The Maltese is one of the oldest surviving dog breeds in Europe. In the past, its charming appearance and noble bearing won the favor of royalty and aristocrats, making it one of the most beloved breeds among the upper classes. Even today, the Maltese is still deeply loved by many people because of its beauty. Even so, some training is still necessary after you bring one home. Below is a summary of ten correct principles and ten common mistakes in Maltese training.
The Ten Do's:
1. Before correcting a Maltese's mistakes, you must first build a sincere bond with it.
2. Consider using a professional leash or collar system that can be adjusted appropriately, especially for better control and attention.
3. Catch the dog in the act when correcting a mistake. Even scolding it a few minutes later can leave it confused.
4. Only step in to help when you are confident you can do so effectively.
5. Use tasty food, fun play, attention, and praise to encourage a well-behaved Maltese.
6. When correcting bad habits, be consistent and firm. Do not indulge them or give up halfway.
7. After correcting a behavior, create the same opportunity again, and if the Maltese does it correctly this time, reward it immediately.
8. During the dog's mistake, use a noisy object or a low, firm voice to interrupt and redirect its attention.
9. During outdoor training, always put a collar and leash on the Maltese.
10. When correcting the dog in front of other people, do not feel embarrassed, but still try to respect the dog's dignity.
The Ten Don'ts:
1. Do not punish the Maltese harshly, and do not hit it with something it has chewed or damaged.
2. Do not yell at the Maltese just because it is not obedient, because that will only make it more confused.
3. Do not chase the Maltese. It may make a naughty dog even more excited and cause a timid dog to panic dangerously.
4. Do not force a Maltese that cannot yet understand a command. Excessive pressure may cause discouragement and resistance.
5. Do not pull upward on the collar, because it can injure the dog's neck and may even become life-threatening.
6. Do not lock the dog alone in a cramped, dark space.
7. Do not punish a Maltese after the fact for something it has already done.
8. Do not punish it by withholding food or water.
9. Reject advice that could damage the close bond between you and your dog, even if it comes from someone presented as an expert.
10. When life is frustrating, do not treat the Maltese as an emotional outlet.
In fact, most Maltese dogs are fairly capable and have good plasticity. With scientific and reasonable training, they can absolutely become very popular family companions. Never expect that simple hitting or scolding will change the dog. A solid emotional bond between the Maltese and its owner is the real key to successful training.