More Malamute History

Kotzebue and Maloot Strains

Breed FAQs

About the Arctic

Arctic Names

Coat Colors

Giant Malamutes

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Dogs Can Sign, Too: A Breakthrough Method for Teaching Your Dog to Communicate Paperback - Illustrated, August 25, 2009





Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats Grain Free Salmon Biscuits Dog Treats 40 OZ Made in USA



Hurtta Outback Dog Boots, Granite Easy and quick to put on and comfortable for your dog to wear and with the wrap around strap they are sure to stay in place. Non-slip rubber soles. Weatherproof Houndtex Material


Archetype Burgers - High Protein Dog & Cat Food
Like the original Archetype, Archetype Burgers are complete with meats, organs, bone, collagen, prebiotics and probiotics, proteoglycans (chondroitin, glucosamine), and enhanced with phytonutrient and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Uniquely packaged in a reusable/recyclable #2 plastic canister, Archetype Burgers are round patties extremely convenient to feed, and can be broken up and fed dry or rehydrated. Archetype Burgers are a great option for those who desire to purchase Wysong Archetype in larger quantities for a longer supply, or have many (carnivorous...) mouths to feed.



Interactive Dog & Cat Food Puzzle Toy - Ito Rocky Treat Boredom Dispensing Slow Feeder - Anxiety IQ Training in Smart Feeding and Adjustable Height for Small / Medium Dogs



Tough Dog Toy, Treat holding Super Banana



KONG Tiltz is a delightful no-mess treat-dispenser that mentally and physically stimulates your dog to keep them engaged for hours. As your dog tilts, spins and rocks the toy, treats are erratically dispensed for added engagement and enticing fun. Insert treats to extend playtime and slow feeding Wobble & Spin action engages dogs Dispenses Food & Treats



Add your pet's favorite treat! Just add wet food, bananas, peanut butter, or whatever your dog likes! Our specially designed nubs constructed from 100% FDA-grade silicone and will hold it securely in place. Sticks to any flat surface sticks to any flat surface! The multiple suction cups on the back stick any smooth surface. Whether it's time for a bath, nail trim, or brushing the Slow Treater serves as the perfect to companion to help keep your pup distracted - dishwasher safe.









Alaskan Malamutes...

A Very Short History

Alaskan Malamutes have been trained for many tasks, as well as Malamutes and companions.  However, their heritage, intelligence and athletic ability, as well as keen senses are suited to some areas better than others.   He is a very trainable dog, he is somewhat limited by what was appropriate for him as a sled dog, and the sense and ambition of his owner.  If you wish to pursue formal titles or not, your Malamute will be trained.  Either actively or passably by doing nothing, allowing him to do as he pleases. 

Nova next to a sledAll domestic dogs were selectively bred for a specific purpose.  Usually they will retain some puppy-like trait useful to man.   The Malamute is a "natural" breed, its evolution brought about by a need for survival - similar to the wolf or dingo - yet, unlike them, he has formed a strong alliance with man.  This is domestication.  What is the purpose of a Malamute? They were not bred to heard livestock, retrieve dead birds (in a still edible condition), to stay home and guard.  His purpose was to cooperate with man for their mutual survival.  Malamutes are a primitive, early form of dog, about as close to the original wild types as any domestic breed.  Until 80 years ago, it was common for Malamutes to run loose and become semi-feral in summer.  In winter they were part of the family, drafting loads, playing with children, adding the warmth of their body heat to the oil lamp warming the shelter.  Historically, they were used to chase and attack polar bears and helped hunt seal or walrus for their semi-nomadic owners who lived communally with no need of guarding behaviors against other people.  The only thing the Malamute needed to guard was his dinner from other Malamutes and wild animals.   Visitors were usually from hundreds of miles away, a welcome sight possibly bringing food as a trading commodity or for tribal celebrations (definitely someone to be welcomed!)

Malamute dreams of seals (drawing)

Sled dogs did more than pull sleds!    Their claim to fame is survival in the harshest environment on earth.   But most people never think beyond their beauty and sledding ability.  He is not a "dumb" breed for working so hard.  A Malamute expresses his vitality and joy of life by doing everything with gusto!

In a semi-nomadic society, there are no property lines, so a Malamute will not be reliable to stay on your unfenced property.  He's not suitable for guard dog training because to make him willing to attack humans his entire trust of all humans must be undermined.  He will never be trustworthy with livestock.  His behavior reflects what had survival value for him as an arctic dog.  He will form strong dominance hierarchies with other dogs and members of the family.  He will be a precocious pup and will need training earlier.  Training needs to be loving, but much firmer, with no lapses in permissiveness.  You must be fair, loving, understanding and NEVER let him get away with anything.  You can't put off training until a more convenient time!

Eskimo sled dogs (drawing)

The best test of owning a Malamute is CONVINCING him you are worth listening to.  You will need to earn your alpha status through consistency, fairness and respect.  An important concept usually missing from dog training manuals is WHY your dog would want your praise.  It's the pack drive, the need for structure and hierarchy.  Malamutes have a strong pack drive and will crave the approval of their acknowledged superiors, but are not moved or impressed by  either the praise or complaints of an equal or subordinate.  A Malamute must understand WHY he should obey.  Survival in the arctic does not promote blind, steadfast obedience a la Golden Retriever.  What motivates a Malamute?  His own rule book on life's priorities:  allegiance to and love of a worthy owner, food/water/comfort and survival.

Interesting article about the Arctic - This forum thread is quite long, but  so worth it!  Gorgeous pictures and information about how hard life is in the arctic where the Malamute is from... 



ALASKAN MALAMUTE BOOKS

Finally a food made for sled dogs....used by 4 out of 5 Iditarod winners...(and the food we use).



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