How to Train a Maltese: Tricks for a Well-Behaved and Happy Dog 🐶💖

The Maltese is a small dog with an affectionate, lively and intelligent character. Thanks to its docile nature, it can be easily trained with the right methods. If you have just welcomed a Maltese puppy into your home or want to improve the education of your four-legged friend, this article will provide you with all the useful advice for effective and peaceful training .

1. Knowing the Maltese Character: Intelligence and Sensitivity

Before you begin training, it is essential to know your Maltese's personality:
✔ Very intelligent – ​​Learns quickly, but needs consistency in rules
✔ Affectionate and attached to the owner – He loves being with his family and suffers loneliness
✔ Sensitive – Needs an education based on sweetness and positive reinforcement
✔ Lively and playful – Playing is a great tool to teach him new things

Understanding these issues will help create a supportive environment for training.

2. First Steps: Basic Education for an Obedient Maltese

When starting to train a Maltese, it is important to start with the basics:

🏡 2.1. Get him used to the house and the routine

📌 Choose a specific area for his bed and bowls
📌 Establish fixed times for meals and walks
📌 Teach right away where he can and cannot go

Small dogs can develop separation anxiety, so it’s helpful to gradually accustom them to being alone for short periods.

🐾 2.2. The Name Command and the Recall

The first command the Maltese must learn is his name .
Method:
✅ Say his name in a sweet and positive tone
✅ Reward him every time he responds by looking at you
✅ Associate it with pleasant experiences (caresses, games, rewards)

After learning his name, teach the command “Come” :
📌 Call the dog with a cheerful voice and show a treat
📌 When he approaches, reward him and praise him
📌 Repeat several times a day, increasing the distances

3. Get him used to his needs: Toilet training

Maltese puppies have a small bladder and will pee often at first. To teach them where to do their business:

✔ Pad Method : Place a pad in a quiet corner and take your dog there after each meal or nap.
✔ Regular outing method : Take your puppy out every 2-3 hours and reward him when he does his business in the right place
✔ Avoid punishment : If he makes a mess in the house, clean it without scolding him (an angry tone can only confuse him)

Consistency and patience are key!

4. Basic Commands: Obedience Lessons for the Maltese

🐶 4.1. Sitting (Basic Command)

📌 Hold a treat in front of the dog's nose
📌 Raise your hand slightly above your head
📌 When he sits spontaneously, tell him “Sit” and reward him
📌 Repeat the command several times a day

✋ 4.2. Stay (For a Calm and Disciplined Dog)

📌 After teaching him “Sit,” take a step back and say “Stay.”
📌 If he stays still, reward him immediately
📌 Increase the distance gradually

🛑 4.3. No! (To Correct Wrong Behaviors)

📌 Use a firm but non-aggressive tone
📌 Ignore the dog when he does something wrong, to make him understand that he will not get attention
📌 Reward good behaviors to reinforce positive learning

5. Socialization: How to Make Him Interact with People and Other Animals

A well socialized Maltese will be more confident and less anxious. To do this:
✔ Take him to public places from an early age (parks, bars, city centers)
✔ Introduce him to other dogs and people in a gradual and positive way
✔ Avoid overly stressful situations or forced meetings

Remember that Maltese tend to defend their owners , so it is important to accustom them to interacting without fear or aggression.

6. Avoid Behavioral Problems: Practical Tips

🚫 Does he bark too much?
✔ Avoid reacting immediately: only reward silence
✔ Use the “Stop” or “Quiet” command in a calm tone
✔ Don't reward barking with attention

🎾 Nibble Objects?
✔ Provide suitable toys to distract him
✔ If he bites furniture or shoes, tell him “No” and immediately give him an alternative

🏡 Do you suffer from separation anxiety?
✔ Get him used to being alone little by little
✔ Leave an object with your scent near the kennel
✔ Avoid greeting him excessively when you leave

7. The Importance of Play and Positive Reinforcement

Maltese loves to play! Use fun as an educational tool:
🎾 Play with him every day to strengthen the bond
🎁 Reward positive behaviors with treats or cuddles
🤗 Always keep a positive attitude to make him feel safe

Conclusion: A well-trained Maltese is a happy dog!

Educating a Maltese requires patience, consistency and a lot of love . With gentle and positive training, your dog will become obedient, calm and well socialized . By following these tips, you will have a faithful and well-educated companion, ready to share many moments of joy with you!

💬 Do you have a Maltese? What training tricks have you found most effective? Write it in the comments! 🐾👇

📢 Share this article with other Maltese lovers to help them educate their little friends in the best way! 💖