Training Tips For Your Beloved Maltese Pup

The Maltese dog makes a very lovable pet and is usually just dandy staying indoors with it's owner. When first bringing a Maltese pup home, it is essential that you begin the training process right away so that you will not be paying for it later on.

Below you will find some common issues and how you can begin the teaching process at once.

Your Maltese and Chewing

Chewing can be a common problem with the Maltese or any puppy for that matter. Here are some tips you can follow to alleviate the problem:

1. Spray down your furniture and carpets with deterrents such as bitter spray or cayenne pepper.

2. Refrain from giving your Maltese old shoes, slippers or furniture for toys as they will just turn to the newer ones as well. Instead, buy them dog toys that they will be certain to enjoy just as much.

3. If the chewing problem continues, you might need to restrict your Maltese to a crate when you are not going to be home. Be sure to give him toys to chew on in the crate.

Your Maltese and Barking

Barking is another common problem with the Maltese. Here are some tips you can follow to decrease the barking:

1. If your Maltese is barking because of a stranger outside, pet and praise him for alerting you of potential danger, and then tell him to be quiet. If he stops barking, immediately give him a toy or treat as a reward. Repeat the process as needed.

2. When barking is an issue due to separation anxiety (your absence), gradually teach it how to be home without you around. You can do this by leaving the house for short periods of time at first, such as walking outside your front door for a couple minutes. Then gradually increase the time. If he remains calm during this time, reward him with a treat.

3. Keep your Maltese active during the day. Play with him, take him for walks, give him plenty of toys to play with and just the basic TLC he needs. This will keep him busy and even tire him out for later napping.

Your Maltese and Potty training

Although potty training can be quite the struggle in the beginning, it is essential that you begin right away with the process. Here are some tips you can follow:

1. Get a kennel or play pen for your pup. Line one side with newspaper and the other with bedding. When your Maltese is a puppy it is difficult for them to hold their potty and therefore accidents will occur. Having the newspaper near them and available at all times will help lessen the accidents. Once they get older, they will no longer want to sleep where they potty. This is also where you want to keep your Maltese pup when you are not home.

2. If you spot your pup getting ready to go in your house, pick it up and bring it to the newspaper quickly. Reward it after it is done. Repeat as much as necessary.

3. Once your Maltese has had it's third set of shots, you can begin the potty training sessions outside. This is easily done by moving the newspaper outside until it gets used to going outside.

These are a few training tips you can follow for your new Maltese. Following these tips consistently and showing your dog lots of affection is key to a happy, healthy Maltese.