Hi, just signed on, saw your message. I think you misunderstood directions. I couldn't find instructions to apply to dry coat. I believe that only refers to diluting it to a spray & using between baths as needed.
I shampoo/condition w/Crown Royal conditioner, rinse/rub in Pro-Gro by hand & groom. Brushing/combing while still wet & before drying helps release mats. Last application, use Ice on Ice; seems to protect hair & keeps it silky along with the Pro-Gro. Pro-Gro, silkens the hair on Blaze. All coats are different, so not experienced on cottony coat using Pro-Gro. Blaze has a very silky coat & Pro-Gro enhances that. Not sure how this will work on your Maltese mix since its hair won't be totally silky Maltese but, try it; probably will calm the hair some.
Ask questions if this doesn't help you. Ice/Ice shows improvement the day after bath/applying it. If you buy a product, CC will send you a sample bottle of anything you request.
Claire