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A grandmother kneeling on a patterned rug gently holds the raised paw of a white Maltese in her living room. 27 / 32

Abuela Spent All Week Teaching Copito One Trick. Today He Finally Got It.

AI imagemaltesedog trainingliving room

Success. Copito has lifted his right paw, and Abuela Rosa is holding it gently in her palm, beaming down at him through her glasses. She is kneeling on the colorful patterned rug in a plaid flannel shirt and floral apron, and Copito sits upright in front of her, looking very proud of himself. Morning light streams through sheer curtains, falling across a gray sofa piled with throws, a wooden coffee table with an open book and a mug, and a pair of slippers left by the couch. It is a small trick, but in this room it feels like a big moment.

Teaching a dog to shake is a classic starter trick and a nice way to build trust. A common method is to hold a treat in a closed hand near the dog's chest, wait for the dog to paw at it, then say the cue word and reward right away. With repetition, the dog learns that lifting the paw earns praise. Keep sessions short, a few minutes at a time, and end on a success. Positive reinforcement works well for most dogs, including Maltese, who tend to be eager to please and respond well to gentle, upbeat training.

Copito may only know a handful of tricks, but each one means a little more time on the rug with Rosa, and that is the real reward. Handshake accepted.

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A grandmother naps in a woven rope hammock under an oak tree, holding a sleepy white Maltese against her chest.The Hammock Was Built for One, but Under the Oak Tree, Nobody Was CountingA grandmother kneels to plant a tomato seedling as a white Maltese with dirty paws digs a hole right beside her.Abuela Was Planting Tomatoes. Copito Decided Every Plant Needed a Bigger Hole.A grandmother in a floral apron brushes the coat of a white Maltese sitting on concrete back steps.Every Evening on the Back Steps, Abuela and Copito Have the Same Little RitualA smiling grandmother in a floral apron holds a bowl of popcorn while a fluffy white Maltese sniffs it.Abuela Rosa Made Popcorn for Movie Night. Copito Had His Own Plans for the Bowl.