Maltese Potty-Training Tips [Explained]
Let’s discuss Maltese potty-training tips…
Are you trying to potty-train your Maltese? Look no further!
We’ve got you covered with some tips and tricks to make the process as smooth as possible.
In this blog post, we’ll go over some simple yet effective ways to ensure your Maltese is properly toilet trained.
Say goodbye to accidents around the house and hello to a well-trained, happy pup!
Maltese Potty-Training Tips
Here are the steps involved in Maltese dog’s potty training:
1. Choose a designated potty area
Select a special spot where your Maltese puppy can relieve himself.
This may be a particular plot of grass in your yard or a pee pad or litter box within your home.
Every time you take your puppy outdoors to use the restroom, use the same location and make sure it is easily accessible.
This clears up any uncertainty and aids in teaching your puppy where to relieve themselves.
2. Establish a routine
When training your Maltese dog to go pee, creating a schedule is essential.
After meals, after playing, and every two to three hours, take your puppy outdoors to the designated pee place on a regular basis.
A regular schedule teaches your puppy when it’s time to use the restroom and makes it easier for you to anticipate when they’ll probably need to.
3. Reward Good Behavior
You must use positive reinforcement while potty training your Maltese dog.
Give your dog a biscuit as a reward when they relieve themselves in the appropriate place.
With this kind of encouragement, your dog will keep using the specified location to relieve himself.
However, do not reprimand your puppy if they have an accident indoors since this can cause anxiety and make potty training more challenging.
4. Watch for Potty Time Signs
During the toilet training process, supervision is essential.
Always keep a watchful check on your Maltese puppy, especially when it first starts training.
Consider putting your puppy in a crate or small space with easy access to the designated toilet place if you are unable to keep an eye on them.
Take your puppy right away to the specified potty place whenever they exhibit symptoms of wanting to relieve themselves, such as whining, sniffing, or circling.
5. Use a command
Your Maltese puppy might learn to connect the act of going potty with a particular word or phrase by using a command.
Every time you take your puppy to the designated toilet location, use the same term or phrase—for example, “go potty” or “do your business”—consistently.
In time, your puppy will come when called after learning to link the command with going potty.
6. Limit Space
Limit your Maltese’s access to the house until they are properly housebroken.
When you can’t keep an eye on your Maltese carefully, keep them in a crate or playpen and gradually offer them greater freedom as they learn to relieve themselves outside or on the pee pad.
When you’re at home, your Maltese will be safe thanks to this helping to prevent mishaps around the house.
7. Be Consistent
Consistency is the key to successfully potty training your Maltese.
Be consistent with the schedule and guidelines you have created, and be patient and upbeat throughout.
Your animal companion will quickly pick it up.
Remember that every dog is unique, so don’t give up if potty training your Maltese takes longer than you anticipated.
8. Be Patient
It’s crucial to maintain consistency and positivity throughout the potty training process since it requires time and patience.
Even if your Maltese could make mistakes along the road, it’s crucial not to correct them harshly.
Instead, tidy up the mess and get on with your regular activities.
Punishing your Maltese won’t help with toilet training since it will simply confuse and terrify them.
Benefits of potty training your Maltese dog
Here are some common benefits of potty training your Maltese dog:
- Improved hygiene: Potty training ensures that your Maltese dog only eliminates in designated areas, which helps to maintain a clean and hygienic environment in your home.
- Reduced mess: Without proper potty training, Maltese dogs can have accidents and relieve themselves anywhere, which can create a mess and be difficult to clean up.
- Reduced stress: Potty training your Maltese dog can help reduce stress for both you and your pet. When a routine is established, your Maltese dog will know where to go and when reducing the likelihood of accidents.
- Better behavior: Potty training helps promote good behavior and routine in your Maltese dog.
- Better relationship: With a routine established, you can develop a better relationship with your Maltese dog and reinforce positive behaviors.
- Reinforce commands: As you potty train your Maltese dog, you can reinforce other commands such as ‘sit’ and ‘stay’.
- Happier dog: When your Maltese dog knows where to go and feels comfortable, he or she will likely be a happier dog.
- Save money: Potty training your Maltese dog helps to avoid expensive carpet cleaning or replacement costs and reduces the need for doggie diapers.
- Improved health: Potty training can help to prevent infections and other health concerns that can arise from unsanitary conditions.
Learn more about how to socialize your Maltese dog.
Maltese Potty-Training Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common Maltese potty training mistakes to avoid:
- Skipping the basics: Before jumping into full potty training, start with basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” to establish trust between you and your puppy and to create a routine.
- Not establishing a routine: Establish a consistent routine for feeding, playtime, and potty breaks for your puppy. Consistency helps your pup learn what is expected of them and helps prevent accidents.
- Not supervising enough: Supervision is crucial during potty training. Always keep an eye on your puppy, so you can catch accidents before they happen.
- Using punishment: Punishing your puppy for accidents only confuses them and can make them afraid of you. Instead, use positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, and petting, to reward good behavior.
- Not using a crate: Using a crate during potty training can help your puppy associate the crate with a safe and comfortable space. It also prevents them from going potty inside the house when unsupervised.
- Missing signs: Learn your puppy’s signs that they need to go potty, such as sniffing, pacing, or circling. Anticipate their needs before they have to go.
- Being impatient: Potty training requires patience and consistency. It can take weeks or even months for your puppy to fully grasp the concept.
- Not cleaning up accidents properly: Use an enzymatic cleaner to clean up accidents properly. This removes any odors that can attract your pup to go potty in the same spot.
- Giving up too soon: Potty training is a process, and it takes time. Be patient with your puppy and be consistent with your routine and training methods.
Learn more about how to care for your Maltese dog.
FAQs
What is the best age to start potty-training a Maltese puppy?
Typically, it’s best to start when your Maltese puppy is between 12 and 16 weeks old.
At this age, they have better bladder control and are more receptive to learning.
How often should I take my Maltese puppy outside during potty training?
During potty training, it’s recommended to take your Maltese puppy outside every 1–2 hours, as well as after meals and napping. Consistency is key!
What should I do if my Maltese puppy has an accident indoors during potty training?
Remain calm and don’t punish your Maltese puppy. Instead, gently and quickly take them outside to finish their business.
Make sure to clean up the accident thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to discourage repeat accidents in the same spot.
How long does it take to potty-train a Maltese puppy?
Potty-training times can vary depending on the individual Maltese puppy and the consistency of training, but generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Can I use training pads during potty-training my Maltese?
While training pads can be useful for certain situations (such as when you can’t take your Maltese puppy outside), it’s best to avoid using them exclusively during potty training.
This is because they can confuse your Maltese puppy on where it’s okay to go potty.
Are there any tips for making potty-training my Maltese easier?
Yes, a few tips include establishing a consistent routine, using treats and positive reinforcement, supervising your Maltese puppy closely during potty training, and being patient and understanding of their mistakes.
Remember that potty training takes time and effort, but the end result is worth it!
Learn more about training tips for your Maltese dog.
Conclusion
You now have some valuable Maltese potty-training tips to help you and your furry friend through this important stage.
Remember to be patient, consistent, and reward your pup’s good behavior.
With these tips and a little bit of effort, you’ll both be enjoying a clean and stress-free living space in no time!