Coton de Tulear Puppy Checklist

Before Puppy Comes Home

What do you need before bringing home a Coton de Tulear puppy?

Last updated October 8, 2026

The Coton de Tulear puppy is adaptable and easy-going, which makes the transition to a new home relatively smooth. The most important preparation involves grooming — establishing the right tools and routine early sets the Coton up for a lifetime of accepting brushing calmly.

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Supplies Checklist

• Medium crate with soft blanket or dog bed (Cotons love to be cozy)
• Small food and water bowls — stainless or ceramic
• Adjustable harness and 4–6 foot lightweight leash
• ID tag with phone number
• High-quality small-breed puppy food (confirm with your breeder)
  One option: Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Puppy, Chicken & Rice (6 lb) on Amazon. Purina Pro Plan's small-breed puppy formula, with kibble sized for small mouths and chicken as the first ingredient. Ask your vet about portions and when to move to adult food.
• Pin brush (the primary tool for the Coton coat)
  One option: Chris Christensen Oval Pin Brush (20 mm) on Amazon. Chris Christensen's Original Series oval pin brush with 20 mm pins, the size for small and toy breeds. Brush in layers from the skin out; a pin brush is for daily maintenance, not for working out mats.
• Wide-tooth metal comb for checking at the roots
• Detangling spray (diluted leave-in conditioner or commercial spray)
  One option: Chris Christensen Ice on Ice Detangling Spray (16 oz) on Amazon. A leave-in detangling spray with sunscreen, misted on before brushing so the pins slide through the coat instead of tearing it. Mist the coat lightly, not the skin; it's a finishing spray, not a substitute for a bath.
• Moisturizing dog shampoo and coat conditioner
• Enzymatic cleaner for accidents
  One option: Nature's Miracle Dog Stain & Odor Remover (32 oz) on Amazon. An enzymatic stain and odor cleaner that keeps breaking down urine and other organic messes after you apply it. Spot-test on carpet or upholstery first.
• Small toothbrush and enzymatic dog toothpaste
  One option: Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Toothpaste, Poultry (2.5 oz) on Amazon. A poultry-flavored enzymatic toothpaste made without foaming agents, so it's meant to be swallowed rather than rinsed. Use it with a soft-bristled or finger toothbrush.
• Soft pet facial wipes for daily tear stain prevention
  One option: Earth Rated Dog Eye Wipes, Unscented (70 ct) on Amazon. Unscented, vet-developed wipes for cleaning dirt and discharge from the fur around the eyes. For cleaning only; persistent staining, redness or discharge is a question for your vet.
• Durable but small toys — puzzle feeders, soft plush, and chew toys

Home Preparation

• Baby gate off stairs until the puppy is coordinated (small puppies can tumble on stairs)
• Remove or secure cords and small chewable objects within puppy reach
• Set up a designated feeding and sleeping area
• Research local groomers experienced with Bichon or Coton coats and book a puppy introduction appointment at 10–12 weeks

Vet Setup

• Find a vet experienced with small breeds
• Schedule first wellness exam within 48–72 hours of bringing the puppy home
• Discuss dental care schedule — start professional cleanings earlier rather than later
• Enroll in pet insurance immediately

First Week Setup

What should the first week with a Coton de Tulear puppy look like?

The Coton is a naturally social, adaptable breed that typically settles into a new home quickly. The first week priorities are establishing routine, beginning grooming habits, and starting the socialization that builds a confident adult dog.

Day 1–2: Arrival

• Show the puppy its crate with a comfortable bed — place a worn article of your clothing for scent comfort
• Establish house-training schedule: outside after every meal, every nap, every play session, and every 2 hours
• Begin brief daily brushing on day one — a gentle, positive session of a minute or two with treats. Build duration gradually.
• Wipe the face, especially under the eyes, with a soft damp cloth to begin the tear stain prevention routine

Day 3–7: Building Habits

• Begin short harness walks in the neighborhood
• Invite 2–3 calm adults for friendly introductions with food rewards
• Handle feet, ears, and mouth daily
• Begin toothbrushing: let the puppy taste the toothpaste, then progress to brief brushing
• Complete first vet wellness visit
• Book puppy obedience class for the upcoming weeks

Socialization Priorities (Weeks 8–16)

• Varied adults and children — the Coton is friendly but benefits from broad early socialization
• Other friendly dogs — the Coton is naturally sociable and usually does well in group settings
• Novel sounds, surfaces, and environments
• Car rides — begin short positive trips to build car comfort
• Being handled by the groomer — introduce the puppy to the groomer for a "puppy intro" visit before the first actual groom

Training

An Easy Breed to Train — But Start Correctly

The Coton de Tulear is one of the easier small breeds to train. It is people-pleasing, motivated by food and praise, and does not have the stubborn independence of terriers or guardian breeds. Short, positive training sessions work extremely well.

Priority Commands

• Sit, stay, come, down: The Coton learns these quickly with consistent positive reinforcement. Work on them daily in short 3–5 minute sessions.
• Loose-leash walking: Begin with treats to encourage walking alongside you. The Coton is small but can pull if not taught otherwise.
• Leave it: Important for keeping the small dog safe from swallowing hazards.

Building Independence

• The Coton is a companion dog by nature and can develop separation anxiety if not taught to be comfortable alone. Build crate time with the dog at home from day one — stuffed Kongs are excellent for this.
• Practice regular short departures and calm arrivals. Do not make a production of leaving or returning.

Fun Training

• Cotons love learning tricks — spin, roll over, high five. This is an excellent breed for trick training and it provides mental stimulation that the breed needs.
• Consider agility or rally obedience when the puppy is old enough — the Coton's combination of athleticism and trainability makes it a natural.

Grooming Acceptance Training

• This is the most important training task specific to the Coton: building calm acceptance of being brushed from day one. Every grooming session should be positive — treats during and after, calm voice, brief sessions that build in duration over weeks. A Coton that accepts brushing gracefully makes the next 15–19 years of coat maintenance genuinely pleasant.