The Best Ways to House Train Maltese Dogs

Small dog breeds such as the Maltese have long had reputations as being a challenge to house train. While the house training techniques may be the same as those used for larger breeds, due to the small stature of the Maltese, the number of daily potty breaks are a bit more frequent in comparison. Housebreaking schedule consistency, owner awareness, a set feeding schedule and patience are essential tools for success.

  1. Crate Training

    • Using a crate to house train your Maltese is both a sensible and safe method to employ. The dog, being a natural den animal, will not eliminate in a sleeping or eating area unless absolutely necessary. The crate will essentially be a man-made den. Purchase a good quality wire or plastic crate large enough so your Maltese can stand up and turn around comfortably. Your Maltese will be sleeping in the crate and will be crated when you cannot keep an eye on him. Take him out to potty any time you are about to put him in the crate and immediately when taking him out. Maltese may have to be taken out to potty every two hours during the day, just prior to bedtime, once in the middle of the night and upon waking in the morning.

    Feeding Schedule

    • Since young Maltese have very little control of the muscles in their bowel and around their bladder, anything they eat will stimulate them to go potty fairly quickly. Keeping a consistent feeding schedule will help you house train your Maltese in a matter of a few short weeks. Feed three times daily for pups under the age of four months and twice daily for pups that are older. Allow no more than 30 minutes for the pup to eat so you know what food has entered his system and when it will need to come out. If you are leaving toys with the puppy, make certain that none of them are edible. When a pup eats anything, he will have to eliminate, so it's best to keep food and treats on a schedule.

    Handling Accidents

    • Accidents are going to happen. The key is to keep your eyes on the puppy whenever he is not crated. If you see your Maltese stop what he is doing and start to sniff around or circle, get him outside quickly as these are signs he needs to eliminate. If your timing is off and you miss picking him up before he goes, quietly pick him up while he is going and take him to the designated potty area. Praise when he finishes in the right place. Should you find a puddle or mess inside and you have missed the actual event that caused it, clean up using a cleaner with an odor neutralizer without involving the puppy.