Maltese dogs are not only a joy to bring into your home, they are also so regal and beautiful that you would be very proud to own one. If their coats are left to grow, they will flow to the ground in swirls of white. Some owners find that this adds to the difficulty in maintenance of the dog and unless they are used to showing, they usually have the dog clipped and groomed for convenience of both the dog and themselves. You will definitely need a brush and a comb to groom your dog on a daily basis and these dog grooming tools are readily available in your local pet store or online.
When you bring your Maltese dog home, you may wonder what will motivate him to behave properly. You will soon find that things such as attention, praise, play, petting and yummy treats will be the answer. Giving attention can be easy, as you want to give him as much attention as possible. For play, you need some puppy toys for him to fetch and some to chew on. There are many of these available at any pet store that would please any dog and motivate him to play. Praise is the best motivator of all, for dogs aim to please. When you praise a Maltese puppy for doing something you want him to do, he will absolutely love it. Yummy dog treats go a long way when training your Maltese as well. There are so many different kinds of these treats available that you will surely find one your puppy will like.
The next best thing you can do for your Maltese dog is to enroll him in obedience training. This applies to any kind of dog. It is the one sure way to have a well-rounded dog that will listen to your commands and behave in a socialized manner. There are so many good schools, so it won't be difficult finding one near you, especially if you search online. This dog breed is very active and enjoys being stimulated with play. You will find this at a training school and a Maltese is never too old to enjoy obedience classes. Your puppy will enjoy the obedience classes, but will not mix well with the other dogs. They tend to take to people rather than other animals.
A Maltese dog makes the perfect lap dog and they take very well to small spaces, such as apartment living. They make the perfect pet for the elderly, as they can take the time to groom and play with them, which these dogs love. They also enjoy walks or running in the park, but are just as comfortable with the exercise they may get through play and activity around the home. This breed does not particularly like small children too well, although some of them have worked out well in families where there are children. Whether you have a large or small family, you will not be disappointed when you choose a Maltese dog as your pet.