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Teaching Basic Commands to Your Maltipoo

Teaching basic commands to your Maltipoo is one of the most rewarding aspects of dog ownership. These intelligent companions, with their Poodle heritage and eager-to-please Maltese nature, are exceptionally capable learners who thrive on the mental stimulation that command training provides. Over my 12+ years of breeding and training Maltipoos, I've developed proven techniques that work specifically with their unique learning style and temperament.

Teaching Basic Commands to Your Maltipoo

Basic commands form the foundation of all future training and provide essential communication tools between you and your Maltipoo. They're not just tricks—they're life skills that keep your dog safe, build confidence, and strengthen your bond. A Maltipoo who understands and responds to basic commands is a joy to live with and can safely enjoy more freedom and adventures with their family.


The key to successful command training with Maltipoos lies in understanding their intelligence level and motivation. These dogs are smart enough to learn complex behaviors but sensitive enough to shut down if training becomes frustrating or overwhelming. Short, positive sessions with high-value rewards create enthusiastic learners who look forward to training time.

Understanding Your Maltipoo's Learning Style

Intelligence and Attention Span

Maltipoos inherit exceptional intelligence from their Poodle lineage, making them quick learners who can master basic commands faster than many other breeds. However, their attention spans are best suited to short, frequent training sessions rather than long, intensive ones.

Optimal Training Sessions:

  • Duration: 5-10 minutes for puppies, 10-15 minutes for adults

  • Frequency: 2-3 sessions daily for best results

  • Timing: Before meals when they're motivated by food rewards

  • Environment: Start in quiet spaces with minimal distractions

Motivation and Rewards

Understanding what motivates your individual Maltipoo is crucial for training success. Most respond well to food rewards, but some are more motivated by play, praise, or physical affection.

High-Value Reward Options:

  • Food treats: Small, soft pieces they can eat quickly

  • Verbal praise: Enthusiastic "good dog" in a happy voice

  • Physical affection: Gentle petting or scratching favorite spots

  • Play rewards: Brief games with favorite toys

  • Life rewards: Access to desired activities or locations

Positive Reinforcement Principles

Maltipoos respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement training methods. Their sensitive nature means harsh corrections or punishment can damage their confidence and slow learning progress.

Effective Training Principles:

  • Immediate timing: Reward within 3 seconds of correct behavior

  • Consistency: Use the same command words and hand signals every time

  • Patience: Allow multiple repetitions for learning to solidify

  • Enthusiasm: Your excitement becomes their excitement about learning

The Essential Five: Core Commands Every Maltipoo Should Know

1. Teaching "Sit" - The Foundation Command

"Sit" is typically the first command taught because it's easy to achieve and builds confidence for both dog and trainer. It's also the foundation for many other commands and behaviors.

Step-by-Step Training:

Week 1: Lure and Capture Method

  1. Hold treat at nose level - Let them smell but not grab the treat

  2. Slowly move treat up and back - Their head will follow, causing bottom to drop

  3. Say "sit" as bottom touches ground - Mark the exact moment it happens

  4. Immediately reward - Give treat and enthusiastic praise

  5. Release with "okay" - Teach them when the command is finished

Week 2: Adding the Verbal Command

  1. Say "sit" before luring - Command first, then hand signal

  2. Wait 2-3 seconds - Give them time to process the command

  3. Help with lure if needed - Don't let them fail completely

  4. Gradually fade the lure - Reduce hand movement over multiple sessions

  5. Practice in different locations - Generalize the behavior to various settings

Week 3: Reliability and Distractions

  1. Practice without treats visible - Command first, reward after

  2. Add mild distractions - Other people, toys, or sounds in the environment

  3. Require immediate response - Don't repeat the command multiple times

  4. Random reward schedule - Not every correct response gets a treat

  5. Use in real-life situations - Before meals, walks, or play sessions

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Repeating the command - Say "sit" once and wait for response

  • Pushing their bottom down - Let them choose to sit rather than forcing

  • Training when overly excited - Start with calm, focused energy

  • Inconsistent release word - Always use the same word to end the command

2. Teaching "Stay" - Building Impulse Control

"Stay" teaches your Maltipoo impulse control and is essential for safety in many situations. It builds on the "sit" command and requires patience to master.

Progressive Training Approach:

Foundation Phase (Week 1-2):

  1. Start with sit - Ensure solid sit command before adding stay

  2. Hand signal introduction - Open palm facing them like a stop sign

  3. Say "stay" and count to 3 - Very short duration initially

  4. Step back one foot - Minimal distance to start

  5. Return and reward - Go back to them rather than calling them to you

Duration Building (Week 3-4):

  1. Gradually increase time - Add 2-3 seconds each successful session

  2. Maintain close distance - Don't add distance until duration is solid

  3. Use release word - "okay" or "free" to end the stay

  4. Return to reward - Always go back to them to release and reward

  5. Practice multiple times daily - Short sessions with high success rates

Distance Challenge (Week 5-6):

  1. Add distance gradually - One additional step each session

  2. Maintain shorter durations - Reduce time when increasing distance

  3. Practice in different rooms - Generalize to various locations

  4. Add mild distractions - Toys, sounds, or movement around them

  5. Build to practical distances - Across a room or to the front door

Real-World Applications:

  • Before meals - Stay until released to eat

  • At doorways - Wait before going outside or entering rooms

  • During grooming - Remain still for brushing or nail trims

  • Meeting people - Stay calm when visitors arrive

3. Teaching "Come" - The Life-Saving Recall

A reliable recall command can literally save your Maltipoo's life. This command requires the strongest positive associations and should never be used for anything your dog perceives as negative.

Building Strong Recall Foundation:

Indoor Training (Week 1-3):

  1. Start in small spaces - Hallways or single rooms initially

  2. Use excited, happy voice - Make coming to you the best thing ever

  3. Reward generously - High-value treats, praise, and affection

  4. Practice during play - Call them during fun activities

  5. Never call for negative things - Don't call them to end fun or for punishment

Outdoor Training (Week 4-6):

  1. Use long training leash - 15-30 foot leash for safety

  2. Choose low-distraction areas - Quiet parks or empty fields

  3. Practice recall games - Hide and seek or chase games

  4. Gradually increase distance - Start close and slowly move further away

  5. Proof against distractions - Practice with other dogs, people, or interesting smells

Advanced Recall Training:

  1. Emergency recall word - Special command reserved for true emergencies

  2. Practice recall interruption - Call them away from exciting activities

  3. Random rewards - Not every recall gets a treat, but all get praise

  4. Lifetime maintenance - Continue practicing throughout their life

  5. Professional proofing - Work with trainer for challenging situations

Critical Recall Rules:

  • Never call your dog to come for something they view as negative

  • Always reward coming when called, even if they took their time

  • Don't chase your dog if they don't come - make yourself more interesting

  • Practice recalls multiple times daily in various locations

4. Teaching "Down" - Advanced Position Control

"Down" is more challenging than "sit" because it requires your Maltipoo to assume a more vulnerable position. This command teaches patience and submission to your leadership.

Progressive Down Training:

Lure Method (Week 1-2):

  1. Start from sit position - Easier transition than from standing

  2. Hold treat at nose level - Let them smell the reward

  3. Slowly lower treat to ground - Between their front paws

  4. Draw treat away from them - Along the ground to encourage lying down

  5. Say "down" as elbows touch ground - Mark the exact moment

Verbal Command Development (Week 3-4):

  1. Add verbal command first - Say "down" before luring

  2. Reduce lure movement - Gradually fade the hand signal

  3. Practice from standing - Not just from sit position

  4. Add duration component - Keep them in down position longer

  5. Generalize to new locations - Practice in different rooms and environments

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

  • Butt in air - Don't reward until both elbows and belly are down

  • Backing up instead - Practice against a wall to prevent backing

  • Refusing to lie down - Use higher value treats or practice when tired

  • Popping back up - Add stay command and gradually increase duration

5. Teaching "Leave It" - Impulse Control and Safety

"Leave it" teaches your Maltipoo to ignore tempting items on command. This is crucial for safety and prevents resource guarding behaviors.

Foundation Training Approach:

Closed Fist Method (Week 1):

  1. Hold treat in closed fist - Let them smell but not access it

  2. Wait for them to stop pawing - Don't say anything initially

  3. Mark the moment they back off - Say "yes" or click when they stop trying

  4. Reward from other hand - Don't give them the forbidden treat

  5. Add "leave it" command - Say it as you present the closed fist

Open Hand Challenge (Week 2):

  1. Present treat in open palm - Ready to close fist if they lunge

  2. Say "leave it" clearly - Use firm but not harsh tone

  3. Cover treat if they move toward it - Close fist to prevent access

  4. Reward when they resist - Treat from other hand for good choices

  5. Gradually increase duration - Longer periods of resisting temptation

Real-World Applications (Week 3-4):

  1. Practice with toys - Leave favorite items on command

  2. Use during walks - Ignore interesting smells or dropped food

  3. Apply at meal times - Wait for permission before eating

  4. Practice with people food - Essential for preventing begging

  5. Emergency applications - Drop dangerous items immediately on command

Advanced Training Techniques for Smart Maltipoos

Chaining Commands Together

Once your Maltipoo masters individual commands, you can chain them together for more complex behaviors.

Popular Command Chains:

  • Sit-Stay-Come - Complete sequence for impulse control

  • Down-Stay-Place - Go to specific location and remain there

  • Sit-Shake-Down - Trick sequence for entertainment

  • Come-Sit-Stay - Recall with automatic position holding

Hand Signal Training

Adding hand signals to verbal commands provides backup communication and mental stimulation.

Standard Hand Signals:

  • Sit: Closed fist moved upward

  • Down: Open palm pressed downward

  • Stay: Open palm facing dog like stop sign

  • Come: Pat your leg or open arms wide

  • Leave it: Pointing finger toward the item

Training in Distracting Environments

Gradually increase training challenges to ensure reliable responses in real-world situations.

Distraction Progression:

  1. Quiet indoor spaces - Living room or bedroom

  2. Busy indoor areas - Kitchen during meal prep

  3. Outdoor quiet spaces - Empty yard or quiet park

  4. Moderate outdoor distractions - Park with some activity

  5. High-distraction environments - Busy parks, streets, or events

For comprehensive guidance on building advanced training skills and addressing challenges, refer to our complete Maltipoo training guide.

Troubleshooting Common Training Challenges

Motivation Issues

If your Maltipoo seems uninterested in training, evaluate your reward system and training environment.

Solutions for Low Motivation:

  • Upgrade treats - Find higher value rewards they can't resist

  • Check timing - Train before meals when they're hungry

  • Reduce distractions - Move to quieter training space

  • Shorten sessions - 5-minute sessions may work better than 10-minute ones

  • Add play elements - Make training feel like a game

Inconsistent Responses

If commands work sometimes but not others, focus on consistency and generalization.

Improving Reliability:

  • Practice in multiple locations - Don't just train in one room

  • Involve all family members - Everyone should use same commands

  • Vary rewards - Don't always use the same treat

  • Practice at different times - Morning, afternoon, and evening sessions

  • Add real-life applications - Use commands during daily activities

Attention and Focus Issues

Some Maltipoos struggle with maintaining attention during training sessions.

Building Focus Skills:

  • Start with name recognition - Ensure they respond to their name consistently

  • Use high-value rewards - Something irresistible to maintain interest

  • Keep sessions very short - 3-5 minutes maximum for easily distracted dogs

  • Remove competing stimuli - Train away from toys, other pets, or activities

  • Build gradually - Start with easy wins before challenging exercises

Creating a Training Schedule

Daily Training Routine

Consistency is key to successful command training. Establish a routine that fits your lifestyle and your Maltipoo's needs.

Sample Daily Schedule:

  • Morning (5 minutes): Basic commands before breakfast

  • Midday (3 minutes): Quick review during lunch break

  • Evening (10 minutes): More extensive training session before dinner

  • Bedtime (2 minutes): Calm commands like sit and stay before sleep

Weekly Training Goals

Set realistic weekly goals to track progress and maintain motivation.

Weekly Progression Example:

  • Week 1: Introduce one new command

  • Week 2: Add reliability challenges to known commands

  • Week 3: Practice in new locations

  • Week 4: Chain commands together or add distractions

Monthly Assessment

Regular assessment helps identify areas needing more work and celebrates progress.

Monthly Review Points:

  • Command reliability - Which commands need more practice?

  • Generalization success - Do commands work in various locations?

  • Family consistency - Is everyone using commands the same way?

  • Real-world application - Are commands useful in daily life?

Building on Basic Commands

Intermediate Commands to Add

Once your Maltipoo masters the basic five, consider adding these useful commands:

Practical Intermediate Commands:

  • "Wait" - Pause before proceeding (different from stay)

  • "Touch" - Target your hand with their nose

  • "Place" - Go to a specific location like a bed or mat

  • "Drop it" - Release items from their mouth

  • "Heel" - Walk nicely beside you without pulling

Trick Training for Mental Stimulation

Teaching tricks provides mental exercise and strengthens your bond while building on command training skills.

Popular Maltipoo Tricks:

  • Shake/High Five - Builds on sit command

  • Roll Over - Uses down position as starting point

  • Spin - Simple movement trick that's easy to learn

  • Play Dead - Advanced down variation

  • Speak/Quiet - Useful for managing barking behavior

Competition and Advanced Training

Some Maltipoos excel in competitive activities that showcase their training skills.

Competition Options:

  • Rally Obedience - Combines commands with course navigation

  • Canine Good Citizen - AKC program testing basic manners

  • Therapy Dog Training - Commands for visiting facilities

  • Agility - Physical and mental challenge using obstacles

Professional Training Resources

When to Seek Professional Help

While many Maltipoo owners successfully teach basic commands at home, some situations benefit from professional guidance.

Consider Professional Help For:

  • Learning difficulties - If your dog isn't progressing after several weeks

  • Behavioral issues - Aggression, extreme fear, or anxiety during training

  • Advanced goals - Competition training or specialized skills

  • Family struggles - When household members can't agree on methods

Choosing the Right Trainer

Look for trainers who use positive reinforcement methods and have experience with small, intelligent breeds.

Trainer Qualifications:

  • Certification credentials - CCPDT, KPA, or similar organizations

  • Positive training philosophy - Force-free, reward-based methods only

  • Small breed experience - Understanding of Maltipoo-specific needs

  • Continuing education - Ongoing professional development

The Association of Professional Dog Trainers provides excellent resources for finding qualified trainers who use science-based, humane methods.

Conclusion

Teaching basic commands to your Maltipoo is one of the most rewarding investments you can make in your relationship. These intelligent, eager-to-please companions thrive on the mental stimulation and clear communication that command training provides. The foundation skills you build through basic command training will serve you both throughout their lifetime.


Remember that every Maltipoo learns at their own pace, and patience is key to success. Focus on making training sessions positive, fun experiences that both you and your dog look forward to. Celebrate small victories and maintain consistency in your approach.

The time you invest in teaching basic commands will pay dividends in safety, convenience, and bonding for years to come. A well-trained Maltipoo who responds reliably to basic commands is a joy to live with and can safely enjoy greater freedom and adventures with their family.


Start with one command at a time, build a solid foundation, and gradually add complexity as your Maltipoo masters each skill. Before you know it, you'll have a responsive, well-mannered companion who understands and eagerly responds to your communication.

Ready to welcome an intelligent, trainable Maltipoo puppy into your family? Contact us to learn more about our available puppies and ongoing training support resources.

 
 
 

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