Adopting older Maltese dogs

[beatafull]

I was wondering if anybody can give me pointers when it comes to caring for an older Maltese dog. I am planning to adopt a 2 year old Maltese male, for the most part he looks healthy (a bit malnutritioned) and there are no visibile signs of abuse. He was rescued running in and out of traffic, I don't have an idea what his previous owners were like. I have never cared for a smaller dog, I used to own a bigger breed. Are there any special considerations for Maltese or health issues? Does anybody know if Maltese have a hard time adapting to new owners or breaking bad habits?
Thanks in advance

[malteseplease]

:tongue6: welcome, maltese are a great breed to be owned by, congratulations :chicken: :yay_jump: :2hearts2: :tongue11:

[I Found Nemo]

:( If you dont know his background you really dont know what to expect!
You may have issues with going to the bathroom or aggression issues.
Where are you getting him from? If it is a rescue organization then they tell you everything they know about him, they are careful where they place their little ones they want them in the right homes and with the right person. Please call whoever your dealing with and ask questions, and see what they tell you. Even a dog that has come from a great home will have a little problem, like being in a new home they may be a little timid till they get used to you.
I admire you and others that do this, I think it fantastic, but please know what you are in for before you go ahead with it!!!

Good Luck!!:)

ANDREA~

[Morkie4]

I would try to meet with the dog before making the decision and interreact with him. Physically he may look fine but you will not know if there are any problems until they present themselves or you have him vet checked. If he has been with a rescue agency, they usually do a very good job of having them checked over and informing you of anything that may be of concern. I adopted my Kallie when she was two years old and the only issue she had was sparation anxiety which may be hard to deal with (but that problem has been corrected and she no longers has it). But as far as the breed goes, they are at the top of the list for me as far as adaptable and loving dogs. Hope it works out for you.:smlove2:

[Chloeandj]

Whatever you decide, we are happy to try and help you as much as we can. There is probably a solution for most problems he might have. But you will need to be sure you are up to handling them. Let us know what the outcome is! Sometimes a dog will fit right in and other times it takes lots of time. It just depends on what his previous home life has been like. Good for you for considering an adoption.

[dogloverx4]

I actually own 2 rescue dogs , and they are both very well behaved . I find rescues do not adopt out dogs , with real behavioral issues - aggressive dogs rarely make the adoption pens . Certainly in a rescue dog , it may take some time to build the dogs confidence - but all you need is love and patience . Sarah
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h258/dogloverx3/DSCF0059.jpg

[Chloeandj]

I just wanted to add that I have added two older dogs to my home. Both came better behaved than the ones I raised myself! They are also the the two that stick to me like glue.

[bek74]

Wish all the luck, and how wonderful you are to take in such a little one. You must be a warm. loving person.
If any issues arise, please ask here and maybe one of us may be able to help.

Hugs

[chocolatecoffe]

I adopted Panna, a Maltese, when she was 2-years-old and Cannelle, a Maltese/Yorkshire Terrier X, when she was 8-months-old.

Adopting them was the best decision I ever made. I didn't know much about Panna's history, only that her owner had died, she was being passed from home to home, and this last home wanted her gone before their vacation. I knew she didn't have any health problems, but I actually adopted her without seeing her - a family friend brought her up from Vegas to us in Canada. We had a couple of back-up plans in case it didn't work out, but she's great. She was understandably scared at first (especially of the snow!) but she's just a little cuddle bug. She's unbelievably loving and has just fit in perfectly, like she's been here the entire time. I don't think she ever remembers being anywhere else, this is where she's meant to be.

With Cannelle, I knew her history. She had been severely abused, as well as attacked by large dogs, and had consequently lost an eye. She would urinate submissively at anything, was scared of her own shadow, and really wouldn't trust anyone. It's been just over a year since we adopted her, and I think watching her come out of her shell has been one of the most rewarding experiences. It was hard work, but she's now catching up on the puppyhood she missed - running around like a maniac, jumping on her sisters, and of course, lots of cuddles. The hardest with her was getting her housetrained as she had been so badly abused and was so scared, but she's come so far; I'm so proud of her.

I'm a huge advocate for adoption, I just think it's so rewarding, especially when you see a significant change in the dog. Good luck with whatever you decide! :D

[MaxJack'sMom]

Chocolatecoffe---that's wonderful how you care for your babies. We got our Jack (now 8 months old) for a no-kill shelter and I was nervous at first, but now I think it's the best thing to do for these helpless angels. I love your pups names--how did you come up with those?

Chery :mickey: :dogwalk: Jack:hearts6:

[MaxJack'sMom]

Beatafull:welcome: to MT. It's just wonderful what you're trying to do for that angel. The moms on this site are the best and if they can help you in any way they will. With love and patience you and your new pup will know that it's meant to be and you were there at that time for a reason. Ask lots of questions and don't be shy with posting some pics. Hope to get to know you better.

Cheryl:mickey: :dogwalk:Jack:hearts6:

[chocolatecoffe]

Chocolatecoffe---that's wonderful how you care for your babies. We got our Jack (now 8 months old) for a no-kill shelter and I was nervous at first, but now I think it's the best thing to do for these helpless angels. I love your pups names--how did you come up with those?

Chery :mickey: :dogwalk: Jack:hearts6:
Thanks MaxJack'sMom :)! Jack sounds like such a cutie, I'll have to hunt around for pictures! :D

I know what you mean about being nervous - I also was at first and for the first few days I even wondered if it was the best decision, but now I'm addicted to rescue and am so happy these angels came into my life.

Well, we also have a Mocha (hence the name chocolatecoffee...er...chocolatecoffe, named so because of she had dark fur as a pup and a bit of white on her face, so she looked like a mochaccino (her fur has since lightened, haha). When we adopted Panna we wanted to have a theme and Panna means "cream" in Italian, since she's all white. Then when we adopted Cannelle we knew we had to keep up with the theme, and Cannelle means "cinnamon" in French, since she's cinnamon coloured. I call them the Coffee Trio, they're so sweet :D.

Sorry to hijack beatafull, are you thinking of any names for your possible little guy? :D

I just saw your question about bad habits, and I don't have much advice...I didn't really notice any bad habits with mine :tongue5: . No, admittedly, there were a few things to work on, especially with Cannelle because of her past. For instance, she was terrified of the back door and, of course, her housetraining, but I found that consistency and positive re-enforcement were the key. All three of my babies, two of which have Maltese in them, are very, very eager to please and just strive to do what I want....it's amazing. With a little bit of patience, we could overcome anything....

Maltese are amazing, to say the least ;).

[beatafull]

Thanks a lot for all the info, it helps a lot. I don't have an idea what the previous owners were like, here it is next to impossible to find this info. I guess people drop their unwanted animals left and right, thus to find dogs running in and out of traffic is fairly common. I will be meeting the dog next week, I will keep you guys posted on the development. I am definatley looking forward to having him. I think he was house trained, if not then I will have to invest some resources into high quality cleaning supplies (LOL) and keep all things I cherish out of floor level, in the first little while.

[Morkie4]

Thanks a lot for all the info, it helps a lot. I don't have an idea what the previous owners were like, here it is next to impossible to find this info. I guess people drop their unwanted animals left and right, thus to find dogs running in and out of traffic is fairly common. I will be meeting the dog next week, I will keep you guys posted on the development. I am definatley looking forward to having him. I think he was house trained, if not then I will have to invest some resources into high quality cleaning supplies (LOL) and keep all things I cherish out of floor level, in the first little while.

Just make sure you ask as many questions about him and hopefully they will have some answers for you. Like did they do a thorough exam and does he have anything: heartworms, luxating patella, dental problems, ............mostly things that might cost you a lot of money to take care of......unless of course you have the funds to deal with those kind of expenses. But I hope he is just one of those lovely malteses that doesn't have any problems except someone to love him.........THAT, I am sure you can handle! Please keep us updated and give us pics if you decide to get him.:)

[beatafull]

I have finally picked up the Maltese - I have not thought of a name for her. I am waiting to see what her personality is like. She seems to be adjusting fine, no issues with appetite that is for sure.
She is a bit skinny, but I think within the next few weeks she should be fine, as she is inhaling food as if there is no tomorrow.
She is very affectionate and friendly, she likes to cuddle and follows my every step.
The only problem is her house training; the previous owners trained her to relief herself in the house on newspapers and plastic bags.. Whaaaa!!!!!! Who does that? It has been a challenge, thus I resorted to restricting her freedom, works so far and I am down to one accident a day (I started with 5 on average). At least I know she has no digestive problems.
I think she was trained to be a toy dog, when I first took her outside she kept on jumping and whining, she was used to be carried around, not walking. Now, she loves to run around and sniff everything in sight.

[bbry]

Wishing you & your new baby all the best. Rescuers are my heroes:)

[MaxJack'sMom]

I have finally picked up the Maltese - I have not thought of a name for her. I am waiting to see what her personality is like. She seems to be adjusting fine, no issues with appetite that is for sure.
She is a bit skinny, but I think within the next few weeks she should be fine, as she is inhaling food as if there is no tomorrow.
She is very affectionate and friendly, she likes to cuddle and follows my every step.
The only problem is her house training; the previous owners trained her to relief herself in the house on newspapers and plastic bags.. Whaaaa!!!!!! Who does that? It has been a challenge, thus I resorted to restricting her freedom, works so far and I am down to one accident a day (I started with 5 on average). At least I know she has no digestive problems.
I think she was trained to be a toy dog, when I first took her outside she kept on jumping and whining, she was used to be carried around, not walking. Now, she loves to run around and sniff everything in sight.

Congrats on your new pup. We got our Jack from a shelter too. He is now 9 months old and the love of our lives.
Just be patient with the house training. Take her out every hour if you have to and tell her to go potty. Give lots of praise. Don't get mad if she messes, just quietly clean it up and start over. Maltese are a people dog, they follow you everywhere, they don't like to be alone--ever!!!! It's also good that you are restricting her freedom of the house. That can happen for a long time.
Again, good luck and don't be shy to ask questions or ask for help, that's what we are all here for.

[Morkie4]

CONGRATULATIONS

...............YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!

We do, however, need some pictures to drool over! Please!:D

[Chloeandj]

Congratulations! Sounds like she is a doll and things are working out well. We definately need pictures!

[M101]

I'm right now a Nanny to a 9 mo. old cuddle baby. His owner is very old and ill.

When he came to our house I sat on the floor w/ him and saw things from his view--what he might get into in the kitchen and porch.

He had been left outside during the day; and in an empty room to sleep at night. Fed human food; no training; no attention...he is bright; frisky; is teething. He arrived w/ nutrition issues. Now his coat is filling in. Each day he becomes more at home. I'm w/ him 12-14 hrs. a day. He is sneaky and Mon. ingested a pill off the floor...it was frightening; but he is fine.

Baby proof your home...limit the room(s) he can go into. Let him know you are the boss...don't act scared...be calm...have fun w/him. You're doing a very wonderful thing.

Don't expect a lot...you'll need to train from scratch. The other experts on the forum are "very" helpful kind people. They will answer questions and guide you...listen to them.

First thing: Create a First Aid Kit!

[maltesemum]

Congrats!!!

We need pictures:D