You just got a new Maltese puppy and you would like it to do more than bark and pee all over the place. Perhaps you have finally decided to show your Maltese that YOU are the leader of the pack, or maybe you don't have a Maltese yet, but are considering it.
Maltese are a fun breed, but keep in mind that while all dogs are trainable, Maltese are more susceptible to certain types of training.
1. MALTESE BEHAVIOR
To train your Maltese, you must think like your Maltese. We like to believe they are "furry people", but they are in fact DOGS. Dogs do not understand verbal language. They do not understand why it is ok to bark at an intruder but not Aunt Tilly. Here are some ways you can think like your Maltese:
Leader of the Pack
All dogs are actually descendents of the wolf. While they cuddle with us and make us and learn to obey commands, they still have those wild characteristics: sharp eyes, a keen sense of smell, and most importantly, their need to be in a pack. To your Maltese, you and everyone else in your household are in his/her pack. No matter how large or small this pack is, there can only be ONE LEADER (the alpha dog). Your Maltese, however, doesn't want to be the leader! NO DOG does! It makes them feel safe and secure to have YOU in charge. If you are a big marshmallow and have a problem in the discipline area, your Maltese will step in and discipline you.
So think like a pack leader, like the powerful alpha dog - the boss that has the respect of the rest of the pack.
How to Be the Alpha Dog
To successfully train your Maltese, always be firm and consistent. This will show him that he can't get away with everything, even if he is so darn cute! You must always "out rank" your Maltese. If at any time you fear that the ranking table has been turned, DO NOT GIVE UP! Do not let him run away with the squeaky toy...grab it and put it up high. Do not let him take your seat on the sofa. Toss him off. Other tactics include taking his/her seat on the sofa, eating in front of him/her before they get fed, and growling back, fiercely, if your Maltese growls at you.
Maltese Puppies
If you have a puppy, make sure you begin training him as soon as possible. This will reinforce his/her natural tendency to depend on the pack leader.
The Mature Maltese
If you own an older Maltese, don't believe "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." While it's true that older dogs come with set tendencies, they will obey your commands if you make it worth their while to do so, so don't fall for that old lie.
Do Not Abuse
You should NEVER yell at or hit your dog, no matter how frustrating training can get. This will only make your Maltese nervous and untrusting.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement through repetition and praise is effective in training anyone - your Maltese, your children, your husband, etc. All habits, good and bad are formed when an action is repeated over and over again with consistency. So during the process of training your Maltese (or husband), don't give up until he's got it. Even when you think your Maltese has mastered your commands, test him/her on it occasionally to make sure he still has it!