How to Teach Your Maltese Basic Commands (Sit, Stay, Come)

Imagine your Maltese greeting you with a wagging tail, instantly sitting at your word, staying calmly when guests arrive, and coming to you every time you call. These aren’t just dreams—they’re achievable milestones with the right approach. Teaching your Maltese basic commands not only enhances their safety and manners but also strengthens the deep bond you share. Ready to unlock your dog’s full potential? Let’s dive in.

Why Training Matters for Your Maltese

Maltese dogs are beloved for their affectionate nature and intelligence. But these very traits can lead to mischief if not channeled properly. Training basic commands like “Sit,” “Stay,” and “Come” not only ensures your Maltese’s safety but also encourages mental stimulation and strengthens your relationship. Well-trained dogs are more confident, less anxious, and far easier to manage both at home and in public settings.

Understanding Your Maltese: Temperament and Learning Style

Before you start training, it’s crucial to understand the unique temperament of the Maltese. They’re highly social, sensitive to their owner’s emotions, and thrive on positive reinforcement. Harsh corrections or yelling can backfire, making them fearful or stubborn. Instead, focus on patience, praise, and plenty of gentle encouragement.

Every Maltese learns at their own pace. Short, consistent sessions—no more than 5-15 minutes—yield the best results. Look for signs your dog is overwhelmed or bored, like yawning, turning away, or losing interest, and wrap up on a positive note. Consistency is your biggest ally: train at the same times and places as often as possible to create a reliable routine your Maltese can trust.

Preparing for Success: Setting Up Your Training Sessions

• Choose high-value treats: Use small, soft, and smelly treats your dog loves—these are key motivators for Maltese dogs.
• Keep distractions low: Start in a quiet, familiar environment where your dog feels safe and can focus.
• Pick the right time: Train when your Maltese is alert but not overexcited or too tired.
• Have patience and persistence: Training is about steady progress, not instant perfection.

The Power of Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement means rewarding your Maltese for doing what you want. This can be treats, affectionate pets, cheery praise, or a favorite toy. When your dog understands that good behavior brings rewards, they’ll be motivated to repeat it. Avoid punishment or scolding; these methods can break trust and slow down learning.

Learning Your Dog’s Language: Reading Body Signals

A successful training session means staying in tune with your Maltese’s body language. A wagging tail signals happiness, while a stiff tail or flattened ears may indicate discomfort or nervousness. If you notice signs of stress, pause and allow your dog to relax before continuing. Recognizing these cues helps tailor your approach, ensuring your dog enjoys learning.

Step-by-Step Guide: Teaching “Sit”

The “Sit” command is the cornerstone of obedience training. It helps your Maltese calm down, prevents jumping, and serves as the foundation for more advanced commands.

What You Need:

• Your Maltese (hungry but not starving—motivation matters!)
• Plenty of treats, broken into tiny pieces
• Patience and a cheerful attitude

How to Train:

• Hold a treat just above your Maltese’s nose.
• Slowly move your hand back toward their tail, keeping it just above head height. Your dog will naturally lower their rear to keep their eyes on the treat.
• As soon as their bottom touches the ground, say “Sit!” in a clear tone and immediately give them the treat and praise.
• If your Maltese jumps or moves, reset and try again. Don’t push them into position; let them figure it out themselves.
• Repeat several times in a short session. As your dog gets the idea, start adding the verbal cue “Sit” just before they perform the action.

Tips: Keep your tone upbeat and enthusiastic. If your Maltese struggles, try using a tastier treat or practicing in a quieter room. Remember, patience and consistency are your best tools.

Step-by-Step Guide: Teaching “Stay”

“Stay” is a crucial safety command. Whether you’re opening the front door or crossing a busy street, a reliable “Stay” keeps your Maltese safe and under control.

Foundation: The Release Word

Start by teaching your Maltese a release word—“OK,” “free,” or similar. This tells them when they’re allowed to move. Hold your Maltese in a sit or stand, toss a treat on the floor, and say the release word as they go for the treat. After a few repetitions, your dog will understand that this cue means the “stay” is over.

How to Train:

• Ask your Maltese to “Sit.” Face them and hold a treat.
• Say “Stay” in a calm, steady voice while showing a flat palm (universal signal for “stop”).
• Wait a second—if your dog stays put, return and give the treat while praising warmly.
• Use your release word and encourage your dog to move for another reward.
• Gradually increase the time your dog stays sitting before you return with a treat. Start with one or two seconds, and slowly build up.
• If your Maltese stands up before you give the release cue, don’t scold—just reset to an easier level.
• When your dog is successful at short intervals, add small steps away—one step, then two—before returning with the treat and release word.
• Practice both facing your dog and turning your back, as this better mimics real-life situations.

Training Success Tip: Always return to your Maltese to reward them—don’t call them to you at this stage. This teaches true impulse control and prevents confusion as you train recall later on.

Step-by-Step Guide: Teaching “Come”

A solid recall—the “Come” command—could save your Maltese’s life in an emergency. It also builds trust and gives your dog more freedom during off-leash outings or playtime.

Preparation:

• A lightweight leash or long training line (for safety in unfenced areas)
• Super-high-value treats
• Plenty of energy and an inviting attitude

How to Train:

• Start inside your home or fenced backyard. Wait until your Maltese is a few feet away.
• Say your dog’s name to get their attention. Then clearly and cheerfully say, “Come!”
• Kneel down and open your arms or pat your legs to encourage your dog.
• When your Maltese comes, instantly reward with treats, happy praise, and pets.
• Only practice “Come” a few times per session to maintain enthusiasm and avoid overuse.
• Gradually increase distance and add distractions as your dog improves. Always keep sessions positive and fun.
• Never call your Maltese for something negative (like a bath or a scolding). Recall should always be a happy, rewarding experience.

If your Maltese ignores the cue, make it even more exciting—run the other direction, make playful noises, or drop to the ground and act silly. The goal is to make coming to you the best part of your dog’s day.

Common Training Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Expecting instant results: Every Maltese learns at their own pace. Celebrate small victories and avoid frustration.
• Training too long: Keep sessions brief (5–15 minutes) to maintain focus and excitement.
• Inconsistent cues: Always use the same words and gestures for each command.
• Neglecting body language: Your Maltese reacts to both your words and your posture. Be clear, calm, and encouraging.
• Punishing mistakes: Ignore errors and reward successes; punishment damages trust and confuses your dog.

Keeping Training Enjoyable for Your Maltese

Training should be a highlight, not a chore, for both you and your Maltese. Use animated voices, swap in favorite toys as rewards, and end sessions with praise or a few minutes of play. If your dog gets frustrated or distracted, take a break and try again later. By making learning enjoyable, you’ll keep progress steady and smiles bright.

Building on the Basics: Next Steps in Training

Once your Maltese masters “Sit,” “Stay,” and “Come,” you can expand their skills further. Try teaching “Down,” “Leave it,” or leash manners. Advanced tricks like spinning, rolling over, or even basic agility exercises keep your Maltese’s mind sharp and body active. Training is a lifelong journey—there’s always something new to learn.

Troubleshooting Training Challenges

• If your Maltese ignores a command: Reduce distractions, use higher-value treats, and shorten sessions.
• If your dog seems fearful or anxious: Slow down, use softer tones, and ensure all learning is positive. Never force your dog into position.
• If you feel stuck: Revisit earlier, easier steps until your dog is consistently successful. Some days, going back to basics helps solidify learning.
• If progress stalls: Seek advice from a professional force-free trainer with experience in small breeds.

Generalizing Commands: Training in New Environments

Dogs, including Maltese, often need help transferring training from your living room to the outdoors or public places. Practice commands in various settings: your yard, a quiet park, or during walks. Start with easy scenarios and gradually build up to more distractions. Reward successes in every new context until commands become second nature anywhere you go.

Involving the Whole Family in Training

Consistency from every family member is key. Have everyone use the same cues and reward behaviors in the same way. Young children may need guidance to avoid confusion or accidental negative reinforcement. When everyone’s on the same page, your Maltese will learn much faster and have clearer expectations.

How Routine Supports Lasting Training

Establishing a regular schedule for training reinforces good habits, builds your Maltese’s confidence, and sets boundaries for acceptable behavior. Try to train at the same time daily—just before meals or after a walk works well. Repetition helps your dog predict what’s coming, creating a sense of security and making learning much more effective.

Motivating Your Maltese: Reward Ideas Beyond Treats

• Verbal praise in a happy, animated voice
• Favorite squeaky toys or plushies
• Extra belly rubs or affectionate petting
• A quick play session between training reps
• Freedom to sniff around or explore the yard after a job well done

Reinforcing Commands in Everyday Life

Once your Maltese knows “Sit,” “Stay,” and “Come,” ask for these cues throughout the day—not just during training. For example, ask for a “Sit” before leash walks, a “Stay” at doorways, or a “Come” at the park. This approach keeps skills sharp and weaves training into daily routines for lasting results.

Celebrating Milestones and Staying Motivated

Every step forward—no matter how small—is worth celebrating. Keep a journal of your Maltese’s achievements, try new tricks, or host a mini graduation “paw-ty” when major milestones are reached. Sharing your training journey with friends or other Maltese owners can provide support, motivation, and helpful advice for overcoming any plateaus.

The Importance of Patience and Perspective

Training is as much about your own mindset as your Maltese’s learning. Some days will be easy; others may feel frustrating. Remember, setbacks are normal and part of the process. Treat training as quality bonding time, not just a to-do item. The journey of changing behaviors, building trust, and mutual understanding is the path to a happy, well-adjusted companion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Maltese Training

Here are answers to some popular questions Maltese owners ask when starting training:

Conclusion

Teaching your Maltese to sit, stay, and come is more than obedience—it’s the foundation for a joyful, respectful lifelong partnership. With patience, consistency, and plenty of positive reinforcement, your Maltese will become a confident, well-behaved companion ready for any adventure. Celebrate every win, stay curious, and keep building that unbreakable bond. The best-trained Maltese is the one who feels loved, understood, and eager to please—just as they deserve.