Is your Maltese ignoring you when you call? Training a puppy takes patience, but it doesn’t have to be hard. With simple steps and positive reinforcement, your dog can learn basic commands quickly.
Stick around—you’ll thank yourself later!
Key Takeaways
- Use short, clear commands like “sit” or “stay.” Pair them with hand signals for better understanding.
- Train in calm spaces without distractions and keep sessions to 5-10 minutes daily.
- Reward good behavior instantly with treats, praise, or petting to reinforce learning.
- Consistency is key—train at the same time each day and avoid skipping sessions.
- Avoid punishment; use positive reinforcement to build trust and encourage success.
Preparing for Training
Start by setting yourself up for success with the right tools and a calm space. A focused pup learns faster, so keep distractions to a minimum.
Gather necessary training tools
Have a leash, collar, and high-value treats like freeze-dried liver ready. Use these tasty rewards during obedience training to keep your dog’s focus sharp. A clicker can also help mark correct behavior with precision.
Keep a soft mat for teaching “down” or “stay.” Combine verbal cues with clear hand signals for the learning process. Toys can be helpful too, especially for commands like “leave it” or “drop it.”.
A distraction-free space comes next!
Choose a distraction-free environment
Pick a quiet spot for training. A calm environment helps your Maltese focus better. Busy areas or noisy rooms can confuse the dog. Avoid places where other pets, people, or loud noises might grab attention.
Start inside your home, like the living room or backyard, as long as it’s peaceful. Adjust difficulty by slowly introducing distractions later if needed. If your puppy struggles to stay focused, use higher-value rewards such as small pieces of cooked chicken to keep interest high during obedience training sessions.
Teaching Basic Commands
Your Maltese can learn basic commands with practice and consistency. Start small, be clear, and watch them grow smarter every day.
Name recognition
Start by saying your Maltese’s name in a happy tone. Use treats or toys to grab attention. As soon as they look at you, reward them with praise and a small treat. Repeat this process daily for 5-10 minutes.
Keep eye contact while calling their name. Avoid overusing it without purpose; it may confuse the puppy during obedience training. Consistency is key. Dogs thrive on simple commands paired with positive reinforcement.
Sit
Hold a treat close to your Maltese’s nose to grab attention. Slowly move the treat above their head, causing them to lift their chin and naturally lower their bottom onto the ground.
The moment they sit, say “Sit” firmly but kindly, and reward them with the treat along with praise like “Good job!”.
Repeat this process for 5-10 minutes daily during puppy training sessions. Avoid extending training beyond that as Maltese dogs are small and may lose focus quickly. Use positive reinforcement every time they follow through correctly—this builds dog obedience effectively without stress or confusion!
Stay
Teach “stay” with calm steps. Start in a quiet space, free of noise or other dogs. Have treats ready and keep your Maltese on a leash. Say “sit” first. Once sitting, hold your hand out like a stop sign and say “stay.” Keep eye contact while stepping back slowly.
Always use a release word like “OK” to show the command is over. If the dog moves early, reset them gently without scolding. Praise success immediately using positive reinforcement such as treats or kind words.
Repeat daily but limit sessions to 5-10 minutes for focus!
Down or Lie Down
After your dog learns “Stay,” teach them to lie down. Use a treat as a guide. Hold it near their nose and slowly move it to the ground. This action encourages them to follow it with their head and body, settling into a lying position.
Say “Down” or “Lie Down” clearly as they lower themselves. Reward them right away with the treat and praise using a cheerful tone. Repetition helps strengthen obedience training. Keep sessions brief—five minutes is sufficient for puppies’ attention spans.
Come
Getting your Maltese to “come” needs patience and practice. Start indoors in a quiet spot with no distractions. Use their name, followed by the command, “Come!” Keep a joyful tone.
Crouch or clap your hands as an extra lure.
Reward them every time they obey, using treats or praise. Slowly increase distractions over time—start in the backyard before moving to parks. Avoid calling them for things they dislike, like baths or scolding; it can confuse them about responding positively during obedience training sessions!
Additional Useful Commands
Teaching extra commands can make life easier and keep your Maltese safe. These skills also strengthen your bond, making obedience training more enjoyable for both of you.
Leave It
Train your Maltese to “leave it” for safety and obedience. Use clear verbal commands like “leave it,” paired with hand signals. Start by showing them a treat in one hand while keeping another treat hidden.
Close your fist around the visible treat if they try to grab it. Say “leave it.” The moment they stop trying or look away, reward them with the hidden treat and praise.
Practice regularly, but keep sessions short—5 to 10 minutes at most. Be patient; repetition helps build understanding over time. Positive reinforcement works best here; never scold them for not getting it right instantly.
This command prevents accidents with dangerous items during daily walks or playtime, making both training and life safer for everyone involved!
Drop It
Dogs love to grab things, even items they shouldn’t. Teaching “Drop It” helps keep them safe. Hold a toy or chew in their mouth’s reach and let them take it. Then, offer a treat close to their nose while saying “Drop It.” Most dogs will release the item for the reward.
Praise right after they drop it! Repeat this until they respond quickly every time you say the command. Use positive reinforcement throughout training, as it builds trust and ensures success.
Heel
After teaching “Drop It,” it’s time to focus on “Heel.” This command helps your Maltese stay by your side during walks. Start with a short leash and keep treats handy. Hold the treat near their nose to guide them into position next to you.
Say “Heel” firmly as you step forward, encouraging them to follow.
Mix up which foot you start with while walking—this keeps your dog tuned in to body language, not just routine. Praise often when they stay beside you or match your pace. Gradually add distractions like other dogs or noises once they learn the basics.
Repetition is key; practice daily for steady progress in obedience training!
Wait
After teaching “Heel,” work on the “Wait” command. It helps your Maltese learn patience and control, especially during mealtimes or before crossing streets. Start by having your dog sit or stay in place.
Hold your hand up like a stop sign and say, “Wait,” firmly but gently.
Take one step back while keeping eye contact. If they stay put, immediately reward with praise or a treat—positive reinforcement is key! Use a release word like “OK” to signal they can move again.
Practice this daily during obedience training to build consistency.
Tips for Effective Training
Training is like a dance—keep it fun, simple, and clear to help your Maltese thrive; now let’s explore what makes it work.
Use positive reinforcement
Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or petting. High-value treats like freeze-dried liver work best for dog obedience training. Say “Good job!” in a happy voice after your Maltese follows a command.
Give the reward right away to reinforce the action. A puppy learns faster with quick feedback. Positive reinforcement builds trust and makes learning fun, unlike punishment that creates fear or confusion.
Keep training sessions short and consistent
Training your Maltese for obedience commands works best in short, focused bursts. Aim for 5-10 minutes per session to hold their attention and keep them motivated. Overloading them with long lessons can lead to boredom or frustration, which slows learning.
Stick to a reliable schedule. Train every day at the same time if possible. Dogs thrive on routines, so this consistency helps them soak up information faster. Combine clear goals with patience, and you’ll see steady progress without overwhelming your pup!
Be patient and avoid punishment
Patience builds trust in dog training. Maltese dogs can be stubborn, so rushing only causes frustration. Stay calm, even if progress feels slow. Consistency matters more than quick results.
Avoid punishment—it confuses and scares your puppy. Instead of shouting or scolding, focus on positive reinforcement like treats or praise. This method strengthens their bond with you while encouraging good behavior naturally.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the basics can confuse your Maltese, leaving them unsure of what you want. Stick with clear commands, or things might go haywire fast!
Overcomplicating commands
Using long or confusing commands confuses your Maltese. Stick to one-word cues like “sit” or “stay.” Pair them with clear hand signals for better results. Dogs respond to simplicity and repetition, not detailed instructions.
Avoid adding extra words during puppy training, like saying, “Can you please sit down now?” It makes the command unclear. Keep it short and direct every time. This consistency strengthens obedience training and builds understanding over time.
Inconsistent training
Switching between methods or skipping sessions confuses your Maltese. Dogs thrive on habits and regularity. If “sit” sometimes means sit, but other times means stay still, they won’t know what to do.
Consistent commands paired with positive reinforcement build trust and understanding.
Spread training across short daily sessions instead of long gaps. Repeating commands often helps solidify obedience. Gradually add distractions as your dog improves; this avoids overwhelming them too soon.
A steady schedule can transform a puzzled pup into a canine good citizen over time!
Conclusion
Training your Maltese can be fun and rewarding. Use kind words, treats, and patience to guide them. Keep practices short but regular to hold their focus. Celebrate progress, no matter how small—it all adds up! A well-trained Maltese is a happy companion for life.
FAQs
1. How can I start training my Maltese puppy?
Start with positive reinforcement. Use treats and praise when your puppy follows commands. Keep sessions short to match their attention span during early puppy training.
2. Should I socialize my Maltese while training?
Yes, socializing is key for obedience training. Introduce your dog to different people, pets, and places so they stay calm and well-behaved in new situations.
3. Can a dog trainer or behaviorist help with simple commands?
Absolutely! A professional dog trainer or behaviorist can guide you through teaching basic commands like “sit” or “stay.” They also offer tips for long-term success.
4. Is competition obedience necessary for a family pet?
No, competition obedience isn’t required unless you’re entering events. Focus on practical skills that make everyday life easier, like leash walking or coming when called.