Maltese Teething

Maltese teething can cause many problems in the household until the problem is over, but what do you do in the meantime? If your trying to stop the chewing due to teething, you must first realize that this chewing is a natural part of their behavior that they would otherwise now know to avoid. They usually do this out of boredom, but it’s worse when they chew on things because they are teething. Actually stopping the Maltese teething is not possible, so instead of trying to convince the dog to stop chewing altogether, you should teach them how to redirect their chewing to a more appropriate surface or object.

One of the issues is that people think that the dogs, when young, are too “cute” when they are chewing. This causes the people to refrain from correcting the measure, which causes issues as the dog gets older and continues to think that they can get away with the behavior. The other extreme option is to yell at the puppy, which not only confuses the dog, but also can cause other behavioral problems as well. The Maltese teething process is uncontrollable, so yelling will do nothing to remedy the situation.

When you are ready to adapt your Maltese teething induced chewing, know that there are plenty of options. In no way should you hit or strike the dog. No matter how angry you may get, do not direct it at the dog. This doesn’t teach them what they did wrong! Your first option should be behavior adjustment. Do not stop the chewing entirely, but show them things that they can chew on. If he starts chewing on a slipper, replace the slipped with a toy. Praise the dog when he starts to chew on the toy. This will help him associate chewing on the toy with a pleasant sensation.

An alternative is just keeping your puppy busy. While Maltese teething is a slightly uncomfortable process for the dog, keeping them preoccupied will help them stay distracted- thus reducing the likelihood that they will start to chew on something! Even if they are not teething, boredom can cause them to chew. Be sure to keep them well exercised, and play with your dog for a decent amount of time everyday. This will keep them engaged, and too busy to nibble on shoes. When you are not home, keep them busy with stimulating toys.

Crate training is also an option. This is mainly for when they get into trouble while you are away- you cannot do anything about if you aren’t at home! When crate training is properly executed and used, it is a nice method of controlling your dog when nobody is there to babysit it. Aversion sprays are another, slightly less pleasant, method. These are used on couch cushions or carpets that the Maltese likes to chew on. Sprays such as cayenne pepper or bitter apple are very humane, though disgusting tasting, sprays that are sure to keep your Maltese teething problem reduced.