Proper Potty Training for a Maltese
Housebreaking a dog, or getting it to relieve itself outside, can be a challenge for all dog owners, and a Maltese is no different. According to Dogbreedinfo.com, the Maltese is a loving and very intelligent dog. This only counts in the owner's favor: The breed wants to please its owner and is also smart enough to understand positive reinforcement. The Maltese will develop its elimination habits within the first few months of life, according to Malteseonly.com.
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Owner Responsibility
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Potty training your Maltese has to begin with you. If the dog is in the house, you should be with him at all times. If the dog begins sniffing around the house, it is quite possibly because he needs to go out. Take him outside immediately to an acceptable area.
Most likely you will not be able to be with the dog at all times, so when it must be left at home alone it is preferable to leave the dog outdoors in a place where it is acceptable for him to relieve himself. Make sure your dog has food, water and shelter. Being consistent with these methods will likely make housebreaking fairly simple for this breed.
Walk After Naps
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The first thing your dog should do when waking is to go outside and relieve itself. It may be tough to get up early on Sunday morning when you hear him walking around the house, but you should not hesitate. Make sure this activity becomes a normal part of your pet's day. Eventually it will become such a habit that he won't let you sleep in if he has to go--but in the beginning it will be easy for him to soil the living room floor while you sleep.
Plenty of Praise
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Perhaps the most important factor in housebreaking pets is positive reinforcement. When your Maltese goes where he is supposed to go, be ready with treats and plenty of praise. Dogs enjoy praise and they are more likely to repeat good behavior when they know it pleases their owners. This positive reinforcement will have your dog "asking" to go outside at the door very soon, according to Malteseonly.com.
Crates
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Crates are a very effective housebreaking tool for all breeds of dogs. Dogs do not like to eliminate where they sleep, and if a dog is left in a crate during the day while the owner is out he is very likely to "hold it" until the owner returns to take him out to his usual spot.
Some people feel crating is cruel to dogs, but according to Malteseonly.com it can be just the opposite. Always feed your dog in the crate and encourage him to sleep in the crate while you are home (with the door left open). Soon the dog will feel he has a place of his own where he can be left alone and chew a toy or have a snack.
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