New Puppy Advice - Alaskan Malamute.

Belisknar

Hi all,

I'm getting a puppy shortly and am extremely excited about it, thought at the same time I'm really nervous since I haven't owned a dog of my own before. I'm getting an Alaskan Malamute and am looking for some advice on what kind of equipment or suitable toys, food(particularly what would be the best while still afordable brand etc..), treats etc... that I should get.

I've done a lot of research on the the Mal's to figure if they would be the best fit for me, but it's hard to come by anything specific in terms what I don't know. (i.e. the list above)

I already know the obvious Colloar, crate harness and lead. But since I'm really new to this I'm hoping that people with a little or a lot more experience will be able to point me in the right dirrection so that I can give my new family memeber the best start when she comes home with me in a couple of weeks.

Thanks.

(I read somewhere on here that posts about new pups are required to have pics and I'll have some hopefully monday after I go to meet her and even more once I bring her home in a couple of weeks.)

ISDW

I'm really sorry, but I'm probably going to offend you now. Malamutes are not a first time dog for anybody in my opinion. They are big dogs, can be strong willed and need to know their place in the world. They can never be let off lead, so need a lot of walking when they are old enough, and are quite a specialist breed.

However, as this is the dog you are going to get, regarding food etc, your breeder would be the best person to talk to, can I ask where you found the breeder?

Irishchick

Belisknar wrote: »

I've done a lot of research on the the Mal's to figure if they would be the best fit for me, but it's hard to come by anything specific in terms what I don't know. (i.e. the list above)

I already know the obvious Colloar, crate harness and lead.

Are you sure you have done your research. Training will be more important than any lead, collar or crate you buy. Malamutes grow into beasts! They are incredibly strong. I hope you know what you are getting yourself into.

mixyfyn

Hi, I have to agree with the previous poster. I used to breed malamutes and believe me they are a handfull! They are lovely to look at but are not motivated by the same things as other dogs. They are independent and VERY self assured, or at least mine are. Training is more difficult as they are not really interested in food. Whilst they are not known for their barking, they can and do howl at top volume for days on end. Malamutes do not like central heating and prefer to be outside, preferably doing exactly as they wish! Are you really prepared? Are you tough enough? What's cute in a puppy is not cute in a full grown adult that can pull you over! I STRONGLY advise you to think again, many people are looking to rehome adult dogs due to emmigration, and rescue centres are full of puppies and young dogs who would love a chance of a loving home. Good luck .

mymo

I would agree with ISDW as she is an expert on these dogs (in my opinion).

They are beautiful dogs but need so much work and training, you are somewhat restricted in that you can't let them off for a run.

I'm sure the breeder will have explained about good quality foods for good growth, if not do ask them. It is important they don't grow too fast as it can cause bone and joint problems, also over feeding or incorrect diet can cause diarrhea and other problems. Raw is often the best option (3 of the 4 mal's I know are on raw diets)
Have the parents both been hip scored and health tested? Have you seen the certs?

now for what you asked, Kongs are great toys, you can get all kinds and they do extra tough ones for chewers, they can be stuffed with food and frozen to make them last longer.
I would try a harness for a young pup, but a halti or similar may be better for control when older.
I would highly recommend crate training, it is a godsend, helps massively with toilet training too. Search on here for tips, loads of threads on it.
Treats, I used veggies (cooked carrots, raw broccoli or frozen peas, but my dogs are odd that way), but have tried using pieces of dry kibble, bits of cooked chicken, cheese, any cooked meat.


Also you need at least a 6 or 7ft fence (and a bloody strong one at that) and concrete under it so no digging out.

boxerly

I minded a Mal last year (NEVER EVER AGAIN) they are lovely but I would not be able for one hats off to people who are,maybe it was just this dog but OMG talk about strong willed ?lunging,snarling,growling,howling,pulling etc etc hehehe neighbours werent too happy either.Lots of young lads around my area are getting them as pups but as they get older ye dont see them out with them all that often :(Best of luck xx

ps There is one up at the stables and he is such a pet :)very quiet and laid back:) although a round bail of hay fell on his head as a pup :(so think he may be very slightly brain damaged

Cherry Blossom

Sorry OP,

but I would have to agree with the posters above, I have been involved in rehabilitating quite a few problem dogs in my time, including an abused dog that was used as an attack dog before he came to us but I would still consider the responsibility of properly raising and catering for the needs of a large, primitive, serious working breed like a Mal well beyond my capabilities. They are certainly not for the faint-hearted and inexperienced, they have very specific needs, to the point that they are almost a whole separate species.

I would suggest you start by reading every inch of this site:
http://www.alaskanmalamute.org.uk/

and this one:

http://www.amwa.org.uk/

A serious working breed needs a serious job to do, you aren't getting a pet, your getting a complete new lifestyle

As for 'things' to get, start off with a few decent books on the breed and take it from there.

Belisknar

Thanks to all of you who have noted about the worries I should have about getting the Mal, believe me I have put close to 2 years thought into this and considdered others but I always go back to the Mal.

I recognise the lifestyle change and am fully prepared to take ito n.

In terms of the breeder, it's not a 'legit' as you would say. my friend's Mal had a litter recently and I'm taking one of the pups.

She's gotten all the paperwork, vacs, microchips and worming done and I'm heading down to meet the pup hopefully on monday. I'll see everything then. I turst her but if all isn't right she knows I won't be taking one.

Thanks to all of you who made suggestions and I really do appreciate all of you who were willing to let me know the dark side of it all.

Cherry Blossom

Belisknar wrote: »

In terms of the breeder, it's not a 'legit' as you would say. my friend's Mal had a litter recently and I'm taking one of the pups.

Definitely talk to the Breed club about the dogs pedigree, one result of the massive over-breeding currently going on is epilepsy sometimes resulting severe aggression in some dogs that have a certain dog in their ancestry, if I remember correctly.

ISDW

adrenalinjunkie wrote: »

Definitely talk to the Breed club about the dogs pedigree, one result of the massive over-breeding currently going on is epilepsy sometimes resulting severe aggression in some dogs that have a certain dog in their ancestry, if I remember correctly.

+1 If a dog called Bassbarr Pulling Power appears anywhere in the pedigree, please walk away.

I was talking to someone involved in mal welfare in the UK yesterday, they have real fears that mals are going to end up on the Dangerous Dog List in the UK very soon because of the overbreeding and under socialising of so many dogs.

Have your pups parents been hipscored and had their eyes tested?

If you do get this pup, a well brought up, well socialised mal is a pleasure to have, a big cuddle monster, if you're prepared to put all the work in, you will end up with a lovely dog.

Belisknar

Thanks AdrenalineJunkie I'll definitely keep that in mind.

Thanks ISDW. If I see that name I'll let my friend know and walk away myself. But if I do get her. I plan to put in the work needed to bring her up right and have that loveable cuddlemonster.

In terms of the eye and hip tests I was going to be asking about that on Monday when I meet up about it.

Bullseye1

Your getting some good advice above OP but I will disagree with the theory behind certain breeds not being suitable for first time dog owners. If you do the work and proper research and have the proper environment i see no reason why you cannot succeed.

I went from owning a fox terrier to owning a Rhodesian Ridgeback, who are on the restricted breed list. Apart from needing a plenty of exercise the two breeds had nothing in common. I would also say the foxy was more likely to cause trouble than the larger RR.

Socialising with other dogs and people is very important. Also vital that children are never left unattended with the dog. Best of luck with your new best pal.

boardbrowser

bet you are looking forward to your new puppy. it's all about the individual dog and it's personality as i hate to paint a breed with the same brush.
for all about raising a behaviourally healthy puppy you might be interested in reading and downloading a copy of 'before you get your puppy' by Dr ian dunbar who is also a malamute owner.
go to www.dogstardaily.com and fiind link to free download of book.
'after you get your puppy' is the follow on to that book. reams of info there regarding temperment training done right from the start .
enjoy your new pup, don't think photo is compulsory but my would i love to see one.

Belisknar

Thanks Boardbrowser I'll definitely give those books a look. I am most definitely looking forward to getthing her. I've been waiting too long to bring a new little joy into our home, finally have the time to take care of one.

Thanks bullseye, luckily enough our house has little to no small children traffic in the last couple of years. But I will keep that in mind when I'm introducing her to the extended family.

RoverZT

Girl or a boy?

Like all spitz breeds they are a tough dog to handle, but not impossible, they are very loving and generally good with people.

Be strong with him/her and you should be ok.

Get him used walking on the lead, don't let him get into the habit of pulling ( won't be able to hold him in a few years;) ) get him used to other dogs/animals ( strong prey drive ).

Work on his call back from day one, terrible off the lead, but I have seen some that are very good, but again owner doesn't have 100% confidence either.

Get fit, they need loads of running.

Read, read, read on the breed.

I have a mix Sibe/Mal and he continually surprises me every day, very clever dogs, too clever

Good luck and post pics:)

Take loads of them, they don't stay small for long

Belisknar

I'm getting a girl. primaily for the slight size difference. But I've read they are less likely to act super teritorial about the place. I've also heard (like most species) the female tends to be the smarter.

I will take as many as I can get My sister will also be a bit of a camera whore in that regard. She loves taking photo's in general and she's dying to post pics of the puppy as soon as we get her.