How to Teach a Maltese Tricks
Teaching tricks to a Maltese is a rewarding way to channel their playful, fearless nature while managing their high barking tendency and separation anxiety. Despite moderate trainability (3/5), Malteses respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement and short, engaging sessions that respect their toy-sized frame and lower energy levels (2/5). This guide focuses on building confidence through fun tricks—from foundational "shake" to more advanced behaviors like "roll over" and trick chains—while strengthening your bond and reducing unwanted barking. With consistent, upbeat training adapted to their gentle temperament, even first-time trainers can help their Maltese master impressive skills in just minutes daily.
Step-by-step
- 1
Start with High-Value Rewards
Malteses are food-motivated but easily bored, so identify treats they genuinely go wild for—soft, tiny pieces work best for their small mouths. Keep training sessions to 5–10 minutes maximum to match their lower energy level and maintain excitement; always end on a positive note to prevent frustration and barking outbursts.
- 2
Master Foundation Commands
Teach solid "sit" and "stay" using gentle luring with treats before attempting tricks. These fundamentals are essential anchors for building complex chains and give your Maltese the confidence they need to attempt new, sometimes intimidating behaviors without triggering their fearless—but sometimes anxious—tendencies.
- 3
Teach 'Shake' and 'Paw'
Hold a treat near your Maltese's chest, slightly to one side, and wait for them to bat your hand with their paw. Immediately reward and mark the behavior with a clear "yes!" Malteses naturally use their paws when exploring, so this trick usually comes quickly and builds their confidence for more complex moves.
- 4
Progress to 'Roll Over'
Begin with your dog lying down, then lure a treat slowly over their shoulder to guide them onto their hip, then back. Break this into stages: "lie down" → "side position" → "full roll," rewarding each small increment to avoid frustration in this toy-sized breed.
- 5
Chain Tricks Together
Once your Maltese reliably knows 3–4 individual tricks, begin linking them: "sit" + "shake" + "roll over" in sequence, rewarding only at the end of the chain. Malteses enjoy the mental stimulation and structured playtime, which helps burn energy and reduces separation anxiety-driven barking.
- 6
Practice Daily in Short Bursts
Train during your Maltese's 25-minute daily exercise window, breaking it into three 5-minute sessions with play breaks between. This pace respects their modest energy level, keeps their attention sharp, and prevents the frustration that can trigger their strong barking tendency.
Pro tips
- Use a consistent verbal marker ('yes!' or a clicker) the instant your Maltese performs the behavior, then deliver the treat within a second—this clarity is crucial for moderate-trainability breeds.
- Train before meals or during your Maltese's brief window of peak alertness (mornings work well); their low energy means timing matters more than duration.
- Celebrate tiny wins loudly and enthusiastically—Malteses' playful, affectionate nature means they thrive on your genuine joy and will repeat behaviors that make you happy.
Frequently asked questions
My Maltese barks excessively during training—is this normal?+
Yes, Malteses have a high barking tendency (4/5), especially when excited or anxious. Keep sessions upbeat and short; if barking escalates, pause training, wait for calm, then resume. Never reward barking with attention. Channel their energy into tricks instead of letting frustration build.
How long will it take my Maltese to learn a trick?+
Most Malteses master simple tricks like "shake" in 5–10 training sessions (a few days to a week), while complex chains may take 2–3 weeks. Their moderate trainability means consistency and patience are key; short, positive sessions yield faster results than longer, demanding ones.
My Maltese gets anxious when I leave the room—should I train near them constantly?+
Separation anxiety is common in this breed, but training can help. Start sessions when they're calm, gradually introduce brief departures during play, and reward independent calm behavior. Trick training itself builds confidence and mental stimulation, reducing anxiety-driven behaviors over time.
What if my Maltese just won't learn a particular trick?+
Break the trick into smaller steps and reward partial progress heavily. If they're still stuck after several sessions, switch to a different trick and return later. Malteses respond poorly to pressure; forcing will trigger barking or shutdown. Keep it fun, and they'll stay engaged.