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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

Watercolour illustration of a Maltese sitting calmly on a grooming table beside a brush, folded towels and grooming bottles
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.

Precision before vocabulary

Marker training foundations

A marker is one short, consistent sound—a clicker click or a spoken “Yes!”—that means: “That exact behaviour; your reward is coming.”

Charge the marker in three steps

  1. Choose a quiet environment Remove toys, people and movement so the sound is the only new information.
  2. Marker, then food within one second ×15 Make the sound once, then deliver one piece of food within one second. The puppy does not need to perform a cue.
  3. Test the association Make the marker sound while the puppy is not already watching you. An immediate turn towards you means charging is complete.
Watercolour diagram showing the timing of a marker word and food reward
YES = marker word; TREAT WITHIN 2 SECONDS = reward promptly. This manual uses a stricter one-second training target.

Reward placement sets up the next action

Keep the position

Feed at the puppy’s mouth

To maintain a sit, bring the food directly to the mouth so the puppy does not need to stand or step forward.

Reset for another repetition

Toss the food away

To have the puppy get up and repeat, toss the food away, let the puppy collect it, then set up the behaviour again.

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