Ok, so now you have your little bundle of joy and can’t seem to get the upper hand on potty training. The little rascal is determine to find his own spot to relieve himself.

Maltese puppies are smart. If your puppy has an accident in the house, you must be able to catch him in the act for discipline to make an impression on him. It is always best to supervise your young puppy at all times while he is learning.

One of the first steps to potty training your puppy is to take into consideration how often you are feeding him. Puppies between the ages of 8 to 16 weeks old should be fed three times a day. After 16 weeks of age, you should be able to feed them twice a day.

It is a good idea not to give them full access to their food all day long. This teaches them to eat at appropriate times and keep them at a healthy weight. It also helps to control their potty training as input equals output.

A puppy at 8 weeks old cannot hold it until morning, so have a spot within their caged or enclosed area where they can do their job during the night. You may also choose to set your alarm clock and get up to take your puppy outside in the middle of the night.

Maltese puppies are smart and they don't want to go potty in the same place they sleep. I would suggest you not give them full access to a room throughout the night. This will teach them to wait until morning when they can.

Taking your puppy outdoors to relieve himself immediately in the morning when he wakes up helps prevent accidents. Typically when your puppy is outdoors for the first time in the morning, it gives him a good stretch and teaches him to wait until morning to relieve himself.

Then bring your puppy in, feed him, and take him right back outdoors to do his duty again. Watch your puppy and if he does not go potty immediately, bring him back into the house. You are teaching him that this is not playtime.

After your puppy returns to the house, then play and interact with your puppy. Always supervise your puppy, because he will test you or become distracted and try to do his job in the house while playing.

The best and easiest potty training is the one with little or no accidents. When your puppy starts to get in position to potty in the house, or starts sniffing and turning in circles, say a command like, “NO, NO” or “AHHH NO” to get his attention. Pick him up quickly and say. "Outside" or something that relates to where he is to go potty.

Some people will have a specific area where the puppy is to go outdoors, and this can be taught at the same time. Always pick the puppy up after he is outdoors and take him to the designated area. Tell him, "Go potty” or "Get busy”.

Maltese learn very well by voice command. If you are having trouble try a little treat, but try to avoid treat training all the time. If your puppy has an accident in the house, you must be able to catch him in the act for discipline to make an impression on him. It is always best to supervise your young puppy at all times while you are potty training.

When a potty accident occurs in the house, clean it up with disinfectant or white vinegar to neutralize the odor. This will keep your puppy from thinking this is the correct spot to relieve himself in the future.

It is suggested to crate your puppy in a kennel appropriate to its size. It is best to get a crate that can be adjusted by adding a separator panel. This will avoid accidents in the kennel. Also it is good to place your puppy in the kennel after play, much like a child you are putting in a cradle to nap. Puppies require lots of sleep and by having his own kennel he will learn that this is his quiet time and enjoy his spot.

Usually puppies at the age of 8 weeks can play for about 30 to 60 minutes at a time. After playtime, it is best to take your puppy to his sleeping place with maybe a soft toy that he will associate with as a sleep toy. In an hour or two, check to see if your puppy is up. If he is awake, immediately take him outdoors to go potty. Again, if he does not potty right away, take him back indoors.
If your puppy doesn’t show any signs of having to go potty after playing indoors for awhile, feel free to take him outdoors to play if it is appropriate. Always praise him when he goes potty outdoors. This will encourage him to do his job outdoors.

When praising your puppy, it is not only the words but the tone of voice you are using that make an impression. If more than one person is actively training your puppy, consult each other in what and how all of you are saying it!

Kennel or Crate training can be made easy by not using it as a discipline area. Never put your puppy in a crate when he is bad. Instead, have a specific place for him to go, much like a time-out with a child. Keep the time-out short, no longer than 5 minutes.

For the most part in discipline areas, it is best to use praise when your puppy does what you wish and don't give him any recognition when he is bad. The praise will out win the neglect every time.