CHAAMP's goal is to rescue Malamutes in need and find each a loving home that meets the family's lifestyle and the dog's personality. We practice and advocate the use of rewards-based learning for dog training and modifying behavior as recommended by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) position statement on animal welfare.

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Facts about dog training and behavior by Shelter Playgroup Alliance

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Positive Reinforcement Training – Does it Work for the Working Group?

By Chelsea Murray, ATDI, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP

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Our goal for Malamutes to have a fulfilling life and relationship with their family. They often have a "Why should I listen to you? What's in it for me?" attitude which often mislabels them as stubborn. Malamutes are independent thinkers, free spirited, opportunistic, suspicious, and highly intelligent. They were bred to be part of the family, hunting, and sledding. They learn best when we respect their "space" (invisible bubble) and consider their feelings. They will flourish with a relationship based on two-way communication. Rewards-based training is the best way to train with this breed. A reward is given to a dog in recognition of an effort or achievement and the dog decides what is rewarding. In training, we can lure with a treat to guide our dog, but it is import that we quickly remove the treat before your dog decides they will not collaborate with you unless there is a treat in your hand. You can use your hand without a treat as a guide if needed. Otherwise, a lure can quickly turn into a bribe. We want to train our dogs to do things of their own choice and free will. Keep treats on a high counter to prevent your dog from looking at your treat hand or treat bag. Malamutes are intelligent and excellent negotiators; they may try to train you! This is why we recommend working with a trainer. 

 

Malamutes are a working breed and need the opportunity to exercise their brain or they will find their own entertainment (see also Enrichment). Rewards based training gives them an opportunity to earn a delicious treat and collaborate with you. Pretty soon good habits are learned, and good behavior becomes the new norm. Please check out free resources from professional dog trainers to learn more. 

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Kathy Sdao, MA, ACAAB author of "Plenty in Life is Free" developed SMART X 50. It stands for See Mark And Reward Training X 50. The object is to have easily accessible 50 high value pea-size treats and throughout the day watch your dog perform any good behavior. When you See the behavior, Mark it with a "Yes" or "Good Boy/Girl" And Reward (deliver the treat to your dog) Training. Any good behavior is rewarded. 

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• Reinforce calm behavior, your dog will most likely repeat the behavior because it was rewarding.

• If your dog gets excited and wants to jump, focus on rewarding four paws on the floor by delivering the treat on the ground.

• If your dog looks at you before running to the door or while on a walk, reward that! Baby steps as we build our relationship.

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The foundation to a healthy relationship is communication.  We communicate our feelings and/or what we want, and we listen. Dogs speak using their dog body language (barking, yawning, growling, etc.) Therefore, we make an effort to learn to read dog body language to be able to listen to our dog. Training starts with the humans learning how to collaborate and engage with our dog in a fun and safe manner. It's teamwork! Together we build new habits. Training should be FUN for you and your pup. Baby rewarding successful steps. You may need to seek help from a professional certified dog trainer. 

 

Lastly, dogs' see the world through their powerful nose and need time to process new smells in the environment. They can smell your emotions (excitement, frustration, etc.), which can be very stimulating and potentially overwhelming. Please do not place your hand or your face in a Malamute's face. Some dogs may consider it quite rude and turn their head away or interpret it as an act of aggression and bite your hand or face. 

 

When meeting a Malamute for the first time less is more. Each dog is a unique individual. Some are shy and others are easily excited. An excited Malamute may start to run like a lunatic and then jump or tackle you! Set your dog up for success by giving them time and "space" to process their feelings and the new environment. In time, they will discover how wonderful you are!