Positive training · From eight weeks

Maltese Puppy Training Manual

From 8 Weeks

Maltese: short cooperative brushing sessions keep handling predictable and voluntary.

29 chapters · English / 中文

Maltese: short cooperative brushing sessions keep handling predictable and voluntary.

Breed profile

Training group: Toy and companion dogs
Origin: The Maltese originated in the Mediterranean as a companion dog.
Weight: 2–4 kg
Coat: White, long silky coat
Coat care: Daily brushing needs to be taught as a calm, voluntary handling routine; without early desensitisation, long-coat care can become a lifelong struggle.
Drive keywords: Close companionship · Sensitivity · Environmental alertness
Handling practice: Teach daily long-coat brushing and eye-area wiping as separate voluntary skills: present the brush or soft cloth, touch one easy area, make one gentle stroke, mark, reward and release. Build eye and tear-stain-area contact without restraint; any discharge, soreness or other abnormal change belongs with a veterinarian. · Keep human movements small and give the puppy stable footing; practise calm, supported lifting and returning to the ground without using constant carrying in place of training.

General reference range only; individual dogs vary considerably.

Prepare the environment first

The 48 hours before arrival: environment & equipment

A good first week begins with a small, predictable environment—not with a house full of freedom.

Overhead arrangement of dog gear including a harness, lead, bowls, brush, puzzle feeder, bed, blanket and journal — Prepare safety, rest, feeding, grooming and enrichment gear before arrival, then fit every item to the individual dog.

Divide the home into three zones

Zone 01

Safe zone

Playpen, crate, fresh water and a washable bed. This is where the puppy rests, eats calmly and succeeds without constant correction.

Zone 02

Activity zone

Open only when an adult is actively supervising. Keep the area small enough to notice sniffing, circling and unwanted chasing before it escalates.

Zone 03

Restricted zone

Stairs, balconies, the backyard pond or pool, and the garage remain physically blocked—not merely “off limits” by verbal instruction.

Breed-specific safety sweep

Choose one accessible toilet location and clear a supervised route to it before the puppy arrives. Block spaces where a very small puppy could disappear from supervision or rehearse toileting unseen. Set up a stable, quiet grooming area where daily brushing can begin with easy voluntary steps. Plan distance and a calm alternative location for predictable door, visitor and household-sound triggers.

Equipment list

Use the listed AUD reference ranges where provided. Breed-specific additions without a stable reference range are marked for a current local price check; sizes, brands and prices vary. See the shopping chapter in FluffyWA Puppy Handbook for Australian retailers.

Buy by function: essential, useful, and not yet
Priority	Item and requirement	Approx. AUD reference
Essential	Airline crate or wire crate sized for the adult dog, with a puppy divider, plus a playpen	$60–220 for the crate/playpen category
Essential	Flat collar and properly fitted Y-shaped harness	$35–90 for the base lead + fitted harness category; collar separate
Essential	Short lead, 1.2–1.8 m	Included in the $35–90 base lead + harness reference
Essential	Stainless-steel bowls	$12–35 for two bowls
Daily coat-care desensitisation	Brush and comb suited to a long silky coat
Essential	Enzyme cleaner for toilet accidents	$15–35
Essential	Washable sleeping mat	$25–100
Essential	Soft teething toys	$20–70 for the chew + food-puzzle category
Useful	Two food puzzles	$20–70 for the chew + food-puzzle category
Supports a consistent toilet setup	Easy-clean supplies positioned beside the chosen toilet area
Do not buy yet	Retractable lead: it does not teach a loose lead and can cause cord injuries	Not recommended
Do not buy yet	Any collar designed to tighten around the neck	Not recommended
Do not buy yet	Hard bones or rawhide chews; puppy teeth and digestion can be at risk, so ask your veterinarian	Ask your veterinarian before choosing a chew

Approximate 2026 Perth retail ranges; actual prices vary by store.

Watercolour front view showing checks for fitting a Y-shaped dog harness — TWO FINGERS FLAT = a snug fit without pinching; Y ON CHEST = the Y sits over the breastbone; CLEAR OF ARMPITS = straps do not rub behind the front legs.

Write the one cue word every family member will use
Skill	Agreed family cue
Sit
Down
Come
Wait
Leave it
Drop / Give
Go to mat / Place
Settle

Training with FluffyWA

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