My Journey with a Maltese Bolonka: Lessons Learned and Tips Shared

Hello fellow animal lover!

If you're thinking of bringing a Maltese Bolonka into your life, then this article is for you.

I'll start from the beginning. As a self-proclaimed clean freak and perfectionist, I never thought I'd be the type of person to take on the responsibilities of dog ownership. But after visiting some friends and seeing their adorable pup, I was hooked. I fell in love with her the moment I laid eyes on her - she was white, fluffy, and had this adorable bow on her head. I was desperate to have a furry friend of my own.

I ended up buying a puppy from a reputable breeder and waited patiently for her to get her shots before bringing her home. I was prepared for her arrival, having stocked up on all the essentials - a big cage for her safety when I'm not around, plenty of toys, beds, blankets, bowls, and of course, the good stuff - expensive dog food. And then the day finally arrived, and my little bundle of joy, Elza, came home.

The first few weeks were a wild ride:

She would go to the bathroom anywhere but on her potty pad.She would chew on anything within reach, trying to swallow small objects.She would pee on her bed.When left alone in her cage at night, she would go to the bathroom, lie down, and whine nonstop. I barely slept those first few nights, sitting on the couch next to her cage, trying to make her feel more comfortable.She would eat her own poop.I'll be honest, those first few days I regretted my decision to bring a dog into my life. But I knew I was responsible for this little ball of fur, so I dug out some dog training books and immersed myself in learning as much as I could to make her a well-behaved pup.

Four months have passed since Elza and I became a family, and thanks to my patience and eco-friendly approach to dog training, I've managed to make her stay a breeze, and she no longer causes any discomfort.

Here are some suggestions that helped me achieve the same result, and might help you too:

Leaving the crate in one place when you leave the house takes the stress off of wondering what might happen to your little curious pup while you're not around.Don't use the crate as a punishment – it'll give your dog a negative association with it, and they might not want to go in there even when you're home. With our crate, the door is always open when I'm awake and not sleeping. My dog goes in there to relax on the soft cushions or take a mid-day nap.Initially, place the potty pads in different spots around the crate to prevent accidents due to unfamiliar surroundings.Don't scold your dog for having an accident in the crate or missing the potty pad. Instead, reward them when they get it right. I use treats from the Munchies series – heart-shaped beef bits, fish, and small bone-shaped snacks. She loves them, and a funny habit has formed: after doing her business, she'll look up at me with those big eyes, waiting for me to call her over for a treat. When I approach the cabinet where her treats are stored, she'll excitedly run towards me, wagging her little tail.Invest in a litter box with sides. This was the only way I could get her to aim for the potty pads and not miss them. When I just laid the pads on the floor, she'd walk right up to the edge and do her business, with the smell wafting underneath the pads.Never hit your dog – it won't achieve anything positive. I never hit my dog, not even when she drove me crazy.Once your dog's comfortable with the potty pad inside, you can transition her to going potty outside. My dog was uncertain about doing her business on the grass, but the potty pad helped – I'd simply lay it on the grass, and once she got comfortable going potty there, I stopped bringing the potty pad with me on walks.Reward your dog for good behavior. Treats have been a game-changer for me – they've helped me get my dog to calmly lie down while I brush her, and she doesn't fuss when I put on her hair clips.After a bath, it's essential to dry your dog thoroughly with a towel or a hair dryer. Their paws are prone to fungal infections if they stay damp for too long.Pay extra attention to their ears. As a floppy-eared breed, their ear canals can get stuck with moisture after a bath or a walk. If left unchecked, it may even lead to a flea infestation.Brush your dog daily to prevent any discomfort during the process.Avoid using whitening shampoos regularly, as they can be harsh and cause irritation. I only use them occasionally and on specific areas like the paws and tail.Regular grooming sessions with a professional groomer are a must. They'll help keep the areas around their genitalia clean, prevent stains on the floor, and reduce the risk of hair sticking to their fur under their tail. They'll also trim the hair around their mouth to prevent staining when they eat wet food.My dog has become an angel now. She only uses the potty, doesn't bark, doesn't chew on things, and sleeps peacefully in her crate when I'm not home.

If you've decided to bring this breed into your family, remember that they require meticulous care. They also get anxious when left alone for extended periods. Since I work from home, we're rarely apart.

Good luck, and don't forget that love and patience will make your dog a loyal companion and a well-behaved family member.