How to House-Train a Maltese Dog

House train your Maltese to relieve itself outside in a desired place. The Maltese is an intelligent breed that will respond well to training as long as it is rewarded with positive reinforcement, according to the American Kennel Club. You can begin house training your Maltese at two months of age. At this age the Maltese puppies will already know to pass waste outside of their sleeping area, although it is important to remember that at this age your puppy's digestive system is still developing and therefore your Maltese may have the occasional accident.

Things You'll Need

  • Scented papers
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Confine your Maltese to one room of your house (preferably by the back door) until it has been successfully house-trained. A room with easy-to-clean floors will be beneficial in the event that your Maltese should have an accident. Purchase specialized scented papers from your local pet store or veterinarian and place these in one corner of the room, away from the dog's bed. The papers are treated with a chemical that will encourage your Maltese to eliminate on them.

    • 2

      Take your Maltese outside after every meal, after a play session, in the morning and in the evening before you go to bed. Choose a spot in your backyard that is easy for your dog to get to. Remember that your Maltese is a small dog and may struggle to cross an area of long grass. Choose an area where your Maltese can feel secure and can pass waste out of the view of other dogs. Reward your dog with lots of verbal praise when it successfully eliminates in the desired area.

    • 3

      Say "no" in a firm voice if you catch your Maltese in the act of eliminating in an undesirable place. Take your dog to the desired area and praise him if he finishes off in this area. Avoid scolding your Maltese if you do not catch him in the act of eliminating indoors, as the dog will not associate the scolding with the act of passing waste in that area. Clear it away and clean the floor thoroughly to rid the area of the scent of waste. If the scent remains on the floor, this will encourage the dog to eliminate in the same place in the future.