Your Maltipoo is Anxious-Why and What To Do
The Maltipoo maintains the intelligence and spirited manner of its predecessors — the Maltese and Poodle — but its charming personality and teddy bear face have earned a reputation all its own.
If you're reading this article, chances are you already own a Maltipoo or are preparing to bring one home. Congratulations!
While Maltipoos have a long list of positive traits, it's important to be aware of some of their less endearing qualities as well. In fact, you've probably wondered .
Behavioral issues stemming from and top the list of Maltipoo owners' gripes. Their high intelligence, energetic nature, and lap genetics result in an especially sensitive animal.
In this article we're going to explore your Maltipoo's background, understand the reasons behind their , and develop a lifestyle that eliminates both for you and your .
Understanding Your Maltipoo
The Maltipoo is a cross between a Poodle and a Maltese. Understanding the history and characteristics of both of these breeds helps an owner gain insight into the way their pet is thinking and feeling.
Maltese
The Maltese is a lap from — you guessed it — Malta. Malta is a small Mediterranean island off the Italian coast, and the dignified nature of this small bears the elegance of its namesake well.
Their trademark floor-length white coat and compact size make it easy to forget the Maltese is still a with quite the penchant for exercise. Their energy levels are considered medium to high and require daily walks with their owner.
Bred for the sole purpose of being a lap and companion , they acquire a strong bond with their owner. Failure to provide the reassurance and presence this sensitive demands can result in quite a bit of household discord.
Owners of the Maltese, however, are more than happy to bend to the whims of this endearingly stubborn . When a harmony is struck between the needs of and owner a remarkable bond is formed.
Poodle
The Poodle is a descendant from the much larger Standard Poodle. The "original" poodle was bred to be a companion for hunting, traveling, and military operations. The poodle gained widespread popularity in the 19th century due to its eagerness to please, trainability, and high intelligence.
Its thick, dense coat could be trimmed close to accommodate lengthy swims, or picked into a bouffant for circus performances. A truly versatile , the Poodle has deviated little from its full-sized counterpart over the centuries.
Your Maltipoo
I bet you didn't think that cotton ball snoozing on your lap had such a rich history, huh? Its easy to forget your is descended from the laps of royalty or fields of war, but its exactly that awareness that will help you understand why your Maltipoo acts the way it does.
The Poodle and Maltese were crossed in an attempt to develop an intelligent, hypoallergenic lap truly devoted to its owner. Maltipoos are sensitive, and highly attuned to the emotions of their guardians, sometimes vigilantly so.
The Maltipoo has the highly adaptable nature of the Poodle and can easily adjust to living in a home or small apartment. However, your Maltipoo has also acquired the lack of undercoat from the Maltese. This lack of insulation, combined with their small stature, means your is not suited for living outdoors. This includes in a kennel.
When the needs of this playful, outgoing, energetic are not understood, the result can be a that is highly fearful and anxious.
Common Signs of and in Your Maltipoo
The Maltipoo is frequently regarded as a stubborn but that doesn't have to be the end of the story. Most behavioral issues in a Maltipoo actually occur as a result of and , as opposed to that trademark stubbornness.
Incessant Barking
Just because constant barking in small dogs is common doesn't mean it can't be changed, and just because it's common doesn't mean its healthy either. Except in the case of older dogs when they are prone to confusion and dulled senses, a that is constantly yapping is trying to tell you something.
Neither of the breeds in the Maltipoo's makeup have especially strong guardian traits, so cross standards off the list of reasons your is so vocal. Nonstop barking is, essentially, a compulsion. Your Maltipoo will engage in compulsive, repetitive when they don't know any other way to calm themselves.
Be aware of the patterns involving your 's barking, and start from there. If your Maltipoo unleashes their fury any time someone comes near their owner, their home, or their food, then there is likely an underlying insecurity regarding one of those resources that needs to be addressed.
Potty Training Issues
The Maltipoo is among the more difficult breeds to potty train. While this can be attributed to their stubborn nature, it more than likely has other root causes.
A healthy can be expected to control their bodily functions for 8 hours at a time. Excluding young puppies and medical issues, an adult dog that is continually relieving themselves outside of designated areas is under some degree of . It is also not in a 's makeup to eliminate waste in the same areas where they sleep, live, and eat.
Solutions to potty training will be outlined in detail in the sections of this article regarding establishing healthy routines and crate training.
Hyperactivity and Jumping
High on the list of Maltipoo owner complaints is their exhibiting high levels of energy. Its completely normal for a healthy, well balanced to have stores of energy to burn. What is not normal is a that is wild-eyed, panting, and engaging in a on repeat without a break.
Again, this is a sign of a compulsive likely induced by , , or fear. Juvenile dogs are more likely to exhibit these hyperactive traits, but they have been observed in Maltipoos of all ages.
is a common source of across all breeds and is not limited to Maltipoos. It is, however, acutely expressed in Maltipoos for a number of reasons. First, their background as working and lap dogs has hardwired the need to be near their owners into their psyche.
You cannot train your Maltipoo not to crave your attention and affection. That is part of being a , and if you can't guarantee being able to provide some of yourself to your every day you are better off not having a at all. But you can train your Maltipoo to be confident in your absence, knowing they can rely on you to return home every day.
Although can be frustrating, its an entirely treatable form of . Desensitization training is especially helpful for relieving separation anxiety in Maltipoos.
Helping Your Maltipoo Relax and Unwind
The key to helping your Maltipoo find a sense of ease and comfort in their home is meeting their basic needs. First off, put yourself in your Maltipoo's tiny shoes. The little balls of fluff are an average of 10 inches tall. Even a small apartment can seem like an intimidating labrynth to an animal that size.
Create a safe space for your Maltipoo
I know your seems to have everything they could dream of when they're snuggled next to you on the couch, but its incredibly important for your Maltipoo's mental health that they have an area all their own.
Begin by picking out a quiet, low traffic area of your home. Corners are ideal because they offer more of a sense of being 'closed in.' Make sure they have a bed, a blankie, and their favorite .
If you're trying to encourage your to favor their own space over your lap, you have to invest in a high quality bed they actually want to sleep in. This Calming Cuddle Bed is a good choice because it features raised circular edges that fulfill your 's need to burrow deep and snuggle down into their bedding.
Use a Routine
The first thing you want to adopt after your Maltipoo is a consistent routine. A reliable routine is the number one way you alleviate your 's by letting them know you are a pack leader that can be relied upon. By letting your know when they can expect to be fed, let out to potty, and played with, they won't see the need to try and take control of these things themselves.
Mealtimes set the framework for the rest of your routine. Refrain from letting a bowl of food sit out all day long for your Maltipoo to pick at as they wish. Establish your role as pack leader by controlling when they eat. Regulating their food intake will also help to regulate the times they need to relieve themselves.
Your will likely need a restroom break within 20 minutes of eating. This is a great time to also fulfill your 's needs for exercise and attention by going for a walk.
The specifics of you and your Maltipoo's routine can be adapted to fit your needs so long as it meets your 's physical, emotional, and mental needs.
Many symptoms of and , especially relating to potty training, are resolved when a consistent routine is implemented.
Consider a Crate
Many novice pet owners thumb their noses at the idea of putting their beloved pet in a cage all day long. First off, any certified professional will tell you it is completely unacceptable to leave your Maltipoo in a crate all day long.
Your will only be in a crate when you are away at work. If that is going to exceed 8 hours, it would be a good idea to hire a pet sitter to take your for a walk so they can stretch and relieve themselves.
A crate can relieve and in your by playing on their den instinct. With proper training, the enclosed space will provide your Malipoo with a sense of closeness and security. Additionally, dogs are instinctively adverse to relieving themselves in their dens, which makes potty training the number one reason owners turn to crates.
Properly administered, crate training can be the key to providing your Maltipoo with the tools they need to confidently self soothe. If crate training just doesn't sound like something that would work for you and your , be extra vigilant about making sure your has an alternative safe space as discussed above.
Boredom May Be
One of the biggest reasons Maltipoo owners find themselves with a frustrated, , is its so easy to forget there is a canine inside of that fancy sweater he's wearing. Beneath their pampered facade is an intelligent animal that craves sunlight, exercise, time with other dogs, and . Many Maltipoo owners neglect to respect their 's basic needs in this way and end up with a that is stressed and resentful.
Offer Regular Exercise and Interaction
Incorporate regular walks into your 's routine. The sunlight and fresh air will have a calming effect on both you and your Maltipoo.
Don't be afraid to shake up your exercise routine by taking your Maltipoo with you to new places. The beach, the park, the trails behind your house. Your will be delighted to experience new sights and smells by your side.
If you and your are up for it, try out the park. Not all personalities do well in that environment, but for those that do its an indispensable opportunity to run and play with other dogs.
You would be amazed to see the difference in your Maltipoo after a few weeks of trying out new adventures together. The that used to pant and pace every time you picked up your keys might just be sound asleep when you head out for the day.
Invest in Obedience Training
It can't be reiterated enough just how intelligent your Maltipoo is. Poodles regularly rate first on lists of most intelligent breeds, and the Maltese usually isn't very far behind. A with such innate intelligence will need to be continually challenged to keep them from growing bored and experiencing .
A is an invaluable resources and can offer amazing insight on your Maltipoo's . Even after your has mastered the basics of potty training, crate training, and basic commands it's a great idea to continue onto advanced courses.
Not only does it create valuable bonding opportunities for you and your pet, it gives the the opportunity to grow in their understanding as pack leader.
Homeopathic Solutions For Your Maltipoo's and
In an age where everything seems to be cutting edge and synthetic it's easy to forget about the natural solutions we've relied on for thousands of years. While obedience training and routine will go a long way to calm your Maltipoo, there are many herbal remedies that can do wonders for his mental health as well.
Valerian officinalis
Also known simply as Valerian root, this supplement has been used by both humans and pets alike to offer relief from , sleeplessness, and . Valerian supplements ease by revving up production of the neurotransmitter gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA) which sends calming signals to the brain.
Vetiver
Vetiver is an aromatic herb belonging to the same family as lemongrass and citronella. Its scent is complex, earthy and very distinct. The soothing aroma is said to have properties that help ground your pet in situations which cause them to feel flighty and insecure.
Clary Sage
Clary Sage has been regarded for centuries for its ability to induce a calming state when inhaled. It is a gentle and soothing alternative to prescription sedatives for both humans and their pets. Studies have shown a strong correlation between use of Clary Sage and reduction in the causing hormone, cortisol.
Exercise Caution When Using Essential Oils
Just because something is natural doesn't mean care shouldn't be exercised when using it. Essential oils are incredibly potent compounds that can make your pet ill if used improperly.
When purchasing calming essential oils for your Maltipoo you must source from reputable suppliers that specialize in homeopathic pet remedies. Calming has a line of calming sprays and treats devoted to naturally relieving your 's . All of their products are sourced from the USA, so you can be confident in their standards of quality.
Conclusion
In this article we visited your Maltipoo's roots, saw life from their perspective, sniffed out possible problems and hunted down several solutions to your 's and .
Just like a person, your Maltipoo's mental health and well being will ebb and flow over time. This is normal! Expect your to regress during times of abrupt change or .
Just remember to remain consistent, be a confident leader, meet your 's needs, and enjoy the journey with your forever friend.