How to Train Maltese Puppies

A Maltese makes a wonderful family pet. They are affectionate, loving, loyal and their small size makes them perfect for small homes or apartments. Maltese dogs are adorable puppies that will grow into great dogs if their owners take the time to train them properly.

• Socialize your Maltese puppy. A small Maltese pup needs to be exposed to different sounds, places, smells, and people in order to learn how to behave properly in different situations. Socialize a puppy slowly so it does not become overwhelmed. A good rule of thumb is to expose your Maltese pup to one new thing for the first 100 days you own it.


• Use a crate. Dogs, including the Maltese, are den animals that will not go to the bathroom where they sleep. A crate mimics a den and is a valuable tool in potty training your Maltese puppy. Begin by placing the Maltese puppy in the crate for short amounts of time so it can become comfortable. Have the puppy sleep in the crate at night, but take it outside to use the bathroom often since a Maltese puppy has a very small bladder.


• Practice positive reinforcement with a Maltese puppy. Maltese puppies learn commands easily compared to other breeds in the toy group. Use tasty treats or small pieces of chicken or cheese to reward the puppy as it learns commands. Be prepared to practice the commands you want it to learn often until the puppy has mastered what you want it to do. An obedience class is also very useful when training a Maltese puppy.