How to Prepare a Maltese for the Canine Good Citizen Test
The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification is an achievable milestone for Maltese owners willing to address their breed's unique behavioral tendencies. While Maltese dogs are gentle and affectionate companions, their moderate trainability (3/5) and high barking tendency (4/5) require patience and consistency. Their toy size and fearless temperament can mask small-dog syndrome—the tendency toward excessive barking, separation anxiety, and resistance to discipline. This guide breaks down the 10 CGC test items into manageable training steps specifically designed for Maltese owners. With daily 25-minute training sessions and positive reinforcement, your Maltese can master the skills needed to pass the test and become a well-mannered family member and community ambassador.
Step-by-step
- 1
Master Basic Obedience (Sit, Down, Stay, Come)
Start with sit and down commands using high-value treats—Maltese dogs respond best to food rewards due to their moderate trainability. Practice in 5-minute sessions to maintain their focus, gradually increasing duration. These foundational commands form the backbone of CGC compliance and build the impulse control needed to manage their barking tendency during distractions.
- 2
Address Barking and Impulse Control
Teach a 'quiet' command by waiting for a pause in barking, marking it with 'yes,' and rewarding immediately. This breed's high barking tendency (4/5) is their biggest CGC challenge, so practice in various environments with distractions. Redirect excitement toward toys or treats instead of vocalization, helping your Maltese learn self-regulation.
- 3
Develop Loose-Leash Walking Skills
Practice walking at your side with minimal tension on the leash, rewarding calm behavior frequently. Maltese dogs' small size tempts owners to carry them, but CGC requires demonstrating a controlled walking pace. Work on maintaining composure around other dogs and people, especially important given their fearless temperament that can trigger barking.
- 4
Build Tolerance for Handling and Grooming
Gently touch your Maltese's paws, ears, mouth, and hindquarters during calm moments, rewarding cooperation with treats. The CGC includes an examiner-touching test; your Maltese must remain calm and cooperative. Their affectionate nature makes this easier than some breeds, but separation anxiety can cause tension—keep sessions short and positive.
- 5
Practice Calm Greeting and Interaction Skills
Train your Maltese to sit and remain calm when meeting people and other dogs, rather than jumping or excessive barking. Use controlled encounters with friends and other calm dogs to build confidence without triggering reactive behavior. Their gentle temperament helps here, but consistency prevents them from reverting to jumping or attention-seeking barking.
- 6
Rehearse Test Scenarios and Manage Separation Anxiety
Simulate CGC test conditions—walking past distractions, sitting while you step away briefly, and remaining calm during loud noises. Maltese dogs' tendency toward separation anxiety means you must build duration gradually; start by stepping away for 3 seconds and reward calm behavior. Practice in different locations to generalize skills beyond your home environment.
Pro tips
- Use tiny, high-value treats (cheese, chicken) in quick 5-minute sessions—Maltese dogs have shorter attention spans and smaller stomachs, so adjust portion sizes to prevent overfeeding while maintaining motivation.
- Practice the 'quiet' command relentlessly in various settings; your Maltese's 4/5 barking tendency is the biggest obstacle to CGC success, so make impulse control your priority from day one.
- Socialize extensively but carefully—their fearless temperament combined with small size can lead to overconfidence or defensive reactions. Expose them to calm people, dogs, and environments, always rewarding peaceful behavior.
Frequently asked questions
My Maltese barks constantly at other dogs during walks. How do I stop this before the test?+
Barking is your breed's biggest challenge. Use a 'look at me' command with high-value treats to redirect attention away from triggers. Start at a distance where your Maltese notices other dogs but doesn't bark, reward calm observation, and gradually decrease distance over weeks. Consistency and patience are essential—don't punish barking, as it often increases anxiety in this sensitive breed.
My Maltese has severe separation anxiety. Will we fail the CGC if he whines when I step away?+
Not necessarily—the CGC test allows some stress responses, but excessive barking or anxiety will hurt your score. Build duration gradually: practice stepping away for 3 seconds, then 10 seconds, rewarding calm behavior each time. Consider consulting a trainer or veterinarian about anxiety management if your dog cannot settle for at least 1 minute on the test.
My Maltese is only 4 pounds. Does his small size affect training?+
Size doesn't affect CGC standards, but it does change your approach: use tiny, low-calorie treats to avoid overfeeding, and be extra careful during leash work to avoid injury. Small dogs' fearlessness can mask insecurity, so provide consistent positive reinforcement and avoid coercion, which can worsen anxiety or barking in toy breeds.
How often should I train my Maltese to prepare for the CGC test?+
Daily 25-minute sessions are ideal for this breed's energy level (2/5) and moderate trainability (3/5). Break sessions into 5-10 minute segments if your Maltese loses focus; short, frequent training works better than long sessions for toy breeds. Most Maltese owners see good progress with 6-12 weeks of consistent daily practice before attempting the test.