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A young malamute puppy
in training. |
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When it comes to
training and the Alaskan Malamute, you need to break
things down into two specific categories. First,
there is training that involves teaching the dog
basic commands, as well as proper behavior. Second,
there is training the involve sledding, search and
rescue, and possible freighting. Therefore, we
wanted to provide you with a little of each.
The Alaskan Malamute has long been used for search
and rescue. Having originally been raised in Alaska,
this breed naturally loves the cold. The Malamute
has a coarse double coat, is very powerful, and
loves activity. All of these factors combined make
the breed excellent for search and rescue
training. However, it is important that you work
with a professional trainer for something such as
this, someone with years of experience and
expertise.
Once the Malamute
completes the appropriate training and becomes a
certified search and rescue dog, he can help find
people buried in avalanches, locate missing children
in the snowy mountains, assist ski patrol, and a
number of other emergencies in which a good nose and
tolerance to cold are required. Although other
breeds can also be trained for search and rescue,
the Alaskan Malamute comes by the skills naturally.
Therefore, taking those built-in instincts and
enhancing them makes an excellent combination.
In addition to advanced training such as this, you
also want to make sure your Alaskan Malamute is
trained to basic commands. Keep in mind that a
male dog of this breed can weigh well over 100
pounds and a female not too far off. In addition to
size, the Malamute is strong physically and
sometimes, strong-willed. For this reason, it is
imperative that you start young, teaching the puppy
to sit, stay, heel, and lie down.
However, another important training tip is to teach
your dog to come. In fact, many breeders agree that
while the other commands are highly important, the
“come” command is beneficial in a number of
situations. Since the Alaskan Malamute can show
aggressive tendencies to other dogs and animals, you
want to always have the upper hand, especially when
visiting your local park or going for a walk.
The most important factor associated with the come
command is that it must be connected to something
positive. In other words, do not punish the dog if
he does not come but offer him a reward when he does
come. One of the best options is to put the dog on a
leash, giving him 10 feet or so of slack. Allow him
to roam around a little and then after getting his
attention, tell him “come”, while you slowly and
gently pull the leash slack up, thus bringing the
dog close to you.
As you repeat this process repeatedly, firmly but
lovingly giving the come command while pulling the
leash in, he will soon begin to associate this
action with the command. Again, when he is directly
in front of you, praise him. Even if you had to
bring him to you, offer praise so he will know this
is a good thing. Eventually, he will start to make
his way to you on his own. Again, offer him lots of
praise and a special treat. The Alaskan Malamute is
a smart dog so he will catch on to the command
quickly.
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