Is House Training That Difficult?
Believe it or not, is is not that difficult to house train a Maltese. (yeah, sure you say.. you don't know my dog)
Some Basic Concepts for you to UnderstandCrate Training
To some people a dog crate seems like cruelty to the dog. However, if presented correctly, it is just the opposite. It gives your Maltese a place that belongs to him, a safe den where he can go if he wants to be left alone or rest. It also give you a place to keep your Maltese at the times when you do not want him underfoot, and a safe way of traveling your dog. If you crate your Maltese in the car, he can be left with the windows completely down. It is extremely dangerous to leave your Maltese in a closed car in warm weather or ride loose in the back of a truck. Also if you should have an auto accident, your dog is not likely to be thrown out of the car or escape in the confusion. Motel rooms generally prefer crated dogs, also. To crate train your Maltese, first select a crate which will be large enough to fit him as an adult. The puppy should be fed in his crate, and encouraged to sleep in it with the door open. He may be left with the door closed for short periods of time once he is used to it. Avoid leaving a Maltese puppy in a crate for extended periods of time. NEVER use the crate as a punishment. The location should be out of the way but near family activity.
Helpful Hints for Housebreaking

The goal for "house breaking" your Maltese is to have it "potty" outside and not inside your house...right? Why do so many people train their dogs to do it inside ???. Let me explain further...people use the "old" newspaper method in some cases until their Maltese are 4 to 5 months old, this is wonderful. It saves their floors from getting messed up...you bet...but it's also "IMPRINTS" the dog that its 'OK" to eliminate inside the house. Think about it, sure the dog will relate the scent of "printers ink" to elimination, but what does that have to do with "GOING OUTSIDE" ?. I've had many Maltese owners call me wondering why their "ADULT" dogs (totally housebroken ???) loves to urinate on or around the coffee table, the one that this weeks newspapers are stashed under ....get the idea ???
Here's some hints to make house training a little easier

Maltese Only
Maltese generally housebreak quite easily. The key to good house habits is consistency by the owner.  The puppy should, if he must be left alone,  be in the yard (with shelter and water) or in an area where he is not expected to refrain from relieving himself.  When the puppy is in the main part of the house, the owner should be present.  When the puppy wakes from a nap, he should go outside and be praised when he relieves himself.  Watch the puppy for sniffing and circling in the house, this probably means he is looking for a place to go.  Take him outside and again praise. If you catch him too late, "in the act", do not spank him but scold him slightly and take him outside or to a place that he is allowed to potty. Soon the puppy will go to the door and "ask" to be let out.  Praise the puppy for this action. A crate is a handy tool for housebreaking.  Most dogs do not like to relieve themselves where they sleep and this teaches some control.  Do remember that a puppy does not have a great deal of control and use the crate only for short periods of time.  When he comes out of the crate, he should be immediately let outside and after he relieves himself, allowed to play in the house.
Maltese Only created by Jay Bianco
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