How To Housetrain Adult Maltese?

1. Buy them each a solid-sided plastic crate, like a Vari-Kennel. Crate them when you can’t watch them.
2. Invest in some Nature’s Miracle to clean up; it kills the scent of urine. Dogs sometimes are inspired to “mark over” any place where they smell old urine; males are inspired this way more often.
3. Start carrying their favorite treats in your pocket or by the door you take them out. Take them one at a time. When he does his business outside, say, “Hurry up, good boy”! When he’s finished, tell him, “Good hurry up!! Good boy!!” and give him treats. Make a huge fuss over what he just did. Do it every time for at least a full 60 seconds. He’ll think you’re insane, but he’ll take the prize. Trainers call it “jackpotting” –you’re impressing on him how GREAT it is when he goes outside.
4. When you catch him making his mistake in the house, IGNORE him. Don’t look at him, don’t let him interact with you, turn your back if he comes near you. Don’t talk to him. If he’ll follow you without a command, walk away to another part of the house or outside; when he’s there, too, just step back inside and shut the door, separating him from you so you can clean it up.
5. Once the mess is cleaned up, the incident is over. Act as if nothing happened. Treat him as you would if nothing had happened.
6. Keep on taking them each out often, on a leash, so you notice when each does his business, so you don’t miss a chance to jackpot him. While you’re at the door, you say, “Want to go hurry up? Do you have to hurry up?” I prefer the keyword “hurry up” to “go potty” –it’s so much more dignified.
Eventually, he’ll connect the keyword “hurry up” with relieving himself, and he may even go to the door to cue you. The first time he does that, jackpot him while still in the house, and then walk him outside and jackpot him again.
Considering that these are tiny dogs, if you aren’t interested in training them to go outside, set up a “comfort station” somewhere in your house, and use the same method for that. I’m considering using the shower stall in my downstairs bath, myself; it would be easy to clean. One advantage to the “comfort station” is that you can intentionally leave a bit of soiled newspaper there after you clean up, to give them the hint that this is the approved spot.
Obedience school is always a good choice; these dogs are only middle-aged; you could have them for years. Training always makes things easier. Your vet can advise you re a convenient training club; I’m sure there are more than a few in the Chicago area.
Good luck!

There is a lot of information out there for free. I like crate training. I would say to invest inb one because it’s a lot quicker, i tried everything when I got my puppy.
here are some free tips
http://internetknowitall.com/know/2009/05/03/crate-train-a-puppy/