Information on the Malamute Breed
Do they make good house dogs?
Yes, Alaskan Malamutes can make great house dogs. Malamutes require quality time with their owners and should belong to someone willing to devote the time and effort for socialization and training. They need to be a part of your family just as any other family member and should be treated accordingly to reap the true love of a Malamute. They are an amazing companion when raised and treated the proper way and in the right environment. An intelligent, devoted, loving companion. What more could you ask for in a dog? So yes, they can make great house dogs, and some of mine have been in fact. Just be sure to train them from a pup.
House breaking
This is best done as a pup if you are hoping to let them in the house or take them for rides. I recommend this as you never know where or what you may be doing later in life. You and your Malamute will enjoy each other so much more if they can come along with you. Take your puppy outside immediately after he or she awakes in the morning and after all naps. Chances are your puppy will need to go the bathroom within 15 minutes after eating and drinking so be prepared to take them outside at this time. Watch for signs, these Malamutes are like children, they will tell you in their own way when they need to go. Watch for them sniffing or walking around anxiously, or if they are waiting by the door. Take them outside often as a younger pup and when they are going the bathroom have a command you say. When on the road with them this is handy as you can actually teach them to go the bathroom on command.
Teething
Teething puppies try to bite anything and everything, and those early teeth are sharp as needles. Puppies bite because they are teething just as any breed of dog will. They are not biting because they are aggressive or mean. Be firm in telling them no and take away whatever it is they are chewing on at the moment and give them an alternative that you are ok with them chewing on. They are smart dogs and will learn what they are allowed to chew on and not, but the will need something to chew on. Do not give them an old shoe or sock and expect them to know what shoe is old and what shoe is good, but instead offer them a toy designed to hold up to them or a piece of rawhide.
Training
I have found that Alaskan Malamutes learn very quickly when you are patient and loving. They pick up on how you feel inside and the tone of your voice. They want to please you more than anything else. Be patient in the beginning and show them love and they will do what they are taught. I believe they learn best in short burst and loose interest after 20-25 minutes of teaching. Teach them, reward them, play with them, than teach again. You can teach as often as you are able, but keep lessons short. You can reward them with treats as you see fit, but I personally have found that treats are good at an early stage, but love and praise are the most effective. I would use this primarily after they understand what you are trying to get them to do. It is best to associate hand motions with the training and to keep it simple. One word commands are best.
Handling your Malamute puppy
Handle your puppy carefully at an early age. This is a large breed dog and growth comes quickly. Don't be fooled by their size. With joints and muscles being put under pressure from rapid growth, it is important to handle them carefully up until 9-12 months of age. Avoid letting them run on slippery surfaces and racing up and down steps. A bad slip or a quick fall can result in hip and joint issues later. Give them good food as they are growing especially as this helps joints, ligaments, and muscles develop properly.
How do they do with cats?
If raised with cats from a young age, 8 weeks to 6 months, they will become very comfortable with them and even protective of them. They will cuddle together, play nicely, and genuinely love each other. But this needs to be done at an early age, as with most any training. By introducing your Malamute to any animal, small or large, that you may ever come in contact with in the future at an early age will teach that this animal is it's companion not a toy. Malamutes are playful and love to run and chase, but with their size they need to be taught how to control that. We have sold several Malamutes to cat owners who do fine with introducing them.
How are they with children?
Malamutes are great with children! We have 3 children of our own, all of which adore our Malamutes and that our Malamutes adore them. I can honestly say that my youngest girl at age 2 was completely comfortable by herself with our Mals. There is no reason not to enjoy your children and your Malamutes!
Why Spay or Neuter?
There are numerous benefits of performing this surgery at six months of age. Unspayed females are subject to mammary and ovarian cancer. In order to prevent mammary cancer she must be spayed prior to her first heat cycle. Later in life, an unspayed female may develop an infection in her uterus which is certainly life threatening.
Spaying is performed under a general anesthetic and is an easy operation when done on a young dog. As you would figure it get a little harder with age, but still there is no reason to deny her this surgery. By doing so still it will help prevent infections further down the road.
Neutering the male at a young age will help with some characteristics that people do not prefer. It will help with any hormonal aggression that sometimes a male may have, allowing them to mingle even better with other animals you may have, and will reduce the risk of testicular cancer, perineal fistulas, and perianal tumors. Many times if the male is neutered by six months of age they will not hike their leg to urinate and therefore will not "mark" their territory. This can be extreamly beneficial if the dog is going to be a house dog, where they will not feel the need to "mark" their territory when another pet comes by or you have guest.
More info can be found at the CKC website as well by clicking here.
