Simple Recommendations & Exercises to Start Today

These easy techniques fit right into your daily routine and will make a huge difference in helping Luffy feel more relaxed.

Step 1: Create a Calm & Cozy Home for Luffy 🏡✨

Maltipoos are super attached to their people, which means Luffy is extra sensitive to what’s going on around her. A peaceful environment can help her relax and reduce the need to bark at every little change.

Try these easy adjustments:

• 🎵 Soft, calming background noise – White noise or classical music can help mask sudden sounds like footsteps, car horns, or delivery trucks. Perfect for keeping Luffy relaxed when she’s home alone!

  Try out these relaxing bits:
  White Noise Sounds, Noise & Rain, Relaxing Piano Music, Lo-Fi Relaxing Music

• 🚪 Minimize visual triggers – If Luffy barks at people passing by, try frosted window film or curtains to limit distractions. She doesn’t need to see everything to know she’s safe!

• 🛏 Create a “Quiet Zone” just for her – Luffy’s bed should be away from doors and windows so she isn’t startled by outside movements. A cozy, enclosed area can help her feel secure!

• 🦴 Give her something fun to focus on! – A stuffed Kong (with peanut butter or yogurt) or a long-lasting chewy treat keeps her mind engaged and her barking at bay!

Paw Tip: Notice when Luffy barks the most! If it’s during specific times (like when guests arrive), a small change — like turning on music or offering a chew treat—can make a huge difference.

Step 2: Teach Luffy to “Settle” on Cue 🧘‍♀️🐶

Since Luffy is naturally excitable, teaching her how to relax on command will help her feel more in control — even when things get noisy or exciting! Instead of reacting with barking, Luffy learns that staying calm earns her rewards. Over time, this will become her natural response to triggers like the doorbell or visitors!

📅 Practice: 3-5 times per week | 5-10 min per session

🕒 Best times: When Luffy is already calm or just before/after her biggest barking triggers (like the doorbell)

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Pick a Spot – Choose a comfy mat or bed where Luffy can relax.

2. Encourage Her to Settle – Lead her to the spot and reward her as soon as she lays down.

3. Reward Calm Behavior – Give her treats when she stays in her spot quietly. (The longer she stays relaxed, the bigger the reward!)

4. Introduce a Cue Word – Say “Settle” or “Relax” each time she lies down, so she starts to associate the word with being calm.

5. Make It Fun! – Once she’s got the basics down, add little challenges—like a soft knock or ringing the doorbell. Reward her for staying put!

Paw Tip: Consistency is key! The more Luffy practices, the easier it will be for her to stay calm in exciting situations.