Maltese Dog Training: Complete Guide for Puppies and Adult Dogs
Training a Maltese dog is not about forcing obedience—it’s about teaching good habits in a way that matches this breed’s intelligence, sensitivity, and strong attachment to people. Maltese dogs are quick learners, but they are also emotionally aware and easily influenced by inconsistent handling, which is why many owners struggle with barking, house-training setbacks, or “selective listening.”
This guide is designed to give you a clear, realistic roadmap for Maltese dog training, whether you’re raising a young puppy or working with an adult dog that already has habits in place. Instead of vague tips, you’ll learn how Maltese dogs actually learn, why common problems develop, and how to train them in a way that builds cooperation rather than resistance.
Unlike many small breeds, Maltese dogs thrive on structure just as much as companionship. When training is done correctly, it prevents long-term behavior issues such as excessive barking, separation anxiety, indoor accidents, and dependence-driven misbehavior often mislabeled as “small dog syndrome.”
This article focuses on practical, home-based training methods that fit real households—busy schedules, apartments, families, and first-time dog owners—while still being grounded in proven learning principles. By the end, you’ll understand not just what to teach your Maltese, but how to teach it in a way that creates calm, confident, and reliable behavior.
Understanding the Maltese Temperament and Behavior
Before you train a Maltese dog, it’s important to understand how this breed thinks and feels. Many training problems happen not because the dog is “stubborn,” but because the training does not match the Maltese personality.
Maltese dogs are smart, alert, and very people-focused. They learn fast, but they also notice small changes in tone, mood, and routine. This means they respond best to calm, clear, and consistent training. Harsh voices, yelling, or sudden punishment can make them nervous or cause them to shut down instead of learning.
Because Maltese dogs are companion dogs, they form strong bonds with their owners. This is why they often follow you everywhere, bark when you leave, or demand attention. These behaviors are not bad by nature, but without guidance they can turn into separation anxiety, excessive barking, or clingy habits.
Maltese dogs are also very alert. They notice sounds, movement, and strangers quickly. This makes them good watchdogs, but it also explains why barking is such a common issue in the breed. Training teaches them when barking is okay and when it’s not needed.
Another common issue is what people call “small dog syndrome.” This happens when a small dog is allowed to ignore rules because of its size. Carrying them often, not correcting jumping, or giving in to barking teaches the dog that rules don’t apply. Over time, this creates behavior problems that are hard to fix.
The table below shows how common Maltese traits affect training and what owners should do differently.
| Maltese Trait | What Owners Often Notice | Training Adjustment Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Strong attachment | Follows owner everywhere | Teach short alone-time early |
| High intelligence | Learns fast but tests limits | Stay consistent with rules |
| High sensitivity | Shuts down with yelling | Use calm voice and rewards |
| Alert nature | Barks at noises and people | Train quiet and calm responses |
Understanding these traits helps you train smarter, not harder. When you work with your Maltese’s natural behavior instead of against it, training becomes easier and more effective.
How to Train a Maltese Dog Step by Step
Training a Maltese dog works best when it is simple, short, and done every day. This breed learns fast, but long or confusing sessions can make them lose focus. The goal is to teach good habits slowly and clearly.
Start training as early as possible. Maltese puppies can begin basic training at 8 weeks old. Adult Maltese dogs can also learn well, but they may need more patience if bad habits are already formed.
Keep training sessions short. A few minutes done many times a day works better than one long session. Always train when your dog is calm and slightly hungry, so treats are more motivating.
Use rewards instead of punishment. Maltese dogs respond best to treats, praise, and a happy voice. Yelling or scolding can make them scared or stubborn.
Here is a simple daily training plan based on age.
| Age | Session Length | Sessions Per Day | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy | 3–5 minutes | 4–6 times | Potty training, name, calm behavior |
| Adult | 5–10 minutes | 2–3 times | Obedience, leash walking |
House training needs extra patience with Maltese dogs because they have small bladders. Take them outside often, especially after waking up, eating, playing, and before sleep. Always reward them right after they go in the right place.
Leash training should start indoors. Let your Maltese get used to the leash first. Walk slowly and reward them for staying near you. Never pull hard on the leash, as this can scare small dogs.
Rewards matter a lot in Maltese training. Using the right reward at the right time helps your dog understand faster.
| Reward Type | When to Use | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Soft treats | Learning new skills | Keeps attention high |
| Praise | When dog listens | Builds trust and confidence |
| Short play | After training | Makes training fun |
Be patient and repeat lessons often. Maltese dogs learn best with routine. Training should feel calm and positive, not stressful.
Common Maltese Training Problems and How to Fix Them
Even with good training, many Maltese owners face similar problems. These issues are common and fixable when you understand why they happen and how to respond correctly.
One of the most common problems is barking. Maltese dogs bark because they are alert, bored, scared, or seeking attention. Telling them to stop loudly often makes barking worse. Instead, stay calm, reward quiet moments, and teach them that silence brings good things.
Potty training problems also happen often. Maltese dogs are small, so they need more bathroom breaks. Accidents usually come from waiting too long, missing signals, or changing routines. A fixed schedule and quick rewards help a lot.
Separation anxiety is another big issue. Maltese dogs love being close to their owners. If they are never alone, they may panic when left by themselves. Start with very short alone times and slowly increase them so your dog learns that you always come back.
Some owners think their Maltese is stubborn. In most cases, the dog is confused. Using different words for the same command or letting rules change from day to day teaches the dog to ignore cues. Clear rules and the same commands every time fix this problem.
The table below shows common problems and simple solutions.
| Problem | Why It Happens | What Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Barking | Alert nature or attention seeking | Reward calm behavior |
| Accidents indoors | Small bladder or missed trips | Potty schedule |
| Anxiety when alone | Strong attachment | Short alone-time practice |
| Ignoring commands | Mixed signals | Same rules and words |
Avoid common owner mistakes like carrying your Maltese too much, giving treats at the wrong time, or skipping training on busy days. These habits slow progress and confuse your dog.
When to Seek Professional Help for a Maltese Dog
Most Maltese dogs can be trained at home with patience and daily practice. However, some situations need extra help. Knowing when to ask for support can protect your dog’s health and improve behavior faster.
Training should show small progress within a few weeks. Your Maltese should start understanding basic rules like potty routines, simple commands, and calm behavior. If nothing improves after steady training, something deeper may be going on.
You should seek professional help if your Maltese shows strong fear, panic, or aggression. Signs include shaking, hiding often, growling, snapping, constant barking that does not improve, or destroying things when left alone. These behaviors are not “bad behavior” — they are stress signals.
Separation anxiety that gets worse instead of better is another reason to contact a trainer or behavior expert. A professional can create a safe plan to help your dog feel calm when alone.
Choose a trainer who uses kind, reward-based methods and has experience with small or toy breeds. Avoid trainers who use harsh tools, yelling, or punishment, especially with sensitive dogs like Maltese.
The table below helps you see the difference between normal training delays and warning signs.
Timeline Normal Progress Warning Signs
2–4 weeks Learning basics No change at all
2–3 months Fewer accidents, calmer Increased fear
3+ months Reliable habits Aggression or panic
Getting help early is not a failure. It is a smart choice that keeps your Maltese safe, happy, and confident.
For more breed-specific background and general care information, visit the American Kennel Club’s Maltese breed guide: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/maltese/