Google ★★★★★ 5.0 from 57 reviews (Jun 2026)
977+ 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
"The Best lesson I could asked for my pup :) he came out happy and more relaxed thanks to the patience of Nat our trainer. Would definitely recommend :)"

Jack C June 2019

Bella
Maremma x St. Poodle • Mount Macedon
★★★★★ Google
"Natalie was amazing, with so many helpful suggestions and training routines with Bella our labrador. Highly recommended."

Elizabeth Alexander

Billy
Jack Russell Terrier • Daylesford
★★★★★ Google
"I wish there were more than 5 stars to give! Natalie and Crazy, Kind Calm was recommended to us from a work mate and we couldn’t be happier. We recently rescued a Jack Russell Terrier who is nearly 1.5 years old, and after much research on trainers in the region, we reached out to Natalie. Rightly so, she is a very sought after trainer and we waited patiently for our session with her. She even recommended other trainers who we might want to engage, as it would be 6 weeks before we could see her. We decided to hold out and do our best until our session with the her. From the minute Natalie entered the home, she had our little mate completely engaged. Honestly, it was like watching magic. We went for the personal training session first, and her credentials and experience did not disappoint. We had a 2 hour session, and not 1 second was wasted. The whole experience was the most engaging, informative and educational I have ever had with a trainer, especially dealing with rescue dogs and their big feelings. We can’t wait for our follow up sessions. The level of care, the detailed and tailored training plans which Natalie sent after the session, the trust our precious little mate Billy had in her from the first second, and her genuine warmth, and love and respect for all dogs- made it a very comforting and wondrous experience. Again- if there were more stars to give- I would give them. A truly professional, experienced, trustworthy and knowledgeable trainer - worth the wait 💜"

Nicole Peters

Jack Russell Terrier dog training in Daylesford
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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
Martha German Shorthaired Pointer dog training
Martha Sunbury
Ollie Dachshund (Mini) x Fox Terrier dog training
Ollie Castlemaine
Bailey Dalmatian dog training
Bailey Sunbury
Isabella Labrador x Mastiff dog training
Isabella Hepburn Springs
Saoirse Irish Water Spaniel dog training
Saoirse Woodend
Frankie Miniature Dachshund dog training
Frankie Mount Macedon
Loui Miniature Fox Terrier dog training
Loui Woodend
Daphne Bull Arab x Irish Wolfhound dog training
Daphne Gisborne

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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