9 Common Maltese Behavior Problems & Tips
Let’s talk about Maltese behavior problems and tips…
When it comes to owning a Maltese, one of the most important considerations is the potential for behavior problems.
While Maltese can be loving, loyal, and devoted companions, they can also have difficulty with obedience, aggression, and anxiety.
In this blog post, we will explore the most common Maltese behavior problems and provide tips on how to address and prevent them.
Maltese Behavior Problems
Here are some common Maltese behavior problems and solutions:
Begging
If not addressed, the Maltese’s propensity for begging for food and attention can get annoying.
Maltese dogs have a tendency to be persistent beggars, which can cause overeating and weight gain.
Tips
By providing them with the constant teaching and resisting their demands, this behavior can be stopped.
Set regular feeding schedules and refrain from giving pets human food or table leftovers.
Treats and incentives should be given appropriately for excellent behavior.
Ignoring the behavior, teaching them to eat in their allocated area, and not rewarding the behavior by providing them food or attention when they ask are all examples of how to stop this behavior.
Separation anxiety
Maltese are notorious for developing strong attachments to their owners, which can make them uneasy when left alone for long stretches of time.
Destructive actions like barking, gnawing, and scratching may arise from this.
Tips
You should gradually accustom your Maltese dog to spending more time alone, give them lots of mental and physical stimulation, and think about crate training to offer them a secure haven.
Desensitization to being left alone over time, interactive toys, access to a pleasant space, and gradual desensitization to help with separation anxiety.
Learn more about separation anxiety in Maltese dogs.
Resource guarding
Maltese dogs are prone to possessiveness, which can manifest as resource-guarding behavior.
When someone tries to remove their possessions, this may show itself as snarling, snapping, or biting.
Tips
Providing appropriate chew toys, trading up for a greater reward, and teaching the “leave it” command.
Jumping on people
Little dogs like Maltese may have the propensity to jump up on people in an effort to attract attention.
If they jump on children or the elderly, this behavior may be problematic.
Tips
Teach your Maltese the fundamentals of obedience, including “sit” and “stay,” and frequently praise and reinforce good behavior.
This behavior can be controlled by ignoring it, rewarding them for being quiet, making sure they get adequate exercise, and so on.
Digging
Maltese dogs have a tendency to dig in the yard, which can harm the landscape and present safety risks.
Due to their propensity for digging, Maltese can destroy flowerbeds, gardens, and other outdoor spaces.
Tips
By giving them a specific digging place and deterring them from digging in other locations, this tendency can be handled.
Give your Maltese plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation, divert their focus to proper digging places, and use barriers to block entry to prohibited digging regions.
Pulling on the leash
Maltese dogs can be stubborn and tug on the leash when out on walks, which can be challenging to manage.
Because they are active dogs, Maltese could have the propensity to pull when being walked.
Tips
Leash training and obedience training are two methods that can be used to correct this tendency.
Use positive reinforcement to teach your Maltese to walk on a loose leash, and a harness or head collar to reduce pulling.
Chewing
Maltese puppies may chew on shoes, furniture, and other objects as they investigate their surroundings.
This chewing behavior is normally triggered by separation anxiety or boredom.
Tips
With the right chew toys and a little redirection, this habit may be controlled.
When they start chewing on undesirable objects, give them appropriate chew toys and refocus their attention.
Learn more about signs of boredom in dogs.
Fearfulness
Maltese dogs may exhibit timidity and fear, particularly if they have not received the correct socialization.
Tips
Positive reinforcement training and exposure to novel settings and individuals can be used to stop this habit.
Using positive reinforcement training, gradually introducing them to novel people and circumstances, and making sure they feel safe and secure in their surroundings.
Unnecessary vocalization
The characteristically high-pitched barking of Maltese might become grating if they do so frequently.
Anxiety, boredom, or a need for attention are all potential triggers for this behavior.
Tips
Providing mental and physical stimulation, teaching the “quiet” command, and treating any underlying causes of the behavior are all recommended.
Give your Maltese lots of exercise, mental challenge, and social interaction, and teach them to obey orders that can divert their focus from barking.
Common causes of behavior problems in Maltese
The most common causes of behavior problems in Maltese dogs include separation anxiety, lack of socialization, inadequate exercise and training, and medical conditions.
Separation anxiety can lead to barking and destructive behaviors when the dog is left alone.
Lack of socialization can lead to fear and aggression towards other animals and people.
Inadequate exercise and training can lead to boredom and restlessness, which can lead to destructive behaviors.
Finally, medical conditions such as obesity, thyroid disease, and diabetes can lead to behavior problems.
It is important to consult a professional if you are having trouble with your Maltese behavior.
How to handle behavior problems in Maltese
In order to handle behavior problems in Maltese, it is important to first identify the root cause of the problem.
If the problem is related to fear, it is important to provide a safe and secure environment for the dog and to provide lots of positive reinforcement for good behavior.
Additionally, it is important to socialize the dog early and to provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
If the problem is related to separation anxiety, it is important to gradually expose the dog to periods of being alone and to provide it with chew toys and other activities that can help keep it occupied.
If the problem is related to aggression, it is important to consult a professional dog behaviorist to ensure that the problem is properly addressed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Maltese behavior problems can be successfully addressed and prevented with proper socialization, training, and care.
With patience and consistency, you can help your Maltese become a wonderful companion and a joy to have around.
Remember that your Maltese is an individual with its own needs and preferences, so it’s important to be patient and understanding as you guide it toward being a well-behaved and happy pup.
