How to Stop a Maltese From Counter Surfing
Counter surfing in Maltese dogs is a frustrating behavior that stems from their fearless, playful nature and surprisingly high food motivation despite their toy size. Because Maltese dogs have moderate trainability (3/5), they respond best to consistent, patient positive reinforcement rather than punishment. Their lower energy level (2/5) means they're not jumping out of boredom—they're investigating counters because they've learned food appears there. Combined with their gentle temperament, this breed benefits from redirection rather than harsh corrections. This guide teaches you how to make counters boring and inaccessible while rewarding your Maltese for keeping all four paws on the ground, using management and reward-based training methods suited to their unique personality.
Step-by-step
- 1
Eliminate access and temptation
Clear all counters completely of food, crumbs, and interesting items for at least 2-3 weeks. Use baby gates or exercise pens to create a barrier if needed, especially in your kitchen. A Maltese's fearless nature means they'll test boundaries, so physical prevention is more effective than relying on commands alone during the initial training phase.
- 2
Create an incompatible behavior alternative
Teach a 'place' command where your Maltese goes to a specific mat or bed in the kitchen while you prepare food. Start by tossing treats onto the mat during low-stress times, then practice while you're cooking or eating. This gives their clever mind a job to do and redirects their food-seeking behavior into something rewarding and appropriate.
- 3
Use positive interruption and redirection
If your Maltese approaches the counter, immediately redirect them to their mat or offer a high-value toy. Reward heavily with praise and treats when they comply. Avoid saying 'no'—instead, make the redirect so rewarding that they voluntarily choose the correct behavior, which suits their gentle, treat-motivated nature.
- 4
Practice impulse control exercises
Work on basic 'sit' and 'stay' commands during your 25-minute daily exercise sessions, incorporating food rewards. Place treats on the floor in front of them and reward heavily when they wait for permission. This strengthens their ability to resist temptation and improves their overall trainability (3/5) through consistent, bite-sized practice.
- 5
Manage mealtimes strategically
Feed your Maltese in a separate room or crate during your own meal times for at least 4-6 weeks. This prevents them from learning that counters have food when family eats, breaking the association. Once the behavior improves, gradually transition to feeding them in the kitchen while they remain on their mat.
- 6
Establish a long-term maintenance routine
Continue rewarding your Maltese for staying off counters, especially during high-temptation moments like cooking or cleanup. Because Maltese dogs can have small-dog syndrome and barking tendencies, be patient if they whine or bark while waiting—ignore it and reward silence instead. Consistency over 8-12 weeks is key for this trainability level.
Pro tips
- Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) and use their 25-minute daily exercise time wisely—a tired Maltese is less likely to counter surf out of boredom or restlessness.
- Use high-value treats (chicken, cheese) as rewards during counter-surfing training, since their strong food motivation makes positive reinforcement especially effective for this breed.
- Be extra patient if your Maltese also has separation anxiety or small-dog syndrome—counter surfing may be part of a larger anxiety pattern. Reward calm, independent behavior consistently.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Maltese keep counter surfing even when there's no food visible?+
Maltese dogs are fearless and playful, so they may jump up out of curiosity or to get attention from you. If counter surfing ever resulted in food or attention in the past, they remember. Ensure you redirect them calmly (not excitedly) to their mat and reward them for choosing the alternative behavior.
My Maltese is very small—can they actually reach the counter?+
Yes, many Maltese owners are surprised by how high their tiny dogs can jump, especially on furniture or with chair assistance. Their fearless temperament means they'll attempt to reach higher than you'd expect. Never underestimate their determination—physical barriers are your best friend.
How do I stop my Maltese from barking while waiting on their mat during meals?+
Barking is a strong tendency in Maltese dogs. Ignore all barking and only reward quiet moments with treats and attention. If they bark, turn away and wait for silence, then immediately reinforce. This takes patience, but Maltese respond well to consistent positive reinforcement over 4-6 weeks.
Is it okay to use a shock collar or spray bottle to stop counter surfing?+
No. Maltese dogs have a gentle temperament and respond poorly to punishment-based methods, which can increase anxiety or small-dog syndrome behaviors like excessive barking. Stick with positive reinforcement, management, and redirection for best results with this breed.