Page 67 - Buddy Life

BREEd PRoFILE

and food rewards are a big motivator for them. stress (even defensive snapping) may be the result.
Praising and rewarding good behaviour is the GROOMING BASICS
best way to train a Maltese. Undesired behaviours The coat of the Maltese sheds very little, if at all. A
should be ignored. They excel at agility training Long-haired Maltese will need to be brushed daily
and love being around other dogs. An agility class in order to prevent tangles and mats. If the dog
or doggie daycare is an easy way to improve their does develop a mat, do not bathe him. Make sure
health and social skills. In fact, for owners who all mats are worked out before bathing, as water
want a less yappy Maltese, socialization from an will tighten the hair of the Maltese and make the
early age - with new people, places and sounds situation much worse. Brushing the Maltese also
- is imperative to help curb their high barking helps keep him clean, so even a short haired dog
tendency. Housebreaking a Maltese can be a long, should be brushed regularly. Maltese get dirty very
drawn out process. Patience, consistency and easily and regular brushing can mean the difference
perseverance is required to train a Maltese. Potty between bathing the dog every week, or every two
training requires patience and strict supervision. to three weeks.
Puppy pads and crate training may be necessary Tear stains are a common problem, thanks to the
for the first six to eight months if you want to white hair of the Maltese. Rub the face with a soft
minimize potty accidents around the house. cloth and gentle, veterinarian-approved cleanser to
Training and socialization also play key roles in keep stains to a minimum. Additionally, their faces
how a Maltese turns out. If you treat him like a can become stained from food and water. Wipe
helpless baby or spoil/indulge him, he is likely to the dog’s face after every meal, and dry his beard
end up over-dependent and insecure, or bratty and after he drinks. Some owners prefer to teach their
yappy. Instead, you should require him to show the Maltese to drink from a water bottle, to prevent
same good manners as you would expect from a face staining. Ears need to be cleaned regularly to
larger dog. Very sensitive and responsive to non- prevent ear infections and wax buildup. Ear hair
forceful training, many Maltese excel in competitive may need to be plucked periodically. Nails may
obedience and agility. Unfortunately, they are need to be trimmed regularly as well if walking
notoriously difficult to housebreak – consider an doesn’t wear them down naturally. Brushing teeth
indoor litterbox, or a doggy door leading outside several times a week (daily is better) will help
to a small covered potty yard. Excessive barking remove tartar buildup and bacteria as well as
may also need to be controlled. The breed has prevent gum disease. Tear stains are a common
been known to remain active and playful well problem for the Maltese due to their all white coat.
into their later years. In addition, most Maltese Using a soft cloth and gentle cleanser can help
feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick minimize tear stains.
movements that children can’t help making – and

Jan - March, 2018 BUDDY LIFE 67