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You
recognize this song? "Highway
to hell?"
Malamutes are not the dog
for everyone. As a matter of fact they are a dog for only a select few. Sure
they are very regal looking......DOG ROYALTY even .......BUT if you are looking
for some type of status symbol for your ego, a dog that looks good on you,
....look elsewhere! Malamutes will
humble you and your ego very quickly!!!!
Alaskan
Malamutes start out life as a cute little ball of fur like this...
.....Ah pretty cute huh? This is a big problem the cute factor. Malamutes
are definitely some of the cutest puppies in the entire universe.
Malamutes are right up there as one of
the most difficult to train and challenging breeds to live with. cute
puppy factor aside many people want a Malamute just because they are
beautiful and the difficulty in living with them seems to go in one ear
and out the other for many people. They forget the MOST IMPORTANT
information because they can't see beyond the beauty of the Malamute.
Coolness (NOT!) I don't believe there is a breed that can make you look
so totally uncool so often as a Malamute can.
They can quickly grow
into a monstrous adult with an attitude like this...
.....If you take your decision to
bring a Malamute into your life without MUCH CONSIDERATION you will be....kicking
yourself in the ass later.
If you have a good sense of humor you may survive.
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Not
to scare you off...hehehe but hey you should know what it is you are
getting into.....
before that cute ball of fur you are eyeing comes home, isn't so
cute after the 10th pair of socks are shredded and you dump it in a
shelter because you didn't do your research.
Malamutes are definitely a lifestyle decision not to be taken lightly!
Stuff our Hooman wished she
would have known: (edited for space lol)
-That 20km or so of biking each
weekend was what it would take to keep us all sane as youngsters
-That the cute Malamute may one day outweigh you
-That we would not once but twice break her arm due to youthful
exuberance
-That one really can skid down a boat launch on her face
-That not being quite enough fracturing her elbow to boot
-That a rope toy attached to a Malamute can cause unconsciousness for
hooman not paying attention
-That give an inch and they take a mile isn't just a saying
-That ketchup packets can actually be swallowed and come out the other
end whole
-That a $600 money order and several hundred in cash does not come out
the other end whole
-That Revenue Canada and the accountant do not believe the dog ate my
wallet excuse even when it's true
-That a blow to hooman chin with a Malamute skull also causes
unconsciousness
-That when unconscious a decent Malamute will clean your teeth with
their tongue until you come around.
-That "Come" does not exist in any malamute dictionary unless you have a
hotdog in hand
-That unlike most dogs Malamutes don't like all other dogs (and why
should we? People don't like all people!)
-That she would be trading in her high heels and make up for flannel and
hiking boots
-That paramedics don't like to climb through the window when the
malamute that just jumped on your back is greeting them with lots of
tongue
-That selective hearing doesn't just apply to men
-That "weight pull" in Malamute language really is a general term that
applies to all objects and especially hoomans
-That Malamutes are like chips, you
can't have just one
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Other Important Stuff:
-A
Malamute is a lifetime commitment not a novelty!
-We
are not "Lawn Ornaments".....we are lawn landscapers. Make us
your outdoor-only yard ornament and we will see to it that the yard is
fully landscaped to our own ridiculous sense of "Perfection" then once
that is complete we will start on the house siding. If you want a
nice looking yard ornament that won't cause you any trouble they sell
"Garden Gnomes" in all Big Box Stores.
-Malamutes can never
be trusted off leash
-Malamutes
have lots of energy and can be very destructive when tossed to the sidelines of
life.
-We are loving, happy, members of your PACK and like to be treated as
such. We are not an overly obedient type either!
-Malamutes live with
you....not for you!!!
-Malamutes
do suggestions and subtle hints.........We don't "DO" orders.
-The key to living happily with a
Malamute (aside from food) is to trick them into actually doing what you
want
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Check
out this link below to pictures of things we have destroyed at our house...hahaha
Kodiaks
& Kayenneas collection of destruction !
.......keep in mind too
while you are looking at these, that I have been obedience trained (DID VERY
WELL TOO!)....that my Mum spends all of her free time doing activities with us and takes
us every where she goes. Yes even a happy, SPOILED, Mally like me can be
a brat!!!.....you can count on that!!!
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Learn
ALPHA behavior and how to apply it even before you get a Malamute. Learn it,
practice it and live it!
Most of
the links above will provide you with some information on Alpha training. Talk
to Malamute owners and read many books.
AMHL Basic ALPHA Training
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Accept
the fact that you will have to Obedience train your Malamute!!!
Not only for the Malamutes
benefit but for your own. Formal obedience training gives socialization, bonding
and confidence. You will be surprised at how much happier you'll be after
attending classes. Just don't expect us to show your buddies the fantastic tricks we know
on command.
We do suggestions and subtle
hints.........We don't
"DO" orders...hehehehe
click here
for more links to help you understand
your Malamonster.
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Malamute
FAQ- (stuff other 2 leggers ask our 2-legger a lot)
1) Should we shave our Malamute?
Mum says: DON'T DO
IT!!!! Not only does a Malamutes coat insulate it from the cold but it
insulates them from the heat. You will be doing them more of a favor leaving
that coat intact. Malamutes are also very "Proud" and shaving them can make
them very depressed. As long as they have adequate water and shade they seem
to tolerate the heat quite well.
2)
How do you keep Malamutes cool in
Summer?
Mum says: I have kiddy pools in
the yard which the Mals seem to like. I also make them special cool treats
like yogurt-ice cubes and will at times freeze blocks of ice. For the most
part they do fairly well in the heat...they are active in the early morning
when it's cool, crash out in their fav cool spot for the day and then they
wake up again about the time the hooman wants to go to bed.
3)
Are all Malamutes "Malamonsters?
Mum says: Yes to some
degree lol
4)
Will an adult Malamute bond with a new
family as a puppy would?
Mum says: You betcha! In
my experience I've found that adult Malamutes bond very readily to new owners,
have a deep appreciation for people who have provided them a new start in life
and yes even old dogs can learn new tricks. Often potential adopters state " I
want a puppy so that it learns the rules early, don't want an older dog who
might have trouble changing" . Well that is just a bunch of doggie-do!
I've had two mal puppies myself and I know for a fact from taking in many
adult foster malamutes <yes some of which have had serious behavior issues /
neglected pasts> and they have all been easier to train then my Mals I've had
from 10 weeks and 14 weeks old. Why? I think because my own two knowing me all
to well and lacking the experience of being dumped by their owners actually
take advantage of me and their life in general. Perhaps I should dump the
brats in a shelter for a few weeks and see if they appreciate me a bit more
lol <I am kidding >. Seriously tho I have found adult Malamutes to be
very resilient in a change of homes and very open to learning new commands &
rules. Most adult rescue Mals needing homes already have experience with many
commands, different situations, are housebroken and generally need only a
little guidance & patience to fit into a new family. Heck skipping all that
puppy stuff sounds mighty fine to me, I could not likely live through it again
:)
5)
Is it possible for a Malamute to live
peacefully with a cat?
Mum says: Yes but there
is prey drive to consider first. Prey drive seems to vary considerably among
Malamutes who as a breed are natural hunters....they all have it but some
much more than others. If they are adopted
as a puppy and the cat is
established as a resident already, the cat with usually break out a can of
whoop-ass on the mal and they will forever more have a mutual respect. BUT
just because that same Mal respects the cat who is a member of it's own pack
that doesn't mean it will not go after strange cats that may get into it's
space. There are some adult Malamutes available for adoption who may have a
history of good behavior in living with a cat but even when adopting a
Cat-friendly Mal it is a long process to accustom an adult Malamute to
recognize the a cat in a new home is to be respected. It can be done.....but
no Malamute should ever be left unsupervised with a cat.
6)
If you had to do it all again what
age would you adopt a Malamute?
Mum says: I lived thru 2
Malamutes from puppies. I don't actually think I could do it again especially
now that I have much more experience and thru rescue have seen the countless
numbers of adult Malamutes needing new homes. If I had to do it all again I
would likely start out with Malamutes that were middle aged. Eventually our
home will likely be a Senior-Malamute only home.
7) Are Malamutes
"Good" with children?
Mum says: "How are your
parenting skills?" Although historically Malamutes are known to be fairly
universally friendly and good family companions they are also very large, very
pack-oriented creatures who seem to be perpetual 3 year olds themselves. No large dog should ever be trusted alone with small
children PERIOD including Malamutes. As a parent it's YOUR
responsibility to keep not only children safe from the Malamute but the
Malamute safe from your children. My Kodiak is great with kids but often times
I have found visiting children doing things to him that they should not be
doing like hugging him too hard or getting their face in his...neither of
which they should be doing with ANY dog. If children respect the malamute the
Malamute will usually show them the same courtesy.
8)
Why obedience class more than once?
Mum says: Seems to me
that doing basic puppy socialization, then formal obedience about 9 month-1.5
years is what most owners do. I have found though that an additional class
about 3 y/o and again at about 6 y/o.....hmmm every 3 years or so makes for a
Malamute who stays up on their skills as they do see to forget and a refresher
helps both Malamute & hooman.
9)
What's the difference between
Malamutes and Siberian Huskies?
Mum says: Plenty...with
Mals think "Mack Truck" large heavy haulers, Siberian think "Ferrari", built
for speed.
Please see this site
Malamute VS Siberian Husky then
Comparison of malamute VS Siberian Husky Heads and
Comparison of
Malamute VS Siberian Husky Bodies
10)
can I have a nice yard AND a
Malamute?
Mum says: Ya just cut
your yard in two, fence off your nice area and don't let the Mal in that
space. I have a nice Malamute-free front yard but the dog yard is their
place, they can do what they like back there.
11)
How do I stop my Malamute from
digging?
Mum says: Stop like
totally?....I dunno really as they are world-class hole diggers but there are ways you can "Curb" it. I have
scooped their poops up in the shovel and dropped them in the digging
spot...they don't like that very much. I've also scattered pepper in areas but for
the most part they like to dig and our yard is for them so I allow it. I have
heard that one can train to dig in one spot and some people do have a sand box
or other dig zone their Mal will use once they figure out that is where it's
allowed.
12)
can I walk my Malamute off-leash?
Mum says: No......ok
well ya you can if you have time to hang out in the bush looking for your Malamute for
the next week go for it.
13)
How come none of the breeder web
sites tell you all this interesting stuff on the Malamonster Realm Site?
Mum says: Do you
actually think they would sell any puppies if they told you all the
gory details? LOL
14)
Hot Spots?
Mum says: Original
Strength Listerine! Mals hate the smell and the antiseptic dries out the hot
spot. Tried & True!
15)
My Malamute doesn't listen to me
and is not really obedient what's up?
Mum says: Did you skip
the part above that said "Malamutes do subtle hints and suggestions. They
don't do orders" ???? The key to living with most malamutes is to trick them
into willingly doing what you want without them even realizing it. For
instance Kayennea, quite a dominant bitch, is a guarder of certain valuable
(in her eyes) possessions, there is no way really that I could force the beast to give up
something she didn't want to give me. Instead of forcing the issue I simply
trade her for something she is allowed to have or of more value to her.
At times I have had fosters who simply would not get into a vehicle for a trip
to the vet....I just break out the hotdogs climb in and they eventually give
in so that they can get the hotdog a win / win situation. Positive training
with food rewards goes a long way in winning the "I don't want to" attitude of Mals. Rough handling, physical corrections or harsh treatment in any way only
elevates aggression because you are using aggression.
16)
What are good toys for Malamutes?
Mum says: I've had lots
of luck with the large black King Kongs, any large natural rubber toys hold up
well and my two like basketballs, soccer balls, wadding pools and of course
bones. We also have a few of those treat-balls you fill they keep them amused
for a while. Stuffed toys or those with squeakers get a fairly quick death
around here but once they "kill" it < squeaker no longer working and half the
guts pulled out> they usually don't destroy them any further.
17)
How much does it cost to own a
Malamute?
Mum says: Do I count the
hundreds of $10 squeaky toys? (Let's not I may have to cry) As pups I
would say each of my Malamonsters cost me likely $3000 in the first 1.5 years
(each dog not including the cost of adopting them or my medical bills).
This would include altering / obedience classes / feeding / all the gear /
some toys/ food / stuff they trashed as youngsters. As adults of course they
are less costly to maintain but with only a routine vet visit yearly,
replacement toys, food and treats likely together about $1500 a year now at
age 4 & 6. (Would not include extra vet visits for dog fights / eating rocks /
replacing the neighbors chickens or other incidentals.)
18)
Do you know a good obedience
trainer?
Mum says:
19)
I had GSD's and labs growing up.
Aren't Malamutes like them?
Mum says: No please go
back to the top of this page and read word for word back to this spot again.
If you still don't believe me make sure you also visit all the links provided.
If you are still not convinced after that please just get a framed picture of
a dog or a Garden Gnome.
20)
Giant Malamutes?
Mum says:
21)
Aren't Malamutes part Wolf?
Mum says: No, genetically they
are about as much wolf as your neighbors Pomeranian. Behavior wise they can be
about as close as one would comfortably want to come to living with a wolf tho.
22)
Malamutes as house dogs?
Mum says: Yup if you don't want a real member of the family see "Garden
Gnomes" above.
Malamutes can be comfortable in any situation be that a condo / town
house / neighborhood...whatever. What they can't be is a 24-7 outside dog.
It's not an option unless you would like holes dug all over the yard, the
siding ripped off the house and deck chewed up lol. Malamutes are very pack
oriented which instills in them the need to be "With" their pack which means
if you are outside they are happy to be outside, if you are inside they are
happy inside, if you go for a car ride they are happy to go too. So...unless
you too will be living in the backyard 24-7 with the Malamute it will not be
happy like that even with frequent walks as they want to be with their people.
Don't get me wrong they are not "needy" in that you can't leave them alone
ever as most people do work and their Mals are content in the house or a
secure shaded kennel for the day with no problems but if you are home they
wanna be with you. They make excellent inside dogs...not at all like some
breeds that clear tables with their tails and shed all the time. Malamutes
blow their coat 2-3 times a year and yup it's horrid lots of coat dropping at
those time but with proper grooming when they blow coat it is over rather
quickly and for the most part they shed very little the rest of the time.
23)
Don't Alaskan malamutes have
blue eyes?
Mum says:
No they don't Malamutes
have BROWN eyes, BROWN eyes, BROWN eyes.
Siberian Huskies are the ones with blue eyes and they can also have
brown eyes, amber eyes and ice-blue nearly white looking eyes or even
one of each or bi-eyed. Malamutes have BROWN eyes, BROWN eyes, BROWN
eyes.
24)
How old does my malamute have to
be before working in harness?
Mum says:
You can start early like
6-8 mths with very light weight like sticks, milk jugs and the like to
get them used to it. You don't want to any serious pulling really until
your Mal is over 18 mths old so it has a chance to fully grow and even
at that point you need to condition your mal to pulling. A Mal who has
laid around the house doesn't automatically become a weigh pulling champ
it takes lots of work to condition them for pulling. You should also not
run your Mal on hard surfaces or allow them to jump off anything high
until they are fully grown either.
25)
Are Malamutes good guard dogs?
Mum says:
(can you hear her
laughing?) HELL NO! hahahahah. No they are good for inviting someone in,
showing them where all the good shit is and once they provide a treat
allowing them to be on their merry way. They are however very large,
intimidating to most people and in the right situation will defend their
owner.
26)
Are Malamute noisy?
Mum says:
Not compared to most dogs.
Yes they will howl at sirens but are fairly quiet normally. Malamutes
have a "Woo-Woo" chit-chatty way about them. They have a wide range of
grumbly-woo talk that they do and unless they spend time around other
breeds that teach them how to bark they don't normally tend to bark.
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Why Malamutes?
If you
discover (Which we highly doubt) that you are a MALAMONSTER CAPABLE hooman, PLEASE!!!
Consider a RESCUE MALAMUTE
! ! ! There are way too many good guys sitting in shelters every where.
If you don't have a Malamute and are sure you want one to take over your nice
peaceful existence then please adopt one of our buddies. Give a second chance to a Mally
who needs a forever home. You'll be glad you did!
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