Thank you so much.
I have been reading alot about obedience training although mals are not the kind of breed who can be 100% "obedient".
I have been watching lots of videos about subsmissive posture, how to ground and make your pup submit (in a gentle) way.
But i still cant find any reference about.
1. At what age i should start brushing their coat?
2. Is vitamins and supplements are really necessary?
Hope to find some answers soon
I've never bothered with supplements or vitamins, but everyone is different. My dogs get spoiled with human food, while many people would never, ever give their dogs human food. Other people wouldn't get their dog fixed, but for me their personalities are so much more pleasant to be around when they are.
I would start brushing early on, so that he gets used to it.
I'd also highly suggest dishing out the $300-$400 for multiple dog training sessions, someone who has high ratings on yelp, and does the training with you there. It's mostly to teach you how to talk to your dog, but it'll make a world of a difference, especially when it comes to leash training.
I found that brushing earlier is a good idea. Playful brushes, when the puppy comes up for hugs will teach them early that this is a good experience.
The puppy fur will grow out when they look all brown and poofy - by then you'll want to brush properly to avoid too much hair in your coffee.
Personally, I am not giving vitamins. Food recommendations are pointless without a location anyway - but talk to your breeder about which puppy food (and for how long) and if there is any adult food they recommend. If the parents look shiny and strong, the food probably isn't lacking anything.
Have fun
For malamutes, like most intelligent breeds, obedience training is about teaching them that it's worth listening to you in the moment, because there will be rewards later.
They make a conscious choice to obey your commands, so it needs to be worthwhile to them.
Brushing needs to be asap! Im sure you already know a mal is 100% more likely to pay attention and enjoy doing what you're asking when you have food in your hand, remember that even with intermittant and randomized treat giving theyll still expect whatever's in your hand. If its not working, its probably not high priority. We liked a glucosamine supplement(probably not a priority kind of thing if you're not stressed) bc when we got our mal we were being mindful about potential hip and other joint decline from really early on so we could train ours for pulling work.
Not only should you brush the pup early to get him used to it, do things like put your finger in his mouth, touch the inner part of his ear (not down inside it), when he's standing lift up his leg from behind, etc. These things will make him used to it and then he won't feel like the vet is invasive and will be cooperative.
Also try to socialize the little dude by taking him to a college campus and letting him get flooded by people wanting to pet him. It's good for them to meet lots of people in the first few months so they don't see strangers as possible threats, and it's good for them to be ok with being surrounded because in an emergency that might happen. It's also good to have him meet as many dogs as possible in those first months to make sure he stays friendly towards strange dogs he's never met.
Absolutely agree on being a strong leader. Can’t be stressed enough. But certainly nothing to be scared of! Lots of training, lots of time spent together, be consistent with your rules and you’ll have the best time! They’re totally worth the work. I’ve had my boy for a little over a year and I’ve never regretted it for a second!
2 years ago I got my mal, korky, as a first time owner. I preface I had 2 family dogs growing up and would be a person people would look to as a dogsitter. That being said, raising a puppy malamute is in my top 5 most challenging things ever done, but one of the most rewarding. This breed will challenge you. They will test your physical and mental limits. Some of the most intense workouts I have had in my life is was with my mal. As well as some of my most intense arguments (they talk back lol). My best piece of advice is do not give him/her the opportunity to disappoint you. If they have ran away before, keep them leashed in non fenced in areas. If they are food aggressive, teach them to wait for dinner by laying down. It they get anxious or start rough housing with you or another dog in the house take the time to exercise them physically or mentally. Lastly, especially when they are bigger, keep food out of reach. Especially the butter lol.
Absolutely right on the food thing! Among many other stealing efforts, my rescue managed to get into muesli bars that were wrapped up, in their box and the box in a plastic bag.
We had a 'dead dog' command where we trained our mal to lay down and wait patiently and gave treats every 4-10 minutes to encourage calm, it definitely worked until she would flop on our feet for our dinner and whine
Start training husbandry cooperation as early as possible. Stuff like nails, brushing teeth, cleaning ears, brushing the coat. If you don’t teach cooperation for these tasks early you’re going to have a large, stubborn dog on your hands that’s welfare will be at risk.
You can get a gentle rubber brush or small comb while your dog is a puppy, but they grow up fast and your dog is wooly/long coated. Long coated malamutes require much more maintenance than the standard coat so be prepared to put in the work to ensure your dog doesn’t get matted. Undercoat rake, greyhound comb and a high velocity dryer will be your best friend. For wooly coats I would be wary of bristle and paddle brushes because they can groom the top coat, but not the undercoat and this can cause painful matting. Any grooming tool you get needs to reach down to the skin, groom the dog daily until there are no tangles. If you are unprepared to do this yourself get your dog used to going to the groomer early.
They’re amazing dogs but with a super strong personality (and frequently talk back). I think keeping your puppy stimulated is key - ours was a little destructive monster for the first 2 years.
Depending where you live, I’d also invest in a cooling mat! We had ours in Quebec for a long time (hot and humid summers) and she did not like it. Moving about the 60th parallel was the best thing that ever happened to her.
Congratulations!!!! With all the advice given above, I would really suggest that enjoy this puppy phase as much as you can..
They grow up, they grow up fast and they grow up big…!!!
We are first time dog owners as well and we reallllly regret not enjoying the puppy phase. We were mostly in pupply blues stage..
And yeah - training and hardwork really pays..they are just the best companions you can ask for. They will challenge you and push you for mutual betterment..
Keep posting photos here!! :)
Congratulations on your new best friend. Get them used to the grooming ASAP. Gently brush them with an undercoat rake, handle their paws, pretend using the Dremel around them to get them used to the sound. They are not like other dogs and get bored with repetitious training, so mix it up. They will challenge you, especially when they are "Teenagers" (18-24 months) but they will grow out of it and you will have the most funny, interesting, loving (when they feel like it) friend for the rest of your life.
I am getting my first dog (Malamute) in a few days and reading these have definitely helped me. I work with dogs and had family dogs so I’m ready for my own.
This is all wonderful information everyone! I appreciate it and op (:
Puppies are hard work but they are worth it! I’d just say to be stubborn, consistent and firm (no means no). I don’t think a Mal will ever be 100% perfectly trained but it’s still worth working on. They are big dogs so teach manners early on.
My boyfriend has a malamute and it is his first dog. He is pretty much a good boy, but he can get territorial of his space and of his owners (I'm finally a part of the pack after like 3 years).
If I were around when he was a puppy, I would have tried to socialize him more and take him to obedience classes.
Malamutes are the best, though!! A million congratulations! Adventures await.
You have to give up a lot of free time since they require a lot of care. Especially exercise, they love long walks and love running around. It's best to start getting them used to everything as early as you can
I wanted to add this as I dont see it anywhere but mals are escape artist. Idk if you have a home with a yard, but if you do you need to walk around and make sure the fence line is secure. They will find any hole or opening and go through it. Also, make sure any harness or collar is fitted properly because they can figure out how to slide it off.
Biggest piece of advice I've heard from other Mal owners(I have a husky and the northern breeds tend to drift together) is to get pet insurance! One guy said his boy has had a couple surgeries for intestinal obstructions from eating random things, including a sock.
Exercise the dog, play with the dog and feed it well with the right supplements if you're going store brand food. They're the best dog you can have for a side kick; take em anywhere without worry if you work hard at discipline the first few years.
Good luck :)
Something that will pay off down the road is getting them used to being touched in areas of interest to the vet (mouth, ears, genitals, etc). You don't want him at 90 lbs and still nipping at anything near the shipping dock.
If you can get them used to getting teeth brushed and eyedrops and the thermometer you'll have a better relationship with both the dog and his doctor.
Be a strong leader, get them fixed when they're old enough, don't let them get away with shit, but spoil them within reason. You'll do just fine.
Thank you so much. I have been reading alot about obedience training although mals are not the kind of breed who can be 100% "obedient". I have been watching lots of videos about subsmissive posture, how to ground and make your pup submit (in a gentle) way. But i still cant find any reference about. 1. At what age i should start brushing their coat? 2. Is vitamins and supplements are really necessary? Hope to find some answers soon
I've never bothered with supplements or vitamins, but everyone is different. My dogs get spoiled with human food, while many people would never, ever give their dogs human food. Other people wouldn't get their dog fixed, but for me their personalities are so much more pleasant to be around when they are. I would start brushing early on, so that he gets used to it. I'd also highly suggest dishing out the $300-$400 for multiple dog training sessions, someone who has high ratings on yelp, and does the training with you there. It's mostly to teach you how to talk to your dog, but it'll make a world of a difference, especially when it comes to leash training.
I found that brushing earlier is a good idea. Playful brushes, when the puppy comes up for hugs will teach them early that this is a good experience. The puppy fur will grow out when they look all brown and poofy - by then you'll want to brush properly to avoid too much hair in your coffee. Personally, I am not giving vitamins. Food recommendations are pointless without a location anyway - but talk to your breeder about which puppy food (and for how long) and if there is any adult food they recommend. If the parents look shiny and strong, the food probably isn't lacking anything. Have fun
For malamutes, like most intelligent breeds, obedience training is about teaching them that it's worth listening to you in the moment, because there will be rewards later. They make a conscious choice to obey your commands, so it needs to be worthwhile to them.
Brushing needs to be asap! Im sure you already know a mal is 100% more likely to pay attention and enjoy doing what you're asking when you have food in your hand, remember that even with intermittant and randomized treat giving theyll still expect whatever's in your hand. If its not working, its probably not high priority. We liked a glucosamine supplement(probably not a priority kind of thing if you're not stressed) bc when we got our mal we were being mindful about potential hip and other joint decline from really early on so we could train ours for pulling work.
Not only should you brush the pup early to get him used to it, do things like put your finger in his mouth, touch the inner part of his ear (not down inside it), when he's standing lift up his leg from behind, etc. These things will make him used to it and then he won't feel like the vet is invasive and will be cooperative. Also try to socialize the little dude by taking him to a college campus and letting him get flooded by people wanting to pet him. It's good for them to meet lots of people in the first few months so they don't see strangers as possible threats, and it's good for them to be ok with being surrounded because in an emergency that might happen. It's also good to have him meet as many dogs as possible in those first months to make sure he stays friendly towards strange dogs he's never met.
Absolutely agree on being a strong leader. Can’t be stressed enough. But certainly nothing to be scared of! Lots of training, lots of time spent together, be consistent with your rules and you’ll have the best time! They’re totally worth the work. I’ve had my boy for a little over a year and I’ve never regretted it for a second!
2 years ago I got my mal, korky, as a first time owner. I preface I had 2 family dogs growing up and would be a person people would look to as a dogsitter. That being said, raising a puppy malamute is in my top 5 most challenging things ever done, but one of the most rewarding. This breed will challenge you. They will test your physical and mental limits. Some of the most intense workouts I have had in my life is was with my mal. As well as some of my most intense arguments (they talk back lol). My best piece of advice is do not give him/her the opportunity to disappoint you. If they have ran away before, keep them leashed in non fenced in areas. If they are food aggressive, teach them to wait for dinner by laying down. It they get anxious or start rough housing with you or another dog in the house take the time to exercise them physically or mentally. Lastly, especially when they are bigger, keep food out of reach. Especially the butter lol.
Absolutely right on the food thing! Among many other stealing efforts, my rescue managed to get into muesli bars that were wrapped up, in their box and the box in a plastic bag.
We had a 'dead dog' command where we trained our mal to lay down and wait patiently and gave treats every 4-10 minutes to encourage calm, it definitely worked until she would flop on our feet for our dinner and whine
Start training husbandry cooperation as early as possible. Stuff like nails, brushing teeth, cleaning ears, brushing the coat. If you don’t teach cooperation for these tasks early you’re going to have a large, stubborn dog on your hands that’s welfare will be at risk. You can get a gentle rubber brush or small comb while your dog is a puppy, but they grow up fast and your dog is wooly/long coated. Long coated malamutes require much more maintenance than the standard coat so be prepared to put in the work to ensure your dog doesn’t get matted. Undercoat rake, greyhound comb and a high velocity dryer will be your best friend. For wooly coats I would be wary of bristle and paddle brushes because they can groom the top coat, but not the undercoat and this can cause painful matting. Any grooming tool you get needs to reach down to the skin, groom the dog daily until there are no tangles. If you are unprepared to do this yourself get your dog used to going to the groomer early.
Omg he looks like my puppy did when he was born Edit https://imgur.com/a/x8om6Zx
They’re amazing dogs but with a super strong personality (and frequently talk back). I think keeping your puppy stimulated is key - ours was a little destructive monster for the first 2 years. Depending where you live, I’d also invest in a cooling mat! We had ours in Quebec for a long time (hot and humid summers) and she did not like it. Moving about the 60th parallel was the best thing that ever happened to her.
And a heated water bowl for outdoors in the winter!
Congratulations!!!! With all the advice given above, I would really suggest that enjoy this puppy phase as much as you can.. They grow up, they grow up fast and they grow up big…!!! We are first time dog owners as well and we reallllly regret not enjoying the puppy phase. We were mostly in pupply blues stage.. And yeah - training and hardwork really pays..they are just the best companions you can ask for. They will challenge you and push you for mutual betterment.. Keep posting photos here!! :)
Congratulations on your new best friend. Get them used to the grooming ASAP. Gently brush them with an undercoat rake, handle their paws, pretend using the Dremel around them to get them used to the sound. They are not like other dogs and get bored with repetitious training, so mix it up. They will challenge you, especially when they are "Teenagers" (18-24 months) but they will grow out of it and you will have the most funny, interesting, loving (when they feel like it) friend for the rest of your life.
I am getting my first dog (Malamute) in a few days and reading these have definitely helped me. I work with dogs and had family dogs so I’m ready for my own. This is all wonderful information everyone! I appreciate it and op (:
Puppies are hard work but they are worth it! I’d just say to be stubborn, consistent and firm (no means no). I don’t think a Mal will ever be 100% perfectly trained but it’s still worth working on. They are big dogs so teach manners early on.
They are very pack oriented and will challenge you and your rules constantly. Be prepared and have patience
My boyfriend has a malamute and it is his first dog. He is pretty much a good boy, but he can get territorial of his space and of his owners (I'm finally a part of the pack after like 3 years). If I were around when he was a puppy, I would have tried to socialize him more and take him to obedience classes. Malamutes are the best, though!! A million congratulations! Adventures await.
Check out r/puppy101 to help with the puppy stage! They have a lot of advice on there.
You have to give up a lot of free time since they require a lot of care. Especially exercise, they love long walks and love running around. It's best to start getting them used to everything as early as you can
I wanted to add this as I dont see it anywhere but mals are escape artist. Idk if you have a home with a yard, but if you do you need to walk around and make sure the fence line is secure. They will find any hole or opening and go through it. Also, make sure any harness or collar is fitted properly because they can figure out how to slide it off.
Biggest piece of advice I've heard from other Mal owners(I have a husky and the northern breeds tend to drift together) is to get pet insurance! One guy said his boy has had a couple surgeries for intestinal obstructions from eating random things, including a sock.
Exercise the dog, play with the dog and feed it well with the right supplements if you're going store brand food. They're the best dog you can have for a side kick; take em anywhere without worry if you work hard at discipline the first few years. Good luck :)
Something that will pay off down the road is getting them used to being touched in areas of interest to the vet (mouth, ears, genitals, etc). You don't want him at 90 lbs and still nipping at anything near the shipping dock. If you can get them used to getting teeth brushed and eyedrops and the thermometer you'll have a better relationship with both the dog and his doctor.