How to Train Maltese Puppies

The Maltese is an ancient breed from the island of Malta that has changed very little over the centuries. They are a small breed, often chosen due to their hypoallergenic qualities and make excellent family pets and companions. The Maltese is a highly intelligent breed that thrives with a little structure and training, and starting this in while young will give your Maltese litter a head start in life.

Things You'll Need

• Treats
• Toys
• Leads
• Collars
• Puppy pads or newspapers

Instructions

1. All puppies, regardless of breed, go through different learning stages based on their age of development. From birth to approximately 4 weeks of age, puppies to little more than eat and sleep. Eyes, ears and nose are fully developed by the age of 4 weeks, and that is when puppies become much more active and mobile. At the age of 5 weeks, puppies’ teeth are fully developed, and they begin to use them to play, nip and establish the basics of their pack dominance. Personalities really begin to develop at this point as well, and the more outgoing puppies will begin to show this dominance. Maltese puppies, being a toy breed, may develop a bit slower than larger breeds, but are still very trainable and are quick learners. From the ages of 6 to 8 weeks, puppies can begin a simple training routine that will help prepare them for adulthood.

2. Teaching your Maltese puppies basic skills is an important step in preparing them to be happy, healthy companions once they are weaned. While young, most puppies learn the majority of social and life skills from their littermates and their mother. Bite inhibition, basic social interaction, and manners with other dogs are a few of the major skills that your Maltese puppies will learn by the time they are approximately ten to twelve weeks of age. However, a number of simple skills can be passed onto the puppies before they are weaned that can help them adapt to their new homes once they leave the litter.

3. Good feeding habits are one skill that you can begin teaching the puppies when they are weaned from milk onto solid foods. Neither puppies nor adult dogs should ever be allowed to just mob the food dish and dive in. Your Maltese pups should be taught to wait for their food and politely move to the food bowl. Every time you prepare to feed pups, calmly give them a command such as “let’s eat” or “feeding time,” which is an indicator to them that it’s time to come eat. Gently lower the bowl into the puppies’ area, but do not let them rush to it. Make them wait until the bowl is down and you move away from it, and then allow them to eat. You can increase the waiting period by a few seconds every feeding period until the pups all calmly wait for the food.

4. Another of the most basic skills that your Maltese puppies can be taught at a young age is where to potty. Dogs are clean animals by nature, and do not like to potty where they eat or sleep. Establishing an area in your whelping or puppy area where the puppies should potty at away from the feeding and sleeping areas will set the foundation for housebreaking. Pad the area with some highly absorbent material such as puppy pads or newspapers, and encourage the puppies to potty there. After every meal and frequently throughout the day, take a treat or toy to the potty area and encourage your puppies to use that area. Give a command such a “potty” to them, and wait while they sniff and explore the area. Eventually they will get the idea that using that area away from feeding and sleeping places is best, which will make fully housebreaking them when the leave the litter much easier.

5. Collar and leash training is another simple step that young Maltese puppies can be taught before leaving the litter. Many breeders will use colored ribbons to identify puppies in litters when they are very young, especially in breeds which have little to no identifying marks such as the Maltese, so many are already accustomed to the feeling of something on their neck while growing up. Moving to a collar is typically no serious issue for pups who’ve had identifying ribbons. A small, flat collar is best for young puppies, as there is less risk of damage or injury than other types of collars. Sit down with the pup and a favorite treat, and put the collar on. Reassure the pup that it is ok, and once the collar is on, reward the puppy for sitting still. Most pups will scratch or itch at the collar, but will get used to it quickly. Moving onto leash training is simple as well. Attach a lightweight leash to the puppy’s collar, and allow the pup to drag it around until it no longer notices the leash. Many pups will try and bite at or chew the leash, but will get over their initial curiosity quickly. Once they do, then pick up the leash and follow the pup, so that it gets used to someone walking behind it. Eventually the pup will be comfortable with being followed, and you can gently begin encouraging the pup to come in your direction. Take a treat and, while holding onto the leash, step away from the puppy. Show the puppy the treat, and gently tug on the leash to get the puppy headed your way. Reward the pup immediately when it steps toward you and offer lots of praise. Eventually all the pups will be used to having a collar and lead and following you for a few steps at a time, which will make life outside the litter much more pleasant.

Tips & Warnings

• Always offer lots of praise to your young Maltese puppies. Pups learn best when praised and encouraged, so offer this often.

• Be gentle with your puppies. Maltese are a small breed, and rough handling can be very frightening.

• Do not physically force your puppies to do anything. Pushing, hitting or otherwise forcing your puppies to do perform any command will not help in training your puppy.

• Do not use too many treats with your young puppies. Overindulging them in treats is bad for their sensitive digestive systems.