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.
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.
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.
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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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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"Natalie is a brilliant pup & human educator! Her solutions are focused on sustainable, kind & fun techniques for the whole family. Our pup Leica was enamoured from day one & to be honest we were a little star struck too. Cannot recommend Natalie highly enough. 5 stars just aren’t enough."
— Kirsty Doyle
"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
"Gosh I wish I had found Natalie 2 years ago when my little Cavoodle Princess started her problems with barking and anxiety (We had attended puppy school and dog obedience, but no luck in helping these behaviours). Natalie is amazing and I already have a much calmer, happier little fur baby. Not only have our 2 sessions with Natalie been so helpful, but also Natalie sends out written info and videos."
— Jen S March 2021
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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