Malteagle - Einstein

by Lark
(Carbondale, IL USA)

I am a first time pet owner to my 13 weeks old puppy, Einstein. He is a Maltese Beagle mix. We brought him home when he was 11.5 weeks old and just 5lbs 11oz. His coat is a funky mix of med/long hair and also short causing it to sort of stand up ~ which is why we originally chose his name... but we are finding that he is also pretty smart!

I don't think the breeder did any sort of formal house training but he already lets us know when he needs to go outside. I've read that Maltese & Beagles can be tough to house-train, but as long as we pay attention to him, he faithfully lets us know its time to do his business.

I've been using clicker training and over about the last week he has come to recognize his name, sit, stay, come, fetch and wait. He loves to play in the yard and if I run laps around the house he will stay right next to me ~ This makes walks (on lead) in the neighborhood very fun!

He is somewhat a picky eater. Occasionally, we need to do interesting things with his food before he will eat. Lately, I've been freezing a rolled washcloth with his food inside. He seems to appreciate the challenge.

Both my spouse & I work full time so he is crated for about 6 hours a day. Before I started more regular sessions of training and walks, he was exhibiting symptoms of separation anxiety. With the extra activity and stimulation, he now seems more content and even seems to appreciate his time "alone" in his kennel.

He doesn't bark very much and happily greets our guests or strangers on the street during walks. He really is a great dog. We love having him as part of our family!