Alaskan Malamute Training Guide

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.

 

How to Train Alaskan Malamute Dogs

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.

 

Read More About : Alaskan Malamute

• Alaskan Malamute Breed Information
• Alaskan Malamute : 10 Most Common Questions
• Owning an Alaskan Malamute : Breeder Recommendations
• Alaskan Malamute Health Guide

 

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