Are Maltese Aggressive (6 Causes of Aggression)

Different dogs show aggression in different ways, which brings up the question are Maltese aggressive among Maltese lovers!

Since Maltese dogs are not naturally aggressive but they are circumstances that lead to aggression you should know.

I will outline and discuss some of the reasons a Maltese may become aggressive or hostile.

Keep reading…

Are Maltese Aggressive

Maltese dogs are non-aggressive dogs that make ideal family pets, they are known to be nice and naturally have a gregarious demeanor, and are noted for being friendly canines.

When left alone, the Maltese dog might become violent in an attempt to show their unhappiness.

Maltese dogs can become aggressive due to a lack of socialization, fear, anxiety, and, most significantly, the owner’s lack of training or behavioral knowledge.

Causes of aggression in Maltese dogs

Here are some common reasons or things that cause the Maltese dogs to become aggressive:

1. Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety is a behavior problem in Maltese dogs that manifest immediately the owner leaves them alone at home.

When Maltese dogs are left alone unattended, they develop unnecessary behavioral issues, one of which is aggression.

Maltese dogs with separation anxiety become aggressive and bark excessively, demanding assistance, and can even bite.

2. Neglect or abuse by owner

A lack of attention can trigger Maltese aggression, and Maltese require their owners’ entire attention at all times.

To properly care for your Maltese, you should feed him or her at the appropriate times, groom him or her, walk him or her, and take time to hug or touch him or her.

When your Maltese does something wrong, instead of shouting at him, reprimand him and make sure he gets the correction.

Ascertain that your Maltese consumes high-quality food and has access to clean, freshwater.

To reduce the possibility of aggression, give your Maltese the attention and exercise he or she requires, as well as grooming.

3. Continuous depression and frustration

This is one of the most common reasons for aggression in dogs, not just for Maltese dogs.

A frustrated and depressed Maltese can bite, bark, chew things, or even attempt to escape from home.

There are several elements that contribute to a Maltese’s high degree of aggression when he is unsatisfied.

Paying less attention than normal, disregarding your Maltese, interfering with the dog’s meal schedule, and so on.

Loud sounds or abrupt changes in routine can startle and disturb Maltese, which is little companion dogs.

All of this can lead to unnecessarily high levels of frustration and unhappiness, which can lead to aggressiveness.

4. Poor socialization

Socialization has a lot to do with your Maltese aggressive behaviors, as lack of proper socialization causes other issues.

Maltese can become aggressive towards other dogs or pets simply because they are not socialized with such pets.

Exposing them to all forms of pets and humans or situations can help them to understand that everyone around them is not a threat.

Therefore, we can say that a well-socialized Maltese is less aggressive towards humans and pets.

5. Continuous occurrence of traumatic event

Traumatic situations in dogs are prevalent and one of the most prominent reasons for aggressive behavior in Maltese.

Rescue dogs suffer from anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of previous trauma (PTSD).

Any Maltese who has been exposed to trauma before is in danger of developing behavioral problems.

Emotional problems are more common among Maltese who have lived in a harsh or hostile environment.

As a conditioned self-protective response, they become afraid and furious.

6. Lack of obedience training

Proper obedience training sessions are the key to the elimination of bad behaviors in Maltese or other dogs.

40 to 50 percent of canine aggression against other dogs, people, or other pets is due to insufficient obedience training.

You must equip your Maltese with proper obedience training to lessen or eradicate hate toward other dogs or humans.

Teach your Maltese how to follow orders and when to let go or break a behavior through efficient obedience training.

Signs of aggression in Maltese dogs

Here are some common signs of aggression found in Maltese dogs:

1. Maltese’ teeth are frequently displayed needlessly.
2. On a regular basis a Maltese snap and snarl for no reason.
3. Unnecessarily freezing of a Maltese in the company of other dogs or strangers.
4. On a regular and temporary basis the Maltese grow in size.
5. The Maltese barks aggressively when strangers or other dogs approach.
6. Maltese nips aggressively when playing with other pets.
7. Adopt a rigid body position in the company of strangers or other canines.

How to stop aggression in Maltese dogs

Some ways for preventing or dealing with Maltese dog aggressiveness are as follows:

1. Socialize your Maltese

Allow your Maltese to socialize with other dogs as well as people.

In a non-threatening and suitable manner, introduce them to other dogs or humans.

Don’t forget to thank your Maltese if you’ve had a pleasant interaction with them and they haven’t upset you.

Keep a watch on your Maltese while they’re among other people since they can turn angry or irritated at any time.

If they are hostile, get rid of them as quickly as possible to avoid them from biting someone.

Do not give your Maltese food, pet them, or carry them if they look enraged or violent when they are around other dogs or humans.

Maltese dogs may be socialized using a variety of techniques, such as:

1. Enroll them in puppy courses.
2. Bring them to a dog park.
3. Take them to other dog owners’ homes.
4. Take them for a stroll in the evening.
5. Bring them on a camping trip.
6. Taking them to dog shows is a good idea.
7. Bring them to the beach.
8. Take them on a shopping trip.
9. Other dog owners should welcome to if they visit.

2. Never punish your Maltese for aggression

Punishing your Maltese for being aggressive nearly always backfires and makes the situation worse.

If you hit, yell, or use any other unpleasant method to deal with a growling dog, the Maltese may feel obligated to bite you in self-defense.

As a result of the punishment, your Maltese may bite someone else without your knowledge.

Maltese growls at children to convey his displeasure with their presence.

If you punish a Maltese for growling, he may bite instead of alerting you the next time he is scared.

3. Stick to a daily routine that works fine

If you want to assist your Maltese to become less aggressive, don’t mess with his food schedule or space.

Make a plan for your Maltese and follow it. Make sure your Maltese is occupied while he isn’t sleeping.

If you change your Maltese meal schedule, stick to it until both you and your Maltese’s expectations have been reached.

Stick to what works for you right now if you continuously altering your Maltese diet.

4. Avoid harsh training sessions

Many dogs grow even more aggressive as a result of the usage of harsh training methods such as prongs, shock collars, and other similar devices.

Never physically strike your Maltese. That means no slapping, hitting, or other harsh punishments, as they will just make your tiny dog more aggressive or fearful.

During any training sessions, avoid using any harsh or punitive methods; if your Maltese isn’t getting it right, be calm and start over.

5. Provide more mental stimulation activities

If you don’t give enough mental stimulation and exercise to your Maltese, he or she may acquire undesirable habits and behaviors.

Because of their small stature, your Maltese will be entertained with a daily routine of 15 to 30 minutes.

Take your dog for walks and short runs to stimulate healthy growth.

Toys, video games, TV shows, and other forms of amusement are also available.

6. Provide your Maltese basic needs

Maltese people like being showered with affection and attention, which may prevent them from becoming aggressive.

When your Maltese does something you like, give them a positive reward, and connect aggressiveness with undesirable conduct.

Praise them and give them treats as a reward. If they engage in behavior that you don’t like, ignore them for a while.

You’ll need to be persistent and patient to help your Maltese figure out which hobbies you enjoy and which ones you don’t.

I hope your question are Maltese aggressive was answered!