How to Teach a Maltese the Place Command
Teaching your Maltese the "place" command is an excellent way to manage their high barking tendency and separation anxiety while channeling their playful energy constructively. Since Malteses have moderate trainability (3/5), consistency and short, engaging sessions work best—avoid lengthy drills that will bore them. This command gives your small companion a designated safe space to relax, reducing stress-triggered barking and reinforcing calm behavior. The Place command is particularly valuable for Maltese owners dealing with small-dog syndrome, as it teaches boundaries while respecting their gentle, affectionate nature. With positive reinforcement and patience, your Maltese will learn to settle on their mat or bed, creating a peaceful routine that benefits both dog and owner.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose the Right Mat and Location
Select a small, elevated bed or mat that fits your Maltese's toy-sized frame—something cozy like a cushion or low dog bed. Place it in a quiet, low-traffic area of your home where your dog naturally feels calm, away from doors and windows that trigger barking at outside stimuli.
- 2
Introduce the Mat with Treats and Play
Let your Maltese explore the mat freely while tossing high-value treats onto it. Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes) to match their moderate energy level and attention span. Use a cheerful tone to create positive associations without forcing them onto the mat.
- 3
Add the Verbal Cue 'Place'
Once your Maltese voluntarily steps onto the mat, immediately say 'Place' in a calm, rewarding voice and give a treat. Repeat this 5-10 times per session over several days until they associate the word with the action. Consistency is key given their 3/5 trainability.
- 4
Build Duration with Calm Behavior Rewards
Gradually increase the time your Maltese stays on the mat before rewarding. Start with 10-15 seconds, then extend by 5-second increments. Reward only when they're in a relaxed, sitting or lying position—this teaches calm behavior, not just placement.
- 5
Practice with Gentle Distractions
Once your Maltese holds Place for 30+ seconds, introduce light distractions like you moving around or a knock on the door. This is crucial because barking at stimuli is a major Maltese challenge. Reward heavily when they stay calm on their mat despite triggers.
- 6
Reinforce During High-Barking Times
Proactively send your Maltese to Place during typical barking triggers—doorbells, outdoor noises, or when you're busy. Reward them immediately for staying put rather than barking. This addresses separation anxiety by creating a secure routine and redirects their fearless-but-anxious tendency to bark.
Pro tips
- Keep training sessions to 5-10 minutes max; Malteses have lower energy levels (2/5) and moderate trainability, so short, frequent sessions prevent frustration and maintain focus better than long drills.
- Use exceptionally high-value rewards like tiny pieces of chicken or cheese; Malteses respond well to premium incentives, which overcomes their sometimes stubborn small-dog syndrome tendencies.
- Practice Place during calm times first, then gradually introduce it when barking triggers arise; this prevents your Maltese from associating the mat with punishment and ensures they learn the calm behavior you're rewarding.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to teach a Maltese the Place command?+
Most Malteses learn basic Place in 2-4 weeks with consistent daily practice (5-10 minutes, 1-2 times daily). Given their moderate trainability (3/5), expect progress to be steady but gradual. Fluency—holding Place reliably despite distractions—may take 6-8 weeks.
My Maltese keeps jumping off the mat before I release them. What should I do?+
Stay patient; this is common with playful Malteses. Reward only when all four paws remain on the mat, even briefly. Avoid making the command a game by chasing them. If they leave, calmly reset and try again. Never scold, as this increases anxiety and barking.
Can the Place command help with my Maltese's separation anxiety?+
Yes, absolutely. A consistent Place routine creates a secure, predictable space where your Maltese learns to self-soothe. Start by practicing Place while you're home, then gradually step out of the room for short periods. This builds confidence and reduces anxiety-driven barking.
Should I use treats every single time they go to Place, even after they learn it?+
Initially yes, but gradually transition to intermittent rewards (rewarding every 2-3 successful Place commands). This maintains motivation while preventing treat dependency. Always praise and reward stays during distracting situations to reinforce calm behavior when barking triggers appear.