How to Train a Maltese Puppy in a Pen

Playpens are ideal for potty training your puppy. They are also safe places that you can use to put your puppy when you are busy and not able to give it complete attention. Your Maltese can play in the pen and you can be assured that she is in a place where she cannot get hurt. The Maltese breed of dogs is sensitive by nature. It takes patience, persistence and compassion to train the Maltese in a pen. With gentle training, you can raise a mature and well-behaved companion for yourself.

Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a playpen. Chrisman Maltese, a Maltese dog breeder, recommends a pen 36 inches by 36 inches. Choose a pen with a height that makes it easy for you to bend into. Line the pen with sheets of newspapers or puppy pads.

    • 2

      Set up a schedule to potty train your puppy. Train your puppy to relieve herself at specific timings. Some necessary timings that you need to accustom your puppy to are right after it wakes up in the morning, after a meal, after a nap and before bedtime.

    • 3

      Set a timer for 30 minutes after every activity after which your puppy needs to relieve itself: waking up in the morning, after a meal, post nap and before bed hours. Take her to the pen when the timer goes off.

    • 4

      Train her by using commands such as "Go Pen" to get her into the pen. Give the command consistently, but do not repeat more than once in a row. The puppy should understand that a command will be given only once and that you expect it to obey the command immediately.

    • 5

      Praise the puppy if it carries out the act at the designated time in the pen. Use words such as "get busy," and "good dog." The puppy associates the words with the act and understands it is the expected behavior. Avoid scolding or yelling at your puppy if it fails to reach the pen to relieve itself. It takes time and training to teach it to behave as you want.