How to Train a Maltese Pomeranian
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Introduction
The Maltese cross Pomeranian is a hybrid dog, also known as a Maltipom. These cute little dogs often have the small foxy face of a Pomeranian but with the long, flowing coat of the Maltese. In appearance, they are a lot like living cuddly toys, but the responsible owner should never forget that these character packed little guys have a mind of their own.
The Maltipom's small size means he's often given privileges, such as sleeping on the bed, which are denied to larger dogs. However, this sends out mixed messages as this elevates his status on a par with a human. In his mind, he thinks: 'Like Mom like pup,' and can, therefore, be inclined to get above his true status in the family pack.
To make matters worse, whereas bad behavior from a large dog is not tolerated, a cute Maltipom often stretches the rules. Think of how a mailman reacts to a growling Rottweiler (He refuses to deliver the mail) and a growling Maltipom (the mailman laughs at the little guy's bravado.) However, giving the dog such good-natured attention encourages such behavior and makes it worse. In essence, this is where "Small dog syndrome" originates.
All responsible owners have a duty to raise their dogs to be dependable and obedient, which is why training a Maltese Pomeranian should be taken seriously.
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Defining Tasks
Training a Maltese Pomeranian should be done with firm but fair leadership. Set the house rules and stick by them, so the dog understands there are lines he shouldn't cross and behaviors that are unacceptable.
The actual training should be done using reward-based methods. This is a way of motivating the dog to want to please you, because he gets a payback that's worth his while. He then starts thinking for himself about what behavior you desire, so that he can provide that and earn a reward.
The backbone of reward-based training is using food treats, however, some small dogs are less food-motivated than bigger breeds. If you have a pup that turns his nose up, even at liver cake, then find something else that he loves and reward him with that. This might be a game of tug with a favorite toy, chasing a ball, or even full-on praise and fuss.
For the food-motivated Maltipom, your job is a lot easier. But make sure those treats are tiny, just a flavor of food really, or the little guy is going to spend more time chewing than training and pile on the pounds to boot.
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Getting Started
Training a Maltipom is something you need to do every day, indeed several times a day. This isn't as onerous as it sounds. Simply make the dog 'work' before he gets his meals, goes for a walk, and have him continue basic training exercises on his walks. Another great idea is to do a few 'sit' and looks' during the ad breaks when you're watching TV, so you can use 'dead' time to train the dog.
In addition, it's helpful to have:
- Tasty bite-sized treats. Not too big, mind! You don't want the pup to spend ages eating
- A pouch or bag in which to keep treats handy
- A favorite toy or something the dog enjoys that he will work for
- A collar or harness, and leash
- A quiet distraction-free place in which to start training.
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The Dog's Eye View Method
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Understand the challenges
A Maltipom is a small dog and the height difference between you and the dog can be a challenge. The dog will find you intimidating if you bark commands while towering over him, but if you bend down your back is going to suffer. Simple things such as realizing this and taking steps to be less intimidating can make a big difference, and indeed it's always good to think of how the dog perceives what's going on and ways to improve the interaction.
On a dog's level
Aim to work on a level with the dog. One obvious option is to sit on the floor with the dog and train that way. Alternatively, raise the dog up to your height, by placing him on a table. With the latter, place a non-slip mat or towel over the table top so he feels secure and never leave him unsupervised for fear he falls.
Avoid inconsistency
Maltipoms are intelligent dogs and love to test boundaries. Training will go more smoothly if you are consistent about the rules. For example, if the rule is 'no dog on the sofa' and you enforce this during the week, but allow the dog up for a snuggle at the weekend then he'll get confused, and chose the option he prefers (jumping on the sofa!)
Nothing for free
This is the technique whereby the dog has to 'work' in order to get basic benefits, such as his meals or his leash put on for a walk. In it's simplest form this is having the dog sit before you put the bowl down. The idea is that the dog has to give you his attention to make nice things happen. The end result is an attentive dog who looks to you for cues and guidance.
Keep things fun
Dogs learn best when they are happy and eager to please. While training, keep your voice bright and excited, and be lavish with praise when he does something well. Also, keep the sessions short so that his concentration isn't taxed and he remains keen to learn.
The Do's and Don'ts Method
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Don't: Push the dog's back
Older training methods suggest pressing down on the dog's haunches to teach him to sit. Do not do this, especially with a Maltipom. They have small delicate bones and you may unwittingly hurt him.
Do: Get everyone on board
Make sure all family members understand the commands and the house rules for the dog. It's no good one person saying "Down" while another says "Drop" and a third, "Lie." This is hopelessly confusing for the dog. If necessary, write a cheat-sheet of the dog's commands and stick it onto the fridge so everyone becomes familiar with them.
Don't: Punish the dog
Never smack or yell at the dog, even when he's naughty. This will only make him wary of you, rather than linking the punishment to the crime. Instead, if you catch him in the act say a stern "NO!", and then distract him away from the naughtiness.
Do: Socialize the dog
Socialization is the process of introducing the dog to a wide range of sights, sounds, and smells from an early age. When these experiences are fun, his confidence grows, and he'll become a well-adjusted adult dog. The opposite is a poorly socialized dog who, as an adult, is suspicious and fearful of new situations and people. Anxious dogs are more likely to nip, purely out of fear, which is a hugely undesirable behavior.
Do: Consult an expert
If your Maltipom is difficult to control then consult an expert dog behaviorist or trainer. It is much better to seek help than it is to push on doing the wrong things, which can cause problems to become even more deeply ingrained. There are many ways of helping a small dog to improve his behavior, so never be fearful of asking for help.
The Potty Training Method
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Get to grips with the basics
A small dog has a small bladder which means small puddles. Thus it may be tempting to turn a blind eye to the odd accident in the house, especially if you've heard that small dogs are more difficult to potty train. However, cutting the dog some slack in this way is asking for long-term problems, which are entirely avoidable with a little know-how and dedication in the early days of taking on a Maltipom.
Prevent accidents
Piddling in the wrong place is habit forming. Get ahead of the game by preventing the dog from peeing where he shouldn't. This means watching the dog at all times and popping him in a crate for those times when you can't be with him. Keep him on a leash attached to your wrist when he's free. Be vigilant for tell-tale signs of wanting to toilet such as sniffing or sidling up to furniture. Take him straight outside.
Praise pees in the right place
Pop the dog out to your desired doggie toilet spot. Keep him on the leash and ignore him so that he can't wander off and concentrates on the job. When he does pee or poop, praise him and then give a treat when he's finished.
Increase the hit rate
Increase your chances of being able to reward him for going in the right place, by giving him lots of opportunity to visit the toilet spot. Depending on his age, take him outside every 20 to 60 minutes. If he hasn't gone after 5 - 10 minutes bring him back inside. Also take him out immediately when he wakes up and about 15 minutes after every meal.
Clean up accidents
If the dog does toilet indoors, don't punish him (he won't link the punishment to the crime but to you.) Simply clean up the area and work at being more vigilant. However, if you happen to catch him in the act, then say a sharp "No", scoop him up and take him out to the toilet spot. Then praise him when he does go.
By Pippa Elliott
Published: 03/16/2018, edited: 01/08/2021
More articles by Pippa Elliott
Training Questions and Answers
Milo
Pomeranian maltese
9 Years
Question
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
Milo likes to pee in the house! He is very very quick and will sneak into a back room and pee on thr floor. No favorite time of day for him- our current routine is to use the bell- he will use the bell but sometimes he will be outside- come in for 20 minutes and then pee in our room. Any tips? Or any hope with retraining a dog this age?
April 26, 2022
Milo's Owner
Caitlin Crittenden - Dog Trainer
1133 Dog owners recommended
Hello Andrea, Was Milo previously potty trained inside and is having new accidents, always had accidents, a recent rescue who has never been potty trained, or previously trained in a different way like pee pads? If Milo used to do well but now doesn't, I would speak with your vet. This is probably related to pup's age and possible incontinence. I am not a vet though so consult them for any medical advice. When incontinence is the issue and it can't be addressed medically, like it can in some cases, then often managing pup's limited bladder capacity long term is needed. A combination of more frequent potty trips, tethering pup to yourself with a hands free leash when pup's bladder hasn't just been emptied, having pup stay in a small room or exercise pen with disposable real grass pads at night and while you are away for long periods of time, and sometimes using a belly band or doggie diaper while pup is in the rest of the home, are needed, depending on the severity or progressive nature of the incontinence. With an older dog who has never been potty trained but can hold their bladder, I recommend a combination of the tethering method and crate training method from the article I have linked below. You can adjust the times to add an hour to all the times listed there, unless you find pup needs the more frequent potty trips being older, like a puppy would. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-german-shepherd-puppy-to-poop-outside For a dog switching from a pee pad to outside potty training, I also recommend the tethering method and crate training method and getting rid of all pee pads, unless they are placed outside, to avoid confusion. The more accidents you can prevent through tethering and crating and a schedule for potty trips the sooner pup is likely to become potty trained. Expecting pup to alert to go outside before they have been accident free for six months can lead to pup regressing with potty training. Maintain pup's potty schedule strictly at first to prevent those accidents so pup will start to associate your home with cleanliness and want to keep it clean themselves too through habit. The methods will go over what to do when pup doesn't go potty when you take them out - tether or crate then try again, limiting freedom until pup's bladder is empty. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
May 2, 2022
Mojo
maltipom
3 Years
Question
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My maltipom seems to have possessive trouble when it comes to his food bowl, myself or my husband. To others he is always very nice at first then once he is used to the area or person he soon gets very aggressive, barks/growls or sometimes even lounges excessively at the said person. He also has issues with marking in the house if we are not at home. Besides these things overall he is a good dog he does know his basic commands such as sit, come, lay down. While on walks he understands commands such as watch me, eyes and this way to follow directions. He is also a certified emotional support animal, so I feel as if since he has been trained to be a support animal I have let some instances of his bad behavior go unnoticed.
June 7, 2020
Mojo's Owner
Darlene Stott - Dog Trainer and Groomer
104 Dog owners recommended
Hello, the fact that Mojo is lunging and growling at people is of concern. First, take him for a vet checkup to determine that there is not a health issue causing him to behave this way. With his training, you should know that he has the intelligence to learn well. I would also consult the advice of a trainer in your area used to working with dogs that show aggression before an incident happens that you will not be able to control. As for the marking, ask the vet about that at the same time - there could be a health issue behind it. Take a look here for training suggestions on the marking The Beef Up Training and The Physical Factors Methods may be ideal. For food aggression:https://wagwalking.com/training/stop-food-aggression. For aggression to people, The Establish Leadership Method: https://wagwalking.com/training/not-be-aggressive. Good luck!
June 8, 2020