How To Train An Alaskan Malamute

So, you’ve decided to get an Alaskan Malamute, huh? Well, buckle up, because you’re in for a wild (and furry) ride. Malamutes are beautiful, strong, and incredibly loyal, but training them? Yeah, it’s a whole different ball game. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back.

By the time you’re done reading this, you’ll be ready to take on the challenge with confidence, patience, and maybe just a little bit of humor (because trust me, you’re going to need it).

Why Training an Alaskan Malamute Is Not for the Faint of Heart

Let’s get one thing straight: Alaskan Malamutes are not your average dogs. They were bred to pull sleds across frozen tundras, not to sit quietly on your couch while you binge-watch Netflix.

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They’re independent thinkers, which is a nice way of saying they can be stubborn as heck. But here’s the good news: if you’re persistent, patient, and know what you’re doing, you can turn that fluffy ball of sass into a well-behaved member of the family. Just don’t expect it to happen overnight.

Getting Started: Establishing Yourself as the Alpha (Yeah, That’s You)

When I first got my Alaskan Malamute, I thought I was ready. I’d trained dogs before, so how hard could it be? Spoiler alert: It’s not easy.

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Your Malamute needs to know who’s boss. And FYI, if you’re thinking it’s going to be them, think again. Establishing yourself as the alpha is crucial with this breed, because if they think they’re in charge, you’re going to have a hard time getting them to listen to anything you say.

  • Be consistent: Your Malamute needs to know that when you say “sit,” you mean it every single time. Not just when you feel like it.
  • Set boundaries: This isn’t about being mean; it’s about setting clear rules. If they’re not allowed on the couch, they’re not allowed on the couch—end of story.
  • Be confident: Dogs can sense hesitation. If you’re not sure of yourself, your Malamute will pick up on it and take advantage. Trust me, they will.

Positive Reinforcement: The Only Way to Train a Malamute (Seriously)

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But what about punishment?” Well, here’s the thing—Malamutes don’t respond well to harsh corrections. In fact, it can make them even more stubborn. What does work? Positive reinforcement. This means rewarding your dog for doing what you want, not punishing them when they don’t.

When I started using treats and praise with my Malamute, it was like night and day. Suddenly, she was more interested in listening to me because, hey, there was something in it for her.

  • Use high-value treats: Not all treats are created equal. Find something your Malamute really loves (for mine, it was chicken) and use it to reward good behavior.
  • Praise, praise, praise: Sometimes, a “good boy” or “good girl” can be just as effective as a treat. Dogs love to make you happy, so let them know when they do.

The Basics: Sit, Stay, and (Maybe) Come

Okay, so you’ve got your treats, and you’re ready to start training. The first commands you want to focus on are the basics: sit, stay, and come. These are essential for any dog, but especially for a Malamute who might just decide to take off on their own adventure.

When I first started training my Malamute, I quickly realized that “come” was going to be the toughest command. Malamutes are naturally independent and have a strong prey drive, so getting them to come when called can be…challenging.

  • Sit: Start with this one because it’s the easiest. Hold a treat above your Malamute’s nose and slowly move it back over their head. As their head follows the treat, their butt will naturally lower to the ground. As soon as they sit, say “sit” and give them the treat.
  • Stay: This one takes patience. Once your dog is sitting, hold your hand up like a stop sign and say “stay.” Take a step back. If they stay, give them a treat. If they get up, start over. Repeat until they understand that staying put equals yummy treats.
  • Come: The trickiest one for Malamutes. Start with your dog on a leash. Say “come” in a happy, excited voice, and gently tug on the leash to guide them toward you. When they come to you, reward them like they just won the lottery. This one will take time, so don’t get frustrated if it doesn’t happen right away.

Exercise: The Key to a Well-Behaved Malamute

Here’s a little secret: a tired Malamute is a good Malamute. These dogs have energy to burn, and if you’re not giving them enough exercise, they’re going to find other ways to entertain themselves (like digging up your garden or chewing through your shoes).

When I first got my Malamute, I made the mistake of thinking a couple of walks a day would be enough. Oh, how wrong I was. These dogs need serious exercise—think running, hiking, or even pulling a sled if you’ve got one lying around.

  • Daily walks: And by walks, I mean long ones. A quick trip around the block isn’t going to cut it. Aim for at least an hour of walking each day.
  • Off-leash play: If you have a secure, fenced area, let your Malamute run off-leash. They need to stretch those legs!
  • Mental stimulation: Training isn’t just about physical exercise. Malamutes are smart, and they need to be mentally challenged as well. Puzzle toys, training games, and learning new tricks are all great ways to keep their brain engaged.

Socialization: Don’t Skip This Step (Trust Me)

Malamutes are naturally friendly dogs, but they need to be properly socialized to ensure they’re well-behaved around other dogs and people. When I got my Malamute, I made it a point to introduce her to as many new experiences as possible—other dogs, different environments, people of all ages. It made a huge difference in her behavior.

  • Puppy classes: If you’ve got a young Malamute, sign them up for puppy classes. It’s a great way to introduce them to other dogs and people in a controlled environment.
  • Dog parks: Once your dog is fully vaccinated, take them to a dog park. It’s a great way to let them interact with other dogs and burn off some energy.
  • New experiences: Take your Malamute with you whenever you can. A trip to the pet store, a walk around the neighborhood, or even a car ride can help expose them to new sights and sounds.

Patience and Persistence: The Keys to Success

Look, I’m not going to sugarcoat it—training a Malamute is a challenge. There will be days when you wonder if it’s all worth it (it is, I promise). The key is to be patient and persistent. These dogs are smart, and they will test you, but with the right approach, you can succeed.

When I first started training my Malamute, I had moments of frustration. There were days when I thought she would never listen. But I stuck with it, and eventually, things started to click. And you know what? It was totally worth it.

  • Stay calm: Malamutes can sense your emotions. If you’re frustrated, they’ll pick up on it, and it can make training even harder.
  • Be consistent: I can’t stress this enough. If you let your Malamute get away with something once, they’ll try it again. Set the rules and stick to them.
  • Celebrate the wins: Training is hard work, so celebrate the small victories. When your Malamute finally sits on command or comes when called, give yourself (and your dog) a pat on the back.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey

Training an Alaskan Malamute isn’t just about teaching commands; it’s about building a relationship with your dog. It’s about trust, respect, and a whole lot of love. There will be challenges along the way, but the bond you’ll form with your Malamute will make it all worthwhile.

So, get out there, start training, and remember to have some fun with it. After all, isn’t that what having a dog is all about? 🐾

Good luck, and happy training!

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