Housebreaking Your New Dog

   Routine is the key!!! Routine requires commitment and a little effort on your part.
.When you take the time to establish an unwavering routine that fits your schedule,
commit to close observation, and follow a few simple rules, housebreaking can be accomplished in just a few days.   Dogs and especially Maltese have the desire and
need to please, and they figure out quickly that it is rewarding  to please it's family members.   Here are a few simple rules to follow:
1.   Take the dog outside at regular intervals.    The key is to take the dog out, not
       put the dog out.
2.    Suggest times to take the dog out are: first thing in the morning
                                                              after each feeding
                                                              immediately after each nap
                                                              immediately after vigorous playing
                                                              before going to bed at night
3.    Observe the dog's body language   Potty-alert signs could be, sniffing at certain
       spots, appearing anxious or overly busy, and when they stand close to the
       door.   Tafi will come and look at you like she wants to tell you something.
4.     Use the same words each time you take the dog out, so it will know what you
        want it to do.   "Go Potty"  is a very good one.
After the dog has relieved  itself be sure to praise the dog.  "Good Girl".    A dog
that is praised for doing the right thing will quickly learn.  In training you must be consistent   The fact is, all successful dog training is based on the 3R-Routine,
Repetition, and reward.   In housebreaking our dogs, Tafi has done remarkably well,
but Mollee is still struggling to accomplish it.  We feel it was because we did not
start as soon as we should have, because of her surgery.  (nothing to do with being spoiled)

Information taken from Maltese  by Joe Fulda and our own observation

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