Little Maltese

Our adult Maltese are fully potty trained to go outside. Our male also goes on a puppy pad when he can't hold it due to us being gone if over five hours. Which isn't very often. But, If you adopt a puppy from us, it will be started on puppy pad training, which starts at birth here. We have a fine tuned process in making sure our puppies "know the rules." It is highly suggested for you to continue puppy pad training until your puppies bladder has matured, and then if you wish to train for outside potty, gradually move your pads towards the door until they also/only use outside methods.

 Young puppies need to relieve themselves frequently, so if you see the puppy about to squat away from the pad, just say "No" firmly and whisk the puppy away to the pad and say "potty".  Our dogs got so use to us saying "potty" when they went, that now we tell them "go potty" and they go on demand! Give lots of praise when the task has been completed.  Rewards and treats are highly suggested. Your puppy wants to please you! So, be sure to let him know when he has! Give your puppy something to look forward to when he does the right thing! Also, many puppy pads are pre-treated with a scent to attract puppy business, these are very helpful..

CRATE TRAINING:
Crate training for potty reasons can be delicate for a Maltese puppy. Using a crate forces them to hold their bladder until they can't hold it any longer if you lock them in. Then they have accidents in their bed. So never lock your puppy in a crate. If they are allowed to have accidents in their bed, potty training spirals out of control! They will start to think that potty habits can be done anywhere. Dogs naturally do not want to potty in their bed, so give them a bathroom. If you want to get your puppy use to a crate, put a crate in their playpen to use as a bed. But leave the door open so they can come and go freely. Then when they are older, they will be use to the crate happily. No matter how you are training, indoor, or outdoor, a crate is a good idea for a bed. Dog like having their own den. A place they can call their own that is safe and cozy.

For outdoor training, a 10-12 week old puppy should be taken outdoors every one to three hours.  Or within an hour after eating. It is imperative to have a feeding schedule so you know when your puppy will need to go.  Older puppies can wait longer between outings.  You will need to choose an appropriate area outside.  Always walk you puppy to this spot on a leash.  Always praise your puppy when he completes his business in the appropriate spot.  By giving praise and/or a food reward immediately after your puppy finishes you can encourage him to go to the bathroom in a desired area.  Odor left from previous visits to the area will quickly mark it as the place for the puppy to do his business.  Be sure to promptly remove the puppy's soiled waste and dispose of it properly. For male dogs, some pet stores sell scented stakes so they will lift their leg in a special spot. I haven't tried these, but they exist.

Most puppies should be taken out after waking in the morning, after naps, after playing, after eating, and before going to bed. And it is absolutely imperative to be consistent. It may seem like a burden to be constantly on top of training, but it will pay off in the end!

DOOR RINGER METHOD: Some of our adopters have had great success with hanging bells from the door knob. Every time they take out their puppy, they jingle the bells. Soon puppy will associate the ringing with going out and jingle the bells themselves when they want to go out to potty.

"Teacup" house breaking:

Many people contact me about housebreaking a "teacup". First of all, no matter how small your Maltese is, they all housebreak the same. Maltese are all small and all have tiny bladders.

Maltese dogs are notorious for being difficult to housebreak because most breeders don't bother to start training their puppies right away! They just want to get them weaned, get their cash, and get them out the door! The rest is your problem! If this is your case, I sympathize with you.

Potty training MUST start at birth! But if it isn't, thankfully Maltese are smart and diligence can pay off. It is very important with a Maltese, for you to be consistent and not give up. Be the boss. They do have teenie bladders and can not be expected to hold it for too long obviously. But realistically it CAN be done! They are also usually very spoiled and it can be hard to scold that tiny little face! Don't let them mesmerize you! LOL.

A constant play pen is almost mandatory, and many owners need to puppy pad or litter train to prevent accidents. But that can be desired as well if you don't want to let them out all the time. It takes dedication and patience. Maltese will try very hard not to have an accident, but if they do, it is imperative not to be too harsh with them. They can't hold it. And their feelings get hurt very easily. Thus, it is very important to have a pad available. A simple firm "NO" and MAYBE a tiny swat to the rump will suffice, and then immediately take them to their place to potty. You have to watch them like a hawk, and do not let them roam the entire house until potty habits are established!! Read the general housebreaking tips above.