Training of a Malamute needs to begun at a very early stage. They are a highly intelligent dog, with dominant personalities that require challenge. Contrary to popular belief, people confuse the stubbornness of a Malamute as being stupid. In actual the fact the opposite is true. Malamutes become bored very quickly due to their intelligence and of picking things up very quickly.

An adult Malamute will pretty much take as much exercise as you can throw at them. Remember, the Inuit Eskimos developed the dogs as sledging or hauling dogs to transport heavy goods over great distances, so their strength and stamina is innate within them.

Some activities that you can try with your Mal include sledding (either snow or dirt or both), weight pulling, backpacking or ski-joring.

With food – just because they are a large breed don’t be fooled into thinking they need vast amounts of food. They don’t! They are an arctic dog, with a survival instinct. They treat each meal as if its their last, and as such have developed an incredibly efficient metabolism which makes their food last a long time.

Finally, as a dominant breed it is important to establish with your Malamute that YOU are the boss. They have a pack order and it is important that your Malamute realizes that you are the top dog. If not, you will end up with many social problems – howling, digging (usually from boredom), jumping on people etc. Also, if you have other small pets (such as cats or rabbits) be careful with these around the Malamute since they has a strong prey instinct.

I have three Malamutes and I would not have any other breed (having previously owned German shepherds). They are a very giving dog and just want to please and work with you. Once you spend “real” time with your dog – through working activities – you will come to understand what I mean.

Subject: Alaskan Malamute