CHAAMP
Chesapeake Area Alaskan Malamute Protection
is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Chesapeake Area Alaskan Malamute Protection (CHAAMP) offers support, free resources, education, and referrals to dog professionals who follow Humane Dog Training as recommended by The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (avsab.org).
CHAAMP is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to rescuing Malamutes from shelters, neglected situations, and other unfortunate events. We have been around since the 1990's. We serve DC, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA, WV, and offer virtual support to anyone in need. CHAAMP runs on 100% donations and volunteer power! Join us, there are so many ways to contribute.
Volunteer, Foster, Adopt, Donate, Follow Us, Share!
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.
Facts about dog training and behavior by Shelter Playgroup Alliance
Positive Reinforcement Training – Does it Work for the Working Group?
By Chelsea Murray, ATDI, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP
Our goal is to create positive experiences and offer choice(s) for Malamutes to have a fulfilling life. They are independent thinkers, free spirited, opportunistic, suspicious, and highly intelligent. They learn best when we respect their "space" (invisible bubble) and consider their feelings. They want to know, "Why should I listen to you? What's in it for me?" This is why they enjoy the mental stimulation of rewards-based training. We show them what to do and they receive a YUMMY treat for their collaboration. Soon they choose YOU because good things happen!
Training should be FUN for you and your pup. The purpose of training is to learn to communicate with your dog and read his/her dog body language. It is teamwork and takes time.
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. When meeting a Malamute for the first time less is more. Each is a unique individual. Some are shy and shut down, others are easily excited. Let's and we want to set them up for success by giving them time and space to process their feelings.