Obedience Class on an Older Maltese

I would like to know what the chances are of training a 7 year old Maltese? I want to take her to obedience class and have her learn to sit, stay, and to be better at waiting until I get home to go potty. She is paper trained, but I would prefer for her to go outside. I bought a wire cage for her. If I use it with her, she does very well. I just hate leaving her in there. I leave her in there for no more than 4 hours at a time, but I still feel guilty. Any recommendations? What about obedience class?
--Need's better manners

Hello there......
Yes I would definetly take her to obedience classes soon. You did not say if you have had her awhile or have just gotten her. If you have just gotten her it will take time and patience for her to figure out your schedule. I would recommend that you keep using the crate, no mess in house to clean up and she will not be learning any bad habits that will have to be dealt with later. Prevention takes half the battle out of training. I rescued a pug about 5 years ago and he had just turned 4years old. I took him to puppy class--and he did learn alot. Also owner and dog will bond better when you are in classes. He was very neglected and did not know about other dogs and people. He was backwards socially and physically. He had to learn commands plus the right way to run, jump, etc. Yes it is easier to train a dog when it is young but dogs do like to please their master and will try their darnest to obey and please you. You will have to give it more time than usual and of course extra love.
You will not be wasting your money. It will be time well spent with your dog. Usually most classes are 6-10 weeks long. Some will give "homework" for you to do throughout the week. NO dog is ever too old to learn something. Remember dogs want to please us all the time. As far as the training to go outdoors, it will be hard for her to adjust to. She has been going on papers all her life and will be confused. Using the crate like you said for no more than 4 hours is good. Just remember to keep it a fun experience for her. DO NOT use the crate for punishment etc. What exactly are you looking for to better your relationship with the dog?? Good Luck! PUG
I would definitely go to obedience school of some sort; I've heard Clicker Training is good for older dogs as well as younger... there is a Clicker Training Email List you might consider subscribing to, to get more information. Email me for the specific address, if you wish. Also, there are a few web sites re: Clicker Training.
A list of clicker trainers arranged by area: http://www.wazoo.com/~marge/Clicker_Trainers/Clicker_Trainers.html
A list of clicker related information: http://www.phys.unm.edu/~helix/clicker.htm
This Web site has interesting articles about clicker training and information about ordering clicker related books and videos. http://www.karenpryor.com
I don't have any clicker training experience yet, but have just recently ordered my first book (A Dog and a Dolphin, by Karen Pryor) and clicker. Regards & good luck!
Laurie B.
For the most part she is a very good dog. I just need to learn how to decipline her and how to get her to do things like what I would like for her to do. For example, I had a dinner party last week, and she did what she has always done (probably because I never taught her any different). She begged at the table going to each guest individually. I felt like my dog was not trained well enough and had to tell her "No" frequently during dinner. She normally doesn't beg that much, but with so many people, I guess she was a little excited. I would like for her to sit down while we eat and stay in one spot (away from the table) . That would be one example. Another one is that I would like for her not to bark quite as much. She is not a heavy barker when I am home, but I would like for her to stop when I say to. She is pretty good about not barking as much once I tell her to be quiet, but I would like for her to stop. That may be too much to ask for. She is a good watch ! dog for the most part. I wouldn't want to take that away. If I could learn how to train her and what expectations are too high, then maybe I wouldn't be disappointed with her. I don't think these things are her fault, I think they are mine for not training properly. Well, I guess obedience class it is! Thanks for your help!--Needs better manners
Hi again......
All the things you mentioned will be corrected in obedience class. For instance, are you giving her food at the table?? Then she will associate the table as a source to get food. You should stop all treats, tidbits when you sit at the table. If she tries to climb on you with her paws---tell "NO! OFF!" and gently slap her legs off of you. Then tell her to sit and praise like crazy when she gets off and sits for you. This is the first step towards NOT getting a dog to beg anymore. In classes you will be practicing sit stays and down stays what better time to practice at home than during dinner. After dinner you could give her a treat for being so good AWAY from the table area. If she breaks the stay put her back in her place and tell her good girl if she stays there for any length of time. Don't expect to do this right away. A dog has to learn how to stay and then increase the time gradually.
Barking allow her to do some warning barking and then tell her enough, quiet. Use this just like a command. FOLLOW THROUGH if she continues barking everytime. Let her know she will be corrected if she does not shut up. I usually give a mean look at the dog and make intense contact with eyes. (This will make them un- comfortable.) Also giving a tap under the chin also helps if necessary. Let her know you are boss and mean business!!
PUG