Why Is My Maltese Aggressive [9 Reasons & Tips]

Are you noticing some unexpected aggression in your Maltese pup lately?

It’s normal to feel alarmed or unsettled when your usually mild-mannered pet starts acting out.

But don’t worry, there are reasons why your furry friend may be exhibiting aggressive behavior.

In this post, we’ll explore some common causes of Maltese aggression and what you can do to help your doggy calm down and be happy again.

Are Maltese dogs aggressive?

Maltese dogs are generally not considered to be aggressive dogs, and they are known for being playful, affectionate, and gentle.

However, like all dogs, they can become aggressive if they are not socialized properly or if they feel threatened or fearful.

Additionally, some individual Maltese dogs may have aggressive tendencies due to genetics or past mistreatment.

It is important to socialize your Maltese properly and to seek professional help if they are exhibiting any aggressive behavior.

Signs of Aggressive Behavior in Maltese Dogs

While aggression in dogs can occur in any breed, it’s important to note that not all Maltese dogs exhibit aggressive behaviors.

It’s also important to understand that some of the signs of aggression can be situational and vary depending on the context.

However, here are some common signs of aggressive behavior in dogs that you may want to look out for:

1. Growling or snarling
2. Barking excessively
3. Snapping or biting
4. Showing teeth or a curled lip
5. Stiffening or freezing in place
6. Lunging or charging at people or other dogs
7. Intense staring or maintaining eye contact.

If you’re noticing these kinds of behaviors in your Maltese dog, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian or a dog behaviorist to determine the cause of the aggression and develop a plan to address it.

Why Is My Maltese Aggressive

Maltese dogs may become aggressive for a number of causes, including a lack of socialization, fear, or anxiety, as well as the owner’s lack of training or behavioral expertise.

The abrupt onset of aggression in Maltese, however, may also be a symptom of underlying medical issues such as discomfort, hypothyroidism, adrenal malfunction, congenital abnormalities, orthopedic issues, and seizures.

Maltese dogs are typically calm and don’t come out dominating or aggressive, however, temperament may be inherited.

It is advised to take Maltese to the vet for a checkup if they suddenly start being violent so that any underlying medical concerns may be ruled out.

Let’s break it down further…

Possible Causes of Aggression in Maltese Dogs

Here are some common possible causes of aggression in Maltese dogs and some possible solutions to each:

1. Fear or Anxiety

Maltese dogs are susceptible to anxiety and fear, which can lead to aggressive behavior.

Loud noises, unexpected surroundings, strange people or animals, and other stresses might contribute to this.

Tips

Exposing your Maltese to new settings gradually and constructively will help them overcome their fear or anxiety.

For instance, if your Maltese is wary of meeting new people, introduce them gradually and praise your dog for being calm around them.

Desensitization training may also be practiced by progressively exposing your Maltese to novel sounds or stimuli in a safe environment.

To assist your Maltese overcome their concerns, you must be persistent and patient.

Learn more about why Maltese dogs bark and why Maltese dogs are depressed.

2. Lack of Socialization

Anxiety and dread can stem from a lack of socialization and might manifest as violent conduct.

To stop these habits in your Maltese, early socialization is crucial.

Tips

Expose your Maltese to a wide range of individuals, pets, and settings.

Your Maltese may benefit from socialization training and classes to become accustomed to meeting new people and pets.

Encourage good relationships between your Maltese and humans and other dogs, and praise them when they are being mellow.

Learn more about fixing Maltese separation anxiety.

3. Protective Behavior

Maltese dogs may become violent at imagined dangers because they are naturally protective of their owners and their possessions.

Tips

It’s crucial to instill in your Maltese the idea that you are responsible for their protection, not the other way around.

Redirecting your Maltese’s protective tendency may be accomplished by teaching them to concentrate on you and obey your directions.

Teaching your Maltese that they don’t have to be aggressive to defend themselves or, you require consistency and repetition.

4. Resource Guarding

Maltese dogs have a tendency to be territorial with their food, toys, and other possessions, which makes them aggressive toward anyone who tries to take them away.

Tips

Teach your Maltese to exchange their resources for other valuables they perceive, such as a treat or toy.

Your Maltese will learn from this that sometimes it is beneficial to sacrifice resources.

Additionally, watch over your Maltese when they are eating or playing with toys and get rid of anything that can set off their protective instincts.

5. Pain or Illness

If your Maltese is in pain or feeling unwell, they may become irritable and display aggressive behavior.

Tips

It’s crucial to take your Maltese to the vet right away if you believe they are suffering or are unwell.

Aggressive conduct can be lessened with the treatment of any Maltese underlying health conditions.

6. Dominance behavior

Maltese dogs may exhibit aggression when they feel they’re in charge or dominant over their owners.

Tips

Your Maltese can learn that you are the pack leader with consistent, strict training.

It’s crucial to create boundaries and guidelines that your Maltese must abide by.

Teach your Maltese that acting aggressively won’t get them what they want, reinforce positive behavior, and disregard negative conduct.

7. Frustration

Maltese dogs can become frustrated when they can’t get what they want, leading to aggressive behavior.

Tips

Basic instructions, including “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” can help your Maltese turn their annoyance into constructive activity.

For your Maltese to understand that they can’t always get what they want, it’s also crucial to provide clear limits and boundaries.

Learn more about ways to tire out your Maltese dog.

8. Lack of training

For Maltese dogs to avoid undesirable behaviors like aggressiveness, continuous training, and positive reinforcement are essential.

Tips

If your dog has any behavioral problems, enroll them in obedience school or work with a professional trainer.

Your dog may learn what actions are appropriate and expected of them with the use of incentives and positive reinforcement.

Learn more about training a Maltese dog.

9. Territorial aggression

Some Maltese dogs may be quite territorial, especially when it comes to their house or yard.

They could act aggressively to defend their territory if they feel threatened by people or other animals.

Tips

It’s crucial to identify oneself as the pack leader to stop territorial aggressiveness.

Your dog may understand their place in the home by receiving consistent training, having clear limits, and receiving a reinforcement for obedience instructions.

Additionally, you may assist your dog feel more comfortable and less aggressive by gradually exposing them to people or other animals.

Learn more about behavior concerns in Maltese dogs.

How to fix an aggressive Maltese dog

It’s critical to determine the root of the hostility in order to treat an aggressive Maltese dog.

It’s possible that the dog is acting aggressively out of fear if it has a history of maltreatment or has gone through a traumatic event.

To assist the dog overcome its anxiety and develop Trust in this situation, it is crucial to work with a qualified dog trainer.

It’s critical to position yourself as the alpha dog and focus on training every day if the dog is acting aggressively as a result of dominance difficulties.

Additionally, it’s critical to keep the dog away from circumstances that make it aggressive.

A competent dog trainer or veterinarian can provide guidance on how to handle the situation.

Learn more about keeping your Maltese dog happy.

Prevention of Aggressive Behavior in Maltese Dogs

Here are some common ways to prevent aggression in Maltese dogs:

1. Start early socialization: Introduce your Maltese to new people, environments, and animals as early as possible.
2. Teach basic obedience: This helps establish you as the pack leader and gives your Maltese structure and stability.
3. Avoid punishment: Positive reinforcement training is more effective and promotes a healthy relationship with your dog.
4. Learn to read your dog’s body language: This will allow you to recognize signs of stress or anxiety in your dog and prevent situations that may lead to aggression.
5. Provide mental stimulation: Boredom can lead to aggression, so provide interactive toys and games to keep your Maltese mentally stimulated.
6. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise helps your Maltese release their energy in a positive way.
7. Avoid situations that may trigger aggression: This includes avoiding confrontations with unfamiliar dogs or people and avoiding situations that make your dog uncomfortable.
8. Keep your dog healthy: A healthy dog is less likely to become aggressive, so take your Maltese to the vet for regular check-ups and keep up-to-date on vaccinations.
9. Seek professional help: If your Maltese is exhibiting aggressive behaviors, seek the help of a professional trainer or behaviorist who can provide guidance on how to modify their behavior.

Related questions

Why is my Maltese aggressive towards other dogs?

There could be multiple reasons why your Maltese is acting aggressively toward other dogs.

Some possible explanations include fear, territorial behavior, past negative experiences, lack of socialization, or insufficient training.

Consulting with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist can help you identify the root cause of your dog’s aggression and develop a personalized plan to address it.

Can aggression in Maltese dogs be explained by genetics?

While genetics can play a role in a dog’s behavior, including aggression, it’s not the only factor.

Many environmental factors, such as upbringing, socialization, and training, also contribute to a dog’s personality and behavior.

It’s important to assess your dog’s environment and experiences to better understand the reasons behind their aggressive behavior.

How can I stop my Maltese from being aggressive?

Stopping aggressive behavior in Maltese requires a combination of strategies.

These might include providing the dog with appropriate socialization, training, and exercise.

You may also need to identify the triggers of your dog’s aggressive behavior and remove or minimize them.

In some cases, medication or consulting with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist may be necessary.

Is it common for Maltese dogs to show aggression toward humans?

No, it is not necessarily common for Maltese dogs to act aggressively towards humans.

However, it’s important to remember that every dog is unique and may have their own personality and behavioral traits.

If your Maltese is displaying aggressive behavior towards humans, it’s crucial to seek professional help to prevent potential harm.

Can spaying or neutering a Maltese prevent aggression?

Spaying or neutering a Maltese can help reduce the likelihood of certain types of aggression, mostly related to territorial or mating behaviors.

However, this is not a guarantee that the dog will stop displaying aggressive behavior toward other dogs or humans.

It’s important to establish a comprehensive approach to solve any aggression issues with your Maltese.

How long does it take to train a Maltese to stop being aggressive?

The length of time it takes to train a Maltese to overcome aggression will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of their behavior and their individual temperament.

With consistent training and behavioral therapy, many Maltese dogs can see improvement in their aggressive tendencies within a few weeks to a few months.

Why is my Maltese dog being aggressive toward me?

One possible reason for this behavior could be fear or anxiety. Maltese dogs are known for being a little nervous, and they might act out aggressively if they feel threatened or uncomfortable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, aggression in Maltese dogs can be caused by a variety of factors, including separation anxiety, medical conditions, and even play-biting.

If your Maltese is showing sudden aggressive behavior, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any underlying health issues.

With proper training and care, however, most Maltese dogs can learn to overcome their aggressive tendencies and become loving, well-behaved companions.