Maltese dogs are known for their gentle and playful disposition, making them ideal companions for almost anyone. In addition to their gentle nature, they can also be alert and fearless. Known for their minimal shedding, Maltese make excellent lap dogs. They thrive on companionship and don’t do well when left alone. Owing to their spirited nature, they tend to learn new activities quickly.
Appropriate Training Methods for Maltese
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an excellent training approach for Maltese dogs. They are eager to please their owners and respond well to rewards when displaying good behavior. This can reinforce discipline and foster increased affection towards their owners. It’s important to be firm but gentle during training due to their delicate and small stature.
Socialization
Socialization training should begin when Maltese dogs are puppies. It’s crucial to expose them to people outside their immediate family and to other animals. Maltese dogs can be protective and even aggressive when it comes to their owners, which can lead to excessive barking around strangers. Hence, socialization training is vital.
Obedience
Obedience is key to maintaining discipline in the household. If a dog is not obedient, it may display behavioral issues that can be challenging for the owner to manage.
Do’s and Don’ts in Training Your Maltese
Do’s
– Be gentle during training.
– Use a soft voice when giving commands.
– Socialize your dog with other dogs and people.
– Praise your dog when they obey a command or display good behavior.
Don’ts
– Avoid unnecessary rewards.
– Do not leave them alone.
– Do not train your dog in cold weather, as they are sensitive and can fall sick easily.
When to Start Training Your Maltese?
The best time to start training a Maltese is around 8 weeks old. Early training helps shape their behavior into adulthood.
Starting training at this young age does not mean imposing difficult tasks or commands. Begin with basic instructions like ‘sit’, ‘lay’, ‘come’, and ‘stay’. Once they master these, you can introduce more complex commands and training when they are 4 months or older.
Where to Start Training Your Maltese?
House training is ideal for your Maltese, which typically takes 4 to 6 months. If you’re often away from home, consider enrolling them in a training center. Maltese dogs can become quite aggressive if left alone without social interaction. Therefore, a training school can be beneficial. Without their owner at home, a Maltese’s learning opportunities may be limited.
Your dog should not only be trained within a confined space, but they also need exposure to open areas. Training them in an open field serves dual purposes: it’s an exercise for your pet and a training opportunity.
