Crate Training a Puppy the Right Way

The rules of crate training your Maltese puppy

Some of the many advantages of crate training puppies are:

- Keeps him safe and protects your personal possessions from him while you're not around.

- Helps prevent separation anxiety issues.

- Gives him a safe place where he can rest and relax by himself.

Once you're convinced that crate training is best for you and your Maltese puppy, read below for the rules of crate training a new puppy.

Do you have any Maltese puppy crate training tips? Tell us about it!

• Find the right size crate - Make sure you have the correct size crate. It shouldn't be too large OR too small, or you'll find crate training your puppy nearly impossible. The crate needs to be large enough for your puppy to stand, turn, and lay down comfortably (without touching the sides). Your Maltese puppy's crate also needs to be small enough so there is not room for BOTH a living area and potty area. PopShops™ affiliate stores
• Keep a consistent schedule - Always potty your puppy before crating them. Especially important is to wait at least 15-30 min after your puppy eats to potty him, then put him in his crate. Otherwise your puppy's food will not have enough time to digest and he will be sure to have an accident in the crate.
• Give him a way out - Here's a great way for your puppy to alert you when he needs to go. Hang a jingle bell on the crate door and jingle it whenever you take your dog out. He will learn to ring the bell when he needs to go out. I highly recommend using Poochie-Bells, the Original Designer Doggie Doorbell.
• Use familiar scents - One of the most overlooked puppy crate training tips is keeping a t-shirt you have worn in the crate. Your Maltese puppy will be comforted and calmer if you follow this advice. It's best to keep a couple of scented t-shirts ready and change them out weekly.

Maltese Puppy Crate Training DON'Ts

Classic Cratewear 3 Piece Bed Set

• Use for punishment - When crate training a new puppy you should never use it to punish your dog. Do not send him to his crate if he is a "bad boy". You want him to associate his crate with safety and comfort.
• Rush things - It may take your Maltese puppy awhile to get accustomed to being in his crate for long periods of time. Slowly work your way up from 30 min for puppies 9-10 weeks old to 4-6 hrs for puppies 18 weeks and up.
• Crate for long periods of time - Never lock your puppy in the crate for extended periods of time over 6 hrs. This often means getting up in the middle of the night to let him out and having a neighbor let him out a few times during the day if you work full time. Once your Maltese is fully grown at around 1 yr old, he will be able to "hold it" longer. Even then, limit his time in the crate to a maximum of 8 or 9 hrs.
• Use force - When crate training a puppy you should never force him into the crate if he doesn't want to go. This will only make him stressed out, scared, or anxious. Be patient and encourage your Maltese puppy into the crate with a favorite toy or treat.

I hope these tips help you get started with puppy crate training. I'm not an expert so if you'd like to learn more about crate training a puppy, I highly recommend Dove Cresswell's Puppy Training Videos. These videos cover everything from potty training to good puppy manners.

Learn more great crate training a puppy tips from other Maltese dog owners.
Find out everything you need to know about Maltese puppies.

Do you have any Maltese puppy crate training tips?

If so, you and your dog could be famous! Please tell us all about how you crate trained your Maltese puppy and we'll put it on our website. What specific steps did you take to crate train your puppy? Was it hard or easy? Let other Maltese Maniacs know exactly how you did it!