Obedience · Maltese
How to Teach a Maltese to Leave It
Updated · How we write our guides
Short answer
Teach your Maltese to "leave it" using positive reinforcement, rewarding them with high-value treats and praise whenever they ignore a closed fist or tempting item. Because this sensitive breed can be stubborn, keep sessions short and patiently progress to higher-value temptations and real-world distractions.
Teaching a Maltese to "leave it" is essential for this fearless little breed, who often gets into trouble despite their gentle nature. Malteses have moderate trainability (3/5) and can be stubborn, especially around food and interesting objects—a trait linked to their small-dog syndrome tendency. Their low energy (2/5) means they need mental stimulation to stay engaged, making impulse control training ideal for burning focus. This guide uses positive reinforcement exclusively, rewarding calm behavior rather than punishing curiosity. Because Malteses are sensitive and can develop anxiety, patience and consistency are crucial. Master "leave it" and you'll protect your dog from hazards while building their confidence and obedience.
How to do it
Step-by-step
Tick off each step as you practice it — your progress is saved on this device.
Step 1: Start with a closed fist holding a treat
Hold a low-value treat in your closed fist near your Maltese's nose. Let them sniff and paw at it. When they back away even slightly, immediately reward them with a high-value treat from your other hand. Repeat this 5–10 times per session, keeping sessions short (5 minutes max) since Malteses lack stamina.
Step 2: Introduce the verbal cue "leave it"
As your Maltese begins to predict the pattern, say "leave it" firmly but gently just before they pull back. Reward immediately with praise and a better treat. Their affectionate nature means verbal praise and eye contact matter as much as food rewards. Repeat daily for 3–5 days until they reliably respond.
Step 3: Gradually increase the temptation level
Move from closed-fist treats to placing low-value items on the floor a few feet away (like kibble). Say "leave it" and reward them for ignoring it. Progress slowly to more tempting items (cheese, toys, socks). Malteses can be impulsive, so small incremental steps prevent frustration and keep training positive.
Step 4: Practice with real-world distractions
Once your Maltese masters the basic cue, practice in different rooms, outdoors, and with mild household distractions. A Maltese's high barking tendency (4/5) means you'll need to train in a calmer environment first. Use their favorite high-value rewards during these sessions to maintain motivation.
Step 5: Extend duration and distance
Gradually increase how long your Maltese must ignore an item before getting rewarded (start with 2 seconds, build to 10+). Also increase the distance between your dog and the tempting object. Keep rewarding generously—their sensitive temperament means inconsistent rewards can cause regression.
Step 6: Reinforce daily and manage the environment
Practice "leave it" 2–3 times daily in short bursts, especially before meals when motivation is high. In daily life, pick up hazards, keep human food out of reach, and prevent access to items they shouldn't chew. This prevents accidental reinforcement of bad behavior and sets your Maltese up for success.
For the Maltese
Pro tips
- Use silence strategically: Malteses are barkers (4/5 tendency), so reward quiet focus during training. A calm environment and low-key praise (gentle voice, not excited) help them concentrate better than overstimulation.
- Leverage their affectionate nature: Pair food rewards with petting, eye contact, and soft praise. Malteses bond deeply with owners, so personal connection matters as much as treats—this accelerates learning.
- Practice before meals: Your Maltese's food drive peaks pre-meal, making impulse control training more effective then. Aim for training sessions 30 minutes before regular feeding times when motivation is naturally highest.
Owners ask
Frequently asked questions
My Maltese ignores "leave it" when excited—is this normal?
Absolutely. Malteses have moderate trainability (3/5) and can be willful, especially under excitement. This is NOT stubbornness—it's impulse control that's still developing. Go back to easier practice scenarios, use higher-value rewards, and avoid training when your dog is overstimulated. Consistency wins with this breed.
How do I prevent small-dog syndrome from undermining training?
Small-dog syndrome in Malteses often stems from owners being overly lenient. Stay firm and consistent with the "leave it" cue, rewarding only correct behavior. Don't let cute behavior slide. Your Maltese's affectionate nature means they respond well to structure paired with warmth—set boundaries lovingly.
What if my Maltese has separation anxiety? Can that affect training?
Yes—anxious dogs struggle to focus. If your Maltese shows anxiety, train during times they're calm and secure, and always end on a positive note. Keep sessions short and near where you are. Build confidence through small wins before tackling "leave it" in challenging situations.
How often should I practice with such a low-energy breed?
Malteses need only 25 minutes of daily exercise. Train "leave it" 2–3 times daily in short 5-minute sessions (10 total minutes)—this fits perfectly into their energy budget and keeps them mentally sharp without overexertion.
Watch
Videos: leave it
How to Train Your Dog to LEAVE IT: Complete Beginner's Guide
Happy Hounds Dog Training · Works for any breed
Spotted a mistake or something out of date? Email us — we review every report, fix the guide and update its date. Our guides are general education, not a substitute for a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist.
