Google ★★★★★ 5.0 from 50 reviews (Mar 2026)
951+ dogs trained in the Macedon Ranges Read success stories →

Maltese x Shih Tzu Training

Do you have a Maltese x Shih Tzu that needs some training help? Natalie from Crazy Kind Calm dog training can help!

With over 900 dogs trained across the Macedon Ranges, Natalie understands the unique personality and needs that come with this wonderful breed.

Maltese × Shih Tzu crosses (Mal-Shis) are small, affectionate companion dogs who combine the best of two beloved lap dog breeds. They're playful, people-oriented, and love being the centre of attention — but their attachment can become a challenge.

Common Maltese x Shih Tzu traits and training needs

  • Prone to separation anxiety — both parent breeds are companion dogs through and through
  • Can be barky, especially at visitors, other dogs, and when left alone
  • May develop resource guarding over their favourite person, toys, or food
  • Can be stubborn about toilet training, especially in cold or wet conditions
  • May become snappy with children or rough handling
  • Attention-seeking behaviours including barking, pawing, and whining

Mal-Shi owners have a devoted little companion who wants to be involved in everything. If your Mal-Shi barks when visitors arrive, refuses to walk in the rain, or has made guarding your lap their full-time job — those are common patterns in this cross. Their affectionate, people-loving nature is your biggest asset in training. They want to please, they just need gentle, consistent guidance.

August - Maltese x Shih Tzu dog training

Maltese x Shih Tzu Training Options

Whether your Maltese x Shih Tzu is a new puppy or an older dog with some habits to work on, we've got options to suit.

One-on-one dog training
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One-on-One Training

Personalised sessions in your home, where the challenges actually happen. We work together on your specific goals — whether it's pulling on lead, barking, poor recall, jumping up, or something else entirely.

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Puppy school class
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Puppy School

Group classes in Kyneton for puppies aged 8-16 weeks. Build confidence, learn essential skills, and socialise with other pups in a safe, supportive environment.

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Maltese x Shih Tzu (and others) Success Stories

★★★★★ Google
"I was really impressed with Natalie's knowledge and experience when she visited our 3 resident dogs at home this morning to advise on the management of a really difficult situation in which one dog is attacking another, with me injured as well, and literally thousands spent on vet bills. The situation has been exacerbated by recent stressors such as moving house and inadequate room, and Natalie gave some important guidance and insights to manage the situation, including where it is likely to go from here (high risk of serious injuries to dogs and humans or a death, which I totally see happening) and what we can do to control and manage the dogs, as I do not wish to euthanise or re-home the stressed-out, attacking dog without trying to work on this. She advised on strategies, equipment and training that will all actually work because it was personalised and done with the doggers present, displaying all their wonderful behaviours. The visit was much better than a phone consult could ever be because Natalie was able to review the house, property and dog pen and suggest points for barriers and ways to provide time out and decompression, including specific types of play to encourage calmness and focus. She also noted behaviours that we didn't see and explained what they meant and what was going on, and how we needed to manage and distract from them. Am really happy with Natalie's services, it was money well spent - but I rather wish I'd sought help for this some time ago before it all escalated to a crisis of serious proportions. I hope that with Natalie's insights, notes and support materials we will be able to develop into a manageable, moderately tolerant 3-dog household. Thank you so much Natalie."

I Dobell November 2025

Gordon
Pharaoh Hound • Kyneton
★★★★★ Google
"Natalie was amazing! We took on an ex show dog who was the sibling of our first dog, he came with some complex social behaviours and we have been given some positive training tips to help keep him calm and teach him to trust we will keep him safe. Now I feel like his beautiful personality can shine out of the house, and we have the right tools to support him, keeping me calm in the process! Thanks so much Natalie:)"

Juliet Douglas

Pharaoh Hound dog training in Kyneton
Chop
Bulldog (Johnson) • Castlemaine
★★★★★ Google
"Natalie has been fantastic with our 2 over exuberant anxious dogs and us their humans, we have just had a third training session and it turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks, our dogs 2.5 and 5.5 yrs old are calmer, easier to walk and not barking crazy at everyone that wanders past our fence, it still is a work in progress but Natalie has been an amazing resource and her manner and dealings with us and doggies is wise and professional"

sue greaves

Bulldog (Johnson) dog training in Castlemaine
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Some of the Maltese x Shih Tzus (and others) We've Trained

August Maltese x Shih Tzu dog training
August Kyneton
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Storm Sunbury
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Tilly Gisborne
Mellow Spoodle dog training
Mellow Sunbury
Cash French Bulldog dog training
Cash Gisborne
Digger Lab x Toy Poodle dog training
Digger Woodend
Spencer Border Collie dog training
Spencer New Gisborne
Bob Border Collie dog training
Bob
Evie Whippet dog training
Evie Kyneton

Ready to train your Maltese x Shih Tzu?

Let's talk about your goals and how we can help your Maltese x Shih Tzu become the best dog they can be.

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