From the first car ride home to your puppy’s first birthday, this is the clear, Austin-ready roadmap written by Prettiest Puppies for families searching for Maltese Puppies For Sale In Austin.
When you welcome a Maltese into your life, you’re bringing home a tiny best friend with a big brain and an even bigger heart. As a small, people-oriented breed, Maltese puppies thrive on structure, short training bursts, gentle socialization, and a steady routine. Because we work with Austin families every day, we’ve built this guide to match how life really works here—heat waves, busy schedules, apartment living, shaded patio hangs, and quick trips around the city.
Below, you’ll find a week-by-week plan from homecoming (around eight weeks) through your puppy’s first birthday: feeding, sleep, potty training, grooming, vet milestones, and social skills. Everything is written in the same supportive, realistic tone we use with our own families at Prettiest Puppies.
Why a Week-by-Week Plan Matters (Especially in Austin)
Baby dogs grow fast. Maltese are small, so “little” changes—like nap windows, meal timing, and heat-smart walks—make a big difference. A week-by-week plan keeps training gentle and consistent, helps you build confidence through clear wins, and adapts easily to Austin’s climate (and your calendar).
What you’ll get from this guide
- Plain-English milestones for each phase
- Tiny training sessions that fit into real life (1–5 minutes)
- Austin-specific advice for heat, sidewalks, patios, and indoor enrichment
- Clear next steps from our team when you want to go further
If you’re still exploring Maltese Puppies For Sale In Austin, start by deciding what daily rhythm fits your home and we’ll tailor a plan around it.
Before Homecoming (Weeks 0–7): The Foundation We Build
At Prettiest Puppies, early weeks focus on clean environments, gentle handling, sound desensitization, age-appropriate nutrition, and smart, calm exposure to everyday life. You receive health records and guidance that set you up for success from the moment your puppy arrives in Austin.
Your prep checklist
- Crate and/or x-pen, comfy bed, and a quiet nap zone
- Enzyme cleaner for accidents, paper towels, and a designated potty spot
- Small-breed harness and lightweight leash
- A couple of puppy-safe chews (rotate daily)
- Travel plan for pickup day (secure crate, water, small towel)
Week 8: Homecoming (The First 48 Hours)
This is about calm, connection, and consistency. Keep greetings low-key, stick to one or two rooms, and begin your predictable rhythm: outside potty → 5–10 minutes of gentle play or training → water → potty → crate nap.
Feeding
Three to four small meals help keep blood sugar steady. Keep food brand/recipe consistent the first week to protect tummies. In warm months, offer fresh water often and avoid mid-day heat.
Potty training
Take your puppy to the same spot every 2–3 hours and after waking, eating, playing, or car rides. Praise the moment they finish. If weather is extreme (heat or heavy rain), keep trips brief and frequent.
Sleep
Expect 16–18 hours in a 24-hour period. Overtired puppies nip and zoom; rested puppies learn.
First 48-hour blueprint
Short, sweet handling (paws, ears, mouth), a few name games, and lots of naps. Keep the circle small, protect quiet time, and stick to your routine.
Weeks 9–10: Routines, Vet #1, and Gentle Socialization
Vet & vaccines
Schedule your first Austin vet appointment (or as directed in your records). Discuss heartworm prevention (year-round in Central Texas) and a flea/tick plan. Bring your paperwork and any questions; we encourage owners to keep a simple health notebook.
Training
Name response, “sit,” and “come” in quiet spaces, 1–2 minutes at a time, a few times a day. Keep it fun and end on success. Trade nips for toys; reward calm.
Car & city life
Short crate rides, a calm elevator trip, or carried walks on a quiet patio help build positive associations with Austin sights and sounds. Pair new experiences with treats; keep outings short and upbeat.
Weeks 11–12: Teething Starts, Confidence Grows
Teething
Provide puppy-safe chews and rotate them daily. Redirect nipping to a toy. Keep hands boring. Expect more mouthing at night—plan an earlier wind-down and an extra bathroom break.
Potty progress
As consistency improves, you can slowly lengthen intervals—never as a test. Rain or heat? Increase frequency, shorten outings, and reward immediately after success. Avoid long play before bed; we want quiet brains for sleep.
Observation “field trips”
With your vet’s guidance, carry your puppy through busier areas to watch the world without touching the ground. Pair sights and sounds with treats and gentle praise. End before your pup gets tired.
Weeks 13–16: The Socialization Sweet Spot
Quality beats quantity. One new thing at a time: a cyclist at a distance, a friend with a hat, a rolling suitcase, a calm dog hello (when your vet approves). Keep exposures brief and positive; your goal is curiosity, not bravado.
Grooming foundations
Daily 2–3 minute sessions: soft slicker, steel comb, and gentle face/eye care. Touch each paw and nail (reward calm), lift ears, and open the mouth. This pays off at the groomer and vet.
Training goals
- Reliable response to name
- Sit/Down with light distractions
- “Settle on a mat” for 10–30 seconds
- Polite handling (being picked up and placed down)
Weeks 17–20: Adolescence Arrives (Already!)
Expect boundary-testing and selective listening. It’s normal. Keep sessions short and playful. Practice loose-leash walking indoors or on shaded, quiet sidewalks. Reinforce calm greetings; ask for “sit” before food, doors, and cuddles.
Austin heat & paws
Sidewalks and asphalt can be hot for a low-rider like a Maltese. Use early mornings/evenings, test surfaces with your hand, and bring water. Fill in with indoor enrichment (snuffle mats, puzzle toys, frozen lick mats, 2-minute trick sessions).
Weeks 21–24: Confidence, Calm, Community
Public manners
Short patio visits, polite passerby interactions, and a relaxed “settle on a mat” while you sip coffee translate directly to Austin life. Keep “hello”s brief and gentle; we want soft eyes, loose bodies, and a wagging tail.
Nutrition
Small breeds mature earlier than large breeds, but many Maltese remain on puppy food longer than you’d expect. Discuss timing of any transition with your vet—often closer to 10–12 months for toy breeds.
Months 7–9 (Weeks 25–36): Polishing Everyday Skills
Your puppy is bolder, which is perfect for refining manners.
Focus areas
- Four paws on the floor for greetings
- Short “stay” and calm attention around light distractions
- Variety of environments (quiet neighborhood blocks, parking garage walk-throughs, a quick, calm visit to a dog-friendly shop—carried, if needed)
Grooming rhythm
Daily brush-outs, regular professional grooming, and consistent face/eye care to minimize staining. Handling games keep grooming peaceful. Practice a “chin rest” on a towel for eye cleaning.
Months 9–12 (Weeks 37–52): Almost Grown
What to expect
Steadier bladder control, better attention, and slightly longer (heat-smart) outings. Keep playdates gentle—Maltese prefer friendly, calm companions over rowdy wrestlers. Continue short, fun training bursts to maintain focus.
Health partnership
Review spay/neuter timing with your Austin vet (varies by individual). Confirm heartworm prevention and your flea/tick plan heading into each warm season. Keep nails short and ears clean; tiny steps weekly prevent big jobs later.
Feeding & Growth: Tiny Body, Steady Energy
Typical snapshot
- Weeks 8–10: 4 small meals; stick with a consistent recipe the first week
- Weeks 11–16: 3–4 meals; slow feeders if they gobble
- Weeks 17–24: 3 meals; training treats count toward the daily total
- Months 7–12: usually 2–3 meals; discuss adult-food timing with your vet
Hydration & heat
Offer fresh water often, especially in warmer months. On hot days, freeze broth in a lick mat or create a cool rest station indoors. Watch for signs of overheating: excessive panting, lethargy, or wobbliness—move to shade and call your vet if you’re concerned.
Health, Vaccines, and Safety in Austin
Central Texas weather plus mosquitoes and seasonal allergens mean your vet is your best teammate. Stick to your vaccine series, keep parasite prevention current, and build a home routine that protects a curious, tiny explorer.
Home safety checklist
- Secure electrical cords, houseplants, and dropped meds or supplements
- Block stairs and high sofas with gates—tiny jumpers can be fearless
- Keep exterior doors latched; small pups can slip through faster than you think
- Store human foods safely; many favorites are unsafe for dogs
- Supervise couch time; little legs plus high furniture can lead to injuries
Travel safety
Use a crash-tested crate or secured carrier. Plan breaks for water and potty. Keep a small “go bag” with pads, wipes, and a towel.
Training & Socialization: Tiny Dog, Big Brain
Maltese learn beautifully in short reps that feel like play. Think “1 minute here, 2 minutes there,” then a nap. Always end on a win and keep the tone cheerful.
Core skills by milestone
- By Week 10: name response, calm crate entry
- By Week 12: sit, come, short loose-leash practice indoors
- By Week 16: settle on a mat, short, calm patio visit
- By Week 20: polite greetings, comfortable handling at the vet/groomer
- By Week 24: short “stay,” relaxed elevator/carrier rides
- By Month 9: consistent recall indoors, good leash manners in quiet areas
- By Month 12: reliable household routines and heat-smart outdoor habits
Behavior tips
- Replace jumping with “sit for everything” (food, doors, cuddles)
- Redirect nips to toys; reward calm mouths
- Prevent resource guarding by trading up and teaching “drop” kindly
- Reinforce independence with crate naps and brief, positive separations
Grooming the Maltese Coat: Start Early, Keep It Easy
A few minutes a day beats a wrestling match once a week. Build positive associations with brushes, combs, face wipes, a low dryer, and standing calmly on a non-slip mat.
Daily quickie (2–5 minutes)
- Eye/face clean-up
- Gentle slicker, then steel comb through friction spots (behind ears, armpits, belly)
- Paw and nail touches with treats
- Check collar/harness fit (room for two fingers)
Weekly rhythm
- Bath as your groomer recommends
- Tidy sanitary areas
- Tooth brushing or dental wipes
Austin Life With a Maltese: Heat-Smart, Patio-Ready, Apartment-Friendly
Weather-wise walks
Aim for shaded morning and evening outings. Test surfaces with your hand, bring water, and shorten routes when temperatures climb. On extreme days, lean into indoor enrichment and micro-training.
City comfort
Elevators, parking garages, rideshares, and quick errands become second nature when you introduce them calmly and early. A soft carrier is your best friend for crowded spaces and keeps little paws safe.
Gentle social circles
Look for calm adult dogs and respectful people. Skip chaotic off-leash areas; toy-breed play goes best when it’s small, safe, and supervised. Keep greetings brief; leave while your puppy is still having a good time.
Avoiding Scams When You Search “Maltese Puppies For Sale In Austin”
Puppy fraud exists, and we never want Austin families to experience it. Watch for pressure to wire money, mismatched photos, no live video, vague answers, or a refusal to share records. Ask for clear health documentation and a straightforward explanation of what’s included with your puppy. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, step back and ask more questions.
How Prettiest Puppies Supports Austin Families
When you’re exploring Maltese Puppies For Sale In Austin, you want transparency, thoughtful guidance, and a partner who loves this breed as much as you do. That’s us. We’ll help you select a puppy that matches your lifestyle, prepare your home, plan the first 48 hours, and navigate every milestone in this guide. Our team is here for your questions—before, during, and after homecoming.
What families say they love most
- Clear, simple routines that fit busy lives
- Honest expectations and practical, Austin-specific tips
- A calm handoff process and ongoing support
- Puppies that arrive confident, curious, and ready to bond
🐾 Ready to Take the Next Step?
Your perfect Maltese puppy is waiting, and at Prettiest Puppies, we make the journey from first click to first cuddle seamless and exciting.
Whether you’re learning about the breed or preparing your home, we’ve got everything you need to welcome your new furry family member with confidence.
👉 Start here: A Maltese Puppy Could Be Your Perfect Companion
👉 Must-know tips: 5 Key Things to Know About Caring for a Maltese Puppy
👉 Explore your options: Maltese Puppies for Sale in Austin, TX
👉 Learn how we protect your pup: Health Guarantee
👉 Meet all our available pups: Puppies for Sale in Austin, TX
📩 Ready to reserve your puppy or have questions? Contact Us Today or Give Us A Call— we’re here to help you find your perfect match!
FAQ — Maltese Puppies For Sale In Austin
How much do Maltese puppies cost in Austin?
Pricing depends on factors like pedigree, coat quality, timing, and what’s included (health checks, vaccine series started, deworming, starter items). We’re always happy to outline exactly what comes with your pup and why.
When can a Maltese puppy go home?
Typically around eight weeks, once eating independently, sleeping in predictable cycles, and cleared by the vet per age. Your pickup date may shift slightly to match your puppy’s development.
Are Maltese good for apartments in Austin?
Absolutely. Maltese are toy-sized, affectionate, and thrive on short, frequent walks plus indoor enrichment. In hot months, choose early or late outings and keep mid-day play inside.
Do Maltese shed? Are they hypoallergenic?
Maltese have hair, not fur, and shed minimally. “Hypoallergenic” varies by person, so we recommend spending time with the breed if you have allergies, and keeping a consistent grooming routine.
How big will my Maltese get?
Most adult Maltese are 4–7 pounds and 7–9 inches at the shoulder. Your vet can chart growth at each visit and advise on nutrition as your puppy matures.
How long does potty training take in Austin’s climate?
With consistency, many families see steady progress in 2–8 weeks. Weather can slow things down; on hot or rainy days, do shorter, more frequent trips and reward immediately after success.
What shots does my Maltese need in Austin?
Your vet will guide your DHPP series, rabies (by law), and year-round heartworm prevention, plus a flea/tick plan tailored to Central Texas. Keep every appointment on time—tiny dogs depend on these protections.
How often do Maltese need grooming?
Daily quick brush-outs, a routine face/eye clean-up, and regular professional grooms keep the coat comfortable and tangle-free. Start handling practice early so grooming is stress-free.
Are Maltese good with kids and other pets?
Yes—with guided introductions and gentle boundaries. Teach kids to greet while seated, pet softly, and never carry the puppy. Introduce calm adult dogs in quiet settings. Keep sessions short and positive.
What should I bring on pickup day?
A secure travel crate, harness and leash, absorbent pads, water, a small towel, and a few high-value treats. Plan a quiet arrival home and let your puppy settle with naps between short potty breaks.
Your Next Step
If your heart is set on Maltese Puppies For Sale In Austin, we’d love to help you meet the right match and feel fully prepared for every phase. Reach out to our team, tell us about your household and schedule, and we’ll guide you through availability, timing, and the smoothest first week possible.
From our family to yours—welcome to the joy, sparkle, and everyday cuddle of life with a Maltese.
Helpful Resources
American Kennel Club (AKC) – Maltese Breed Information
The AKC provides official details on Maltese temperament, grooming, health, and care. It’s one of the most trusted resources for dog breed information.
Visit AKC Maltese Resource
Austin Animal Center – Adoption Services
Austin’s largest municipal animal shelter often has small dogs available, including Maltese mixes. They provide adoption guidance, medical care, and community support.
Visit Austin Animal Center
ASPCA – Pet Care and Adoption Guidance
The ASPCA offers expert advice on bringing a new dog home, including preparing your household, training, and ongoing care tips.
Visit ASPCA Dog Resources
Humane Society of the United States – Responsible Pet Ownership
The Humane Society shares practical resources on dog adoption, responsible ownership, and health considerations, helping ensure a positive long-term relationship with your Maltese.
Visit Humane Society Dog Resources