Toy breed · Popularity #37
Maltese Training
The Maltese is an ancient toy breed bred for companionship, with a gentle, affectionate nature wrapped in a flowing white coat. Playful and surprisingly fearless, it bonds intensely with its owner and can develop separation anxiety and nuisance barking if overindulged. Like many toy dogs it can be slow to house-train and prone to small-dog syndrome, both preventable with consistent, reward-based training and clear boundaries. The Maltese needs minimal exercise but enjoys interactive play and gentle trick work. Well-socialized and trained, it is a devoted, elegant, and charming lap dog ideally suited to apartment living and attentive owners.
Trainability
Energy
Barking
- daily exercise
- ~25 min
- size
- Toy
- guides
- 30
Temperament
GentleAffectionatePlayfulFearless
Common training challenges
BarkingSeparation anxietyHousetraining difficultySmall-dog syndrome
8 guides
Obedience
How to Leash Train a MalteseTeaching calm, polite walking without pulling on the leash.BeginnerHow to Train a Maltese to Come When CalledA reliable recall is the most important safety skill you can teach.IntermediateHow to Teach a Maltese to SitThe foundational obedience cue every dog should learn first.BeginnerHow to Teach a Maltese to StayBuilding duration, distance, and distraction control with the stay cue.BeginnerHow to Teach a Maltese to Leave ItImpulse control around food, objects, and hazards.IntermediateHow to Teach a Maltese to HeelPrecision loose-leash walking in the heel position.IntermediateHow to Teach a Maltese to Lie DownThe down cue as a building block for settle and impulse control.BeginnerHow to Teach a Maltese the Place CommandSending your dog to a mat or bed and holding a relaxed stay.Intermediate
6 guides
Puppy
How to Potty Train a Maltese PuppyA step-by-step house-training routine for reliable results.BeginnerHow to Crate Train a MalteseMaking the crate a safe, calm den your dog chooses willingly.BeginnerHow to Stop a Maltese Puppy From BitingCurbing nipping and teaching gentle bite inhibition.BeginnerHow to Socialize a Maltese PuppyBuilding confidence during the critical socialization window.BeginnerHow to Stop a Maltese Puppy From Crying at NightSettling a new puppy for peaceful, uninterrupted nights.BeginnerThe Ideal Training Schedule for a Maltese PuppyA daily routine balancing training, play, rest, and potty breaks.Beginner
10 guides
Behavior
How to Stop a Maltese From BarkingIdentifying triggers and reducing excessive or nuisance barking.IntermediateHow to Treat Separation Anxiety in a MalteseA gradual desensitization plan for dogs that panic when left alone.AdvancedHow to Stop a Maltese From Chewing EverythingManaging destructive chewing and teaching appropriate outlets.BeginnerHow to Stop a Maltese From Jumping on PeopleTeaching polite greetings instead of jumping up.BeginnerHow to Handle Aggression in a MalteseUnderstanding and safely managing aggressive behavior.AdvancedHow to Fix Leash Reactivity in a MalteseReducing lunging and barking at dogs or people on walks.AdvancedHow to Stop a Maltese From DiggingRedirecting the urge to dig into acceptable outlets.IntermediateHow to Stop Resource Guarding in a MalteseSafely resolving guarding of food, toys, and spaces.AdvancedHow to Help a Maltese Overcome Fear of StrangersBuilding confidence in a shy or fearful dog around new people.AdvancedHow to Stop a Maltese From Counter SurfingKeeping paws off counters and food off the menu.Intermediate
6 guides
Advanced
How to Train a Maltese to Be Off LeashDeveloping the reliability needed for safe off-leash freedom.AdvancedHow to Clicker Train a MalteseUsing marker-based training for fast, precise communication.IntermediateHow to Teach a Maltese TricksFun trick training from shake and roll over to advanced chains.IntermediateHow to Start Agility Training With a MalteseIntroducing your dog to agility equipment and courses.AdvancedHow to Prepare a Maltese for the Canine Good Citizen TestPassing the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification, step by step.IntermediateAdvanced Obedience Training for a MalteseProofing advanced obedience under real-world distractions.Advanced