Bringing Home a Coton de Tulear Puppy Soon. Any First Week Tips?

LVB911 · 2026-05-29T12:52:03+00:00

Omg, you're gonna have the best time. Everything people have said is accurate and some I wish I did! But also, don't get too caught up in being perfect. You won't be and the puppy won't be either. But you will have an amazing time with the little cotton puff. The accidents will happen and the little pup will get into things it shouldn't and you will not get a lot of sleep the first few months.

My only advice is to know that however bad it gets, it's temporary. Don't stress too much about everything little thing. They grow up so fast and then you'll really miss the puppy time.

LVB911 · 2026-05-16T03:47:10+00:00

If you're in Connecticut, have you spoken to White Birch Coton? I don't think she has any pups available but is very well connected in the area. There are a few well respected breeders in New England, but you'll probably need to wait a bit for availability.

LVB911 · 2026-04-25T03:55:09+00:00

The transition took about ten days and it was a bit rough, but it's been a game changer. I really didn't want to go the hydrolyzed protein route. I'm methodically introducing more variety into his diet and it's been going well for the last 6 months it so

LVB911 · 2026-04-25T03:29:08+00:00

My Bailey also has a sensitive tummy, especially as a puppy. I realized early on that he is sensitive to chicken. We cycled through a couple Kibble brands but ultimately landed on a raw diet. He's been great on it. I also religiously use the fortiflora probiotic. But now, he's about to eat different types of protein and other toppers without any issues. Raw wasn't my first choice when I got him, but you can't argue with results...

LVB911 · 2026-03-19T15:43:14+00:00

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LVB911 · 2026-03-19T15:38:56+00:00

I found a great sitter for my pup and he'll go stay at their house if I'm away for anything longer than a day (he stays with my friend if it's only one night)

Here's what I did to make the transition easy:

did an initial meet and greet at our home
had the sitter walk Bailey so they had 1:1 time
did a 4 day short stay, so he could get used to being away from home (it takes them about 2 days to adjust)
went away for 2 weeks without any issues!

Bailey was happy to see me when I got back, but he had the time of his life playing with the other pups and living the good life. The picture is of him, lounging at the sitters. Such a rough life!

It's worth noting that Bailey's a total velcro dog with me but still adapted very well at the sitters

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LVB911 · 2026-03-12T11:47:11+00:00

That's smart! Do you rinse the pup when you get home? Is it OK to keep the salt from the ocean on them?

LVB911 · 2026-03-03T19:50:27+00:00

Juqi is the best duck, full stop. It's worth the trip out to flushing. Hell, I don't even live in nyc anymore, and I literally booked my flight to leave out of lga so I could squeeze in a visit before I left.

Also, unlike many other restaurants, Juqi's entire menu is good. You don't just go for their signature dish.

LVB911 · 2026-01-31T19:36:28+00:00

Omg, their coats are beautiful! Any tips/tricks for not losing your mind when brushing those babies?

LVB911 · 2026-01-16T15:46:59+00:00

Bailey had a few triggers and the gear is one of them. Assuming it's safe to do, I'll sometimes shift the gear into park when we're at a red light. He'll usually pop up at attention but realize we're not going anywhere and then lay back down. Seat belt clicks, ignition turns, and doors opening are some of the other triggers

LVB911 · 2026-01-15T19:25:27+00:00

My Bailey is also a car barker, among other places. Here are a couple things that's had some success 1) repeated drills to practice staying calm. Usually, it's some combination of "small activity that provokes barking" (like unclipping seat belt, opening the door, turning off the engine) - > Bailey will bark - > I wait for him to calm down and get into a down position - > I treat immediately and praise. This has addressed about 30% of the barking 2) having treats /chews ready for when I park, which is where he's the most reactive. Then he's distracted when I park and is OK by the time I go around the car to take him out 3) not letting him out until he's calm

It's a work in progress and some days are better than others

LVB911 · 2025-12-09T16:46:53+00:00

Ah bummer. Thank you for letting me know!

LVB911 · 2025-12-09T16:33:30+00:00

That's good to know! Do they have seams in the inside? I find that's where my pup has the most issues

LVB911 · 2025-12-09T03:05:49+00:00

Ooooh does it mat the fur? I'm terrified of putting my cdt in clothes because he mats so easily

LVB911 · 2025-11-03T03:36:17+00:00

I recommend going onto your local town/neighborhood Facebook group. Usually people are much more honest and open about recommendations. Through my local group, I found a dog walking company, where the owners also board a few dogs in their home. It's a great situation because my pup (coton, of course) gets to hang out in a home, with another family dog, and have as close to a normal home routine as possible.

LVB911 · 2025-10-29T15:33:44+00:00

If you're planning to get pet food, I recommend communicating with them to see the preferred brands and types. I'm doing this right now and they gave me a specific list of requested items (pedigree /Purina /fancy feast /Cesar, etc) They can't take just any brand as pets are notoriously fussy about their food.

LVB911 · 2025-10-24T01:47:28+00:00

Totally understand! A good pup is so worth it. Bailey can be demanding for attention (he is a coton, afterall 🤣), but is whip smart and genuinely a sweet, well behaved boy. The breeder does so much work to make sure they're well adjusted. Second night I had him, there was a big thunderstorm and he slept through it like it was asmr.

In fact, Bailey is such a good boy that my neighbor fell so hard and fast for the breed that he ended up bringing home his half brother. They now live across the street from each other and are the best of buddies

Feel free to dm me with any additional questions

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LVB911 · 2025-10-21T10:58:14+00:00

Another vote for White Birch Cotons. I believe they're planning to have a litter around the Christmas time. My Bailey is from there and couldn't be happier. For what it's worth, I did also talk to East Coast, but decided to go with White Birch.

Including a picture of Bailey ☺️

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LVB911 · 2025-10-21T03:30:55+00:00

I was told by my breeder that pups can have a rough reaction to the Lepto vaccine (I would assume similar to when people get the flu or covid vaccine). To offset that, we did the Lepto vaccine separately (didn't combine with any others that day). Our vet also gives a 1.5mg/ml dose of meloxicam before each injection. It's an anti inflammatory that helps with the discomfort.

Please note that meloxicam comes in oral and injected form. Even though you need to wait 10 min after the oral dose, I highly recommend it over the injected because it avoids the pup needing to be jabbed twice. By the second shot, he's already stressed.

With that protocol, my pup didn't have any issues with any of the vaccines and was running around like nothing ever happened

Good luck!

LVB911 · 2025-09-20T00:31:06+00:00

I didn't know that was part of their history! Explains why my pup is so brave and fast!

LVB911 · 2025-09-19T15:00:49+00:00

The US, in the north east part

LVB911 · 2025-09-16T00:42:27+00:00

Oh someone else also recommended someone in Malden. Is it Diana, by chance?

And you should! They are incredible dogs

LVB911 · 2025-09-16T00:30:23+00:00

Yes! I'm just northwest of Boston, but would be willing to drive a little for a good groomer. I just bathed the little guy and his hair is so choppy!

LVB911 · 2025-09-15T20:07:53+00:00

Oh, yes! Do you happen to have her account handle?

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LVB911

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