughter into our everyday life here in Hungary.
The first night went amazingly well. Ginny slept peacefully, ate during the day, and seemed happy and curious about her new surroundings. It already felt like she trusted us. Of course, we had a few “new puppy” moments — she used her dog nappy for pee but preferred the garden for her kaka. We’re still learning together, step by step.
I have to admit — watching her tiny paws explore our home and seeing my kids’ joy made me realize how much I’d missed having a true best friend around.
The Maltipoo Adaptation Phase
Every puppy needs time to adapt — and for Maltipoos, this can take a few days or even weeks. Ginny came from a loving woman who gave me detailed notes about her routine, food, and care. It helped so much.
She explained that the adaptation process works best with gentle consistency — same feeding times, calm voice, lots of cuddles. The Maltipoo breed is very sensitive and thrives on closeness and routine.
Here’s what I learned from her:
- Feed 2x per day, around 35–40g per meal (for a small puppy that’s around 70–80g daily).
- At 7–8 months, when Maltipoos stop growing and their teeth change, they become adults. Then, they can eat up to 130g per day.
- If you want to switch food brands, always mix 50–50 for a week to avoid stomach issues.
We are feeding Ginny mini dog food for all life stages, and she’s doing great.
What to Feed a Maltipoo Puppy
The woman recommended Real Nature mini (but avoid the fish version) or Named with lamb or chicken. These brands are available in Hungarian shops and online.
For those in Hungary — she also mentioned Delikan Adult Menu (superpremium) and that it can be found in certain pet shops, like on Szlovák út – Minivet.
I learned quickly that the right food makes a huge difference in energy and digestion. Ginny loves her meals and already knows when it’s feeding time.
Maltipoo Grooming: Learning the Routine
Grooming is a big part of Maltipoo care — their coat is beautiful but needs regular maintenance. I was lucky to get local recommendations from the previous owner:
- Marina Dog Spa – 13th district, Budapest
- Barka & Beauty – 16th district, Budapest
She advised grooming every 4–6 weeks, and in between, brushing every two to three days. I use a small comb and usually place Ginny on a towel in my lap to make her feel safe.
For baths, she suggested gentle dog or baby shampoo, and only bathing once a week in summer or every two weeks otherwise. I also keep a humidifier in the room — it helps keep her coat soft.
It’s funny how grooming turned into our little bonding ritual. She sits calmly and lets me brush her tiny curls.
Maltipoo Vaccination and Health
The vet mentioned that we’ll need to repeat some vaccines soon. Ginny’s next vaccine is a liquid spot-on (for dogs under 2kg), applied on the top of her neck.
We also plan to change the microchip ownership and, later around 10 months (May–June), consider sterilization. After surgery, she’ll need a little dress to protect the wound — something I didn’t know before!
For prevention, the woman reminded me to use anti-flea and bladder treatments regularly, and to limit walks for a few days after the operation (only the garden, then short harness walks).
It’s amazing how much you learn in just a few days of being a new dog parent.
What I’ve Learned So Far
The biggest lesson? Patience and love go a long way. Ginny is teaching us just as much as we are teaching her. Every little success — eating well, sleeping calmly, or doing her business outside — feels like a small victory.
She has already brought so much warmth into our home. The kids adore her, and I can feel the calmness she brings into our days. Having a Maltipoo is not just about caring for a dog — it’s about creating a gentle rhythm together.
As I write this, she’s curled up beside me, fast asleep. I can’t help but smile — I think I finally found my best friend.
Explore more on Szia Soul.