Malamute Education

All dogs - Malamutes in particular - must have some education. An educated dog with an informed owner is a dog who is content in his pack position, has good manners, listens to and respects his owner, and is a joy to live with. Any activity - whether it be perfecting the art of "couch potato-ing" or working in a skilled event - is enjoyable to do with an educated dog. An untrained dog often tests its owners to determine pack placement, does not listen to nor respect its owners, and is an obnoxious brat. Attempting to do ANY activity with this dog is a chore.
A large facet of of being a responsible dog owner is teaching the dog the life-skills necessary to become a canine good citizen. These basic life-skills are comprised of excellent house manners, acceptance of pack placement (below owners), and basic obedience skills (sit, down, stand, come, stay heel). Add to these basics an extensive vocabulary and a strong bonding and "mental leash" with the owner and the dog becomes a true companion in every sense of the word.

 

Like people, dogs are always learning. They learn "undesired lessons as easily as desired ones. It is the owner's responsibility to guide the dog's education. This education must not just be confined to formal obedience lessons. Ignoring the rest of the dog's education can result in a dog that performs obedience "tricks" in the ring yet is uncontrollable at any other time. Dogs learn every day with or without an owner's attention.

 

It is extremely inportant that all Mals learn the basic life skills. Without a leader (owner/teacher/handler) who "leads", the Malamute will "rise to the top" of the pack/pecking order and will become the most dominant (alpha) being in its environment. Such dogs become aggressive, territorial, fear inspiring potentially dangerous animals. It must be emphasized that any puppy (even from sweet, even tempered parents) can become out of control without discipline, socialization with people and animals, education, love, and an owner who will lead/educate the pup. A sensible combination of love and discipline will net the Malamute owner a devoted, trustworthy companion.

 

Dogs of all ages - even "old dogs" - are capable of learning new words and skills. An eight week old pup is old enough to start learning his life skills. Thinking handlers start the pup's education at that time keeping the physical and emotional development and attention span of a young puppy in mind. Letting a puppy "enjoy puppy hood" can easily create a future behavioural problem dog.

 

Handlers who start the education of their Alaskan Malamute puppies at 8 weeks of age using a structured environment, positive reinforcement techiniques, and appropriate discipline and corrections are rewarded with a house-trained, well mannered "lady" or "gentleman" puppy with a strong foundation of basic life skills that will be bulit upon in whatever activity the dog is later exposed to. (Such activities as conformation showing, obedience, agility, etc.)

 

The Malamute is innately very intelligent, has some reasoning abilities, is strong willed, and has a well-developed sense of hunour. The thinking handlers must plan their dog's education so that the dog learns happily. (It helps if he handler also has a good sense of humour) The Malamute learns new skills very quickly - They will resist (actively or passively)'Rote training'(push/pull/praise) methods and/or drilling of exercises. The novice Malamute handler usually discovers the hard way that repeating drilling of exercises equals boredom equals variations attempted by the dog (which the handler incorrectly interprets as "problems"). Methods using positive reinforcement are the most successful as they help to answer the Mals most persistent question of "Why?" during his education. Dog halters are also very useful in teaching Malamutes basic living skills. They do not conflict with the Mals inate reaction to pull against any pressure around their neck.

 

Teaching - not training - is the most successful approach to educate this wonderful, independant and intelligent breed of dog.

 

When you can't take your dog to obedience classes...

 

Socialization is the most important part of any dog's development, but it is essential for the formation of a well-behaved Malamute citizen. While puppy classes and formal obedience play an important role in socialization, some areas may not offer suitable classes or the available classes may not fit into your time schedule. You must then make an extra effort to integrate your puppy into the modern world, with all its noises, people, and animals.

The Alaskan Malamute is a strong-willed, powerful dog, self confident and fearless. He needs constant association with people and animals to minimize zealous excitement. Busy malls, county fairs and city parks and subways are excellent places to aquaint your puppy with large numbers of people and animals. Walking your puppy confidently through as much confusion as possible will produce a calm, sel-assured adult. By swiftly reprimanding undesirable behaviour and strongly praising proper behaviour, your puppy will quickly learn what is expected of him. Without continuing socialization, your dog will become trapped in his yard, unable to behave in a dignified manner in the world in which you live.