How to Crate Train a Maltese
According to the American Kennel Club, Maltese dogs possess intelligence and respond well if their trainer rewards them as a result of a job well done. Pet owners initiate crate training for house breaking purposes, or to designate a "den." If you take the proper training steps, your Maltese should readily adapt to the use of the crate for either or both purposes.
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Instructions
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Purchase a crate large enough for your Maltese when it becomes an adult dog, if it is a puppy. Your dog needs to be able to stand up, sit down and turn around comfortably in the crate.
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Position the crate in a room where people will be walking in and out. Place a dog treat inside of the crate and close the door behind your puppy once it goes inside the enclosure. Walk away, but remain within earshot.
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3
Reprimand your Maltese with a firm, "No." anytime he barks, howls or whines. Be prepared to do this numerous times until your dog associates your reprimand with its action.
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Retain your dog in the crate for 30 to 45 minutes after he becomes quiet. Let it out of the crate for play time for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. This also may be a good time for you to take it outside to potty.
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Place your dog back in the crate and repeat Step 3 as needed. After one hour of quiet time, let your Maltese out of the crate for play time and/or feeding for 45 minutes to an hour. Leave the crate door open when your dog is not inside.
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Return your dog to the crate and repeat Step 3 as needed. Keep letting it out and placing it back inside the crate, until it goes in the crate on its own. It will eventually come to view the crate as a "den" and it will retreat there on its own accord.
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Move the crate to your bedroom at nighttime and place the dog in the crate. If it barks, howls or whines, reprimand it as needed.
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Tips & Warnings
Puppies should be let out of the crate to potty after sleeping or after an hour. Adult dogs can stay crated longer, yet should be allowed out the crate after 3 or 4 hours unless it is nighttime and they are trained to sleep in their crates.
Don't place puppy pads or newspapers in the crate. You don't want to encourage the dog to eliminate in there.
Do not keep your dog in a crate both during the day and at night.
Do not yell at or strike your dog. This will only cause further anxiety and prevent successful training.
