You’ve just taken the first step toward developing a loving relationship with your newly rescued Maltese by adopting a needy dog. However, there are some things you need to be aware of when you bring your new baby home. There is still work yet to be done but with love, kindness and patience, this task can be accomplished with a minimal amount of stress on the humans and Maltese involved.

Housetraining

Please see the article by Dr. Dunbar that is listed on this page. He offers great insight into the housetraining process from both the owner’s and dog’s perspective. Every dog that comes into a new household will need retraining to some degree in the housebreaking department. The new dog doesn’t know which door to use to go out; doesn’t know how to tell you he needs to go out; is stressed and confused by the change, and doesn’t have a set schedule established yet. It is up to you as the new custodian to be sure that the dog doesn’t have any accidents.

If you can’t watch the dog every minute when he is out of his crate (while you re-establish or teach housetraining) then put a belly band or use a diaper to be sure no damage occurs to your carpeting or furniture. These aids would have to be removed when the dog goes outside or when you take the dog to its pee pee pads if you choose to use them. Another tip is to attach the dog to you by a leash so you always know where he is and he doesn’t have the opportunity to slip away to a quiet corner in the house.

Introduction into Your New Household

Please see the Tips for Handling Your Newly Rescued Maltese for some information to make the transition easier. Remember that the dog is probably very stressed. Give it quiet time in the crate or exercise pen or bathroom or laundry room or wherever you decide to put him. There are flower essences that are very helpful during this period. Rescue Remedy, which is available from most health food stores, and an array of Pet Essences from Equilite (www.equilite.com) such as "Home Sweet Home" or "Safe Keeping" depending on the circumstances that brought the dog into rescue in the first place.

Maltese are very people oriented and once they attach themselves to their people they want to be with them all the time. At night it usually helps to have a crate up in the bedroom where the dog can see you and where you can reach down and touch your dog reassuringly during the night if any fears surface. Eventually most Maltese end up sleeping in bed with their owners but you should be certain that housetraining has been re-established before moving your dog to your bed.

Introduction to Other Dogs in Your Household

Please see the Introducing New Dog To Old  article for some information to make the transition easier. The main point here is not to leave the new dog alone with other dogs already in the family until you are sure they will get along. There will be period of adjustment for all dogs as they reestablish pack order. Rescue Remedy in the drinking water will help in the transition for all the dogs.

Enjoy!

Most of all enjoy your new Maltese. Given some time you will begin to see trust develop, the stress leave, and the real personality of the dog emerge. This transformation could take weeks or months depending on the trauma the dog may have already suffered in its life. Be patient, the wait will be well worth it.

Articles

• Introducing New Dog To Old
• Let’s Talk Commitment
• Tips For Handling Your Newly Rescued Maltese
• Solve the Problem by Understanding the Process

Suggested Reading

• Pet Allergies: Remedies for an Epidemic by Alfred J. Plechner and Martin Zucker, Dr. Goodpet Labs, Very Health Enterprises, Inc.
• How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With by Rutherford and Neil, Alpine Publications, Inc.
• Second-Hand Dog by Carol Lea Benjamin, Howell Book House.
• Dog Problems by Carol Lea Benjamin, Howell Book House
• The Essential Maltese, consulting editor Dr. Ian Dunbar, Howell Book House
• What All Good Dogs Should Know by Volhard and Bartlett, Howell Book House
• The Holistic Guide for a Health Dog by Volhard and Brown, Howell Book House
• Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats by Diane Stein, The Crossing Press
• Bach Flower Remedies for Animals by Ball and Howard, Saffron Waldon, C.W. Daniel Company, Ltd.
• Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, Dr. Pitcairn, Rodale Press

Web Sites

• Dog Training Basics
• Potty Training Basics
• Training and Behavior

 

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