Available Dogs

Kimber is a beautiful five-year-old small mally girl at 65 pounds. She needs a fenced in yard and someone who can help training her to be the best pup she can be. She could possibly live with a four-legged male companion and children ages eight and above. If you are looking for that fun companion who is ready for adventures, reach out to us today!

Harmony

Harmony came to us from a shelter after her owner who had too many dogs didn't want her anymore. She has no idea why her life has been turned upside down. She is so sweet, and forgiving and would make a great companion. She is shy processing all these changes but takes it in stride and will cuddle up to you for affection. Harmony will need a patient family who can give her time to adjust to a home. She may be able to live with a four-legged male companion.

Kachina

Kachina is a young girl and the life of the party! She is so happy to be in her new world and is ready for a family and adventures. Her life may have not started off that great but it doesn't affect her at all. She is a bubbling, bouncy, happy, sweet girl :) Kachina is small for a malamute, weighing only about 56 pounds. She would make a great companion for someone who likes the great outdoors.

Natty

Natty came to us when her family was moving and could no longer take care of her. She lived with furry brothers and sisters. She may benefit living with a male companion. She will blossom with a patient family that will go slow and give her time to adjust. She feels safe and finds comfort in her crate.

Carson

Carson is a sweet boy who arrived to us from a puppy mill farm after it closed down. He is shy and has lived in a 10x10 run since he was a puppy. He would benefit from a female companion.

Yukon

Yukon arrived at the rescue after his family could no longer take care of him. He is seeking a loving family who will take him hiking and spend with him. A fenced-in yard is his dream so he can have the freedom to run and play. He grew up with a child but due to his size, he would do best in a home with a child 8 years and over. He is about 3 years old.

Minnie

Born in June 2020, Minnie comes from a local shelter being surrendered by her family. She enjoys hiking, chasing balls, swimming, and is thriving with Rob from Lucky Dog Training & More! An active family is ideal for this girl.

Jasmine

Jasmine is a surrendered puppy mill mom. We want to give her a chance to experience real love with a family. She is affectionate and loves to be loved! She is around 8 years old and is learning what it's like to be outside of a barn stall and walking on a leash. She loves her newfound freedom and is such a sweet girl.

CHAAMP is a proud member of The Pet Professional Guild Shelter & Rescue Organization. Our goal is to practice force-free (no physical force or verbal intimidation) methods with the pups. We focus on capturing and rewarding good behaviors freely offered to start building trust. (See Smart x 50 by Kathy Sdao) By paying attention to the good behaviors, the dogs freely repeat it. Once the pup is offering eye contact on their own and feeling comfortable, then we start rewards-based training. We avoid startling the dog(s) with "No!" or "Ah, ah!" and are careful to read their body language. The dog decides what is aversive (scary). For example, did you know that some dogs find the sound of the clicker to be aversive? We do our best to provide gentle and kind interactions with Malamutes and offer them a "choice" to collaborate with us. We view training as a fun way to communicate with our dogs and watch their dog body language to "hear" what they are saying. Training is supposed to be fun!

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

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

Adoption begins with completing an online application. Information is confidential and is used to help us match a dog's personality with your environment and lifestyle. We will work with you to find alternative solutions if you don't have a fence. We offer resources to support all adopters including first time Malamute parents. Once the application is received, we set up a virtual or in person home visit where adopters and CHAAMP discuss puppy proofing your home, identifying a safe place (crate or gated area), food/potty schedule, and discuss enrichment ideas. We discuss the importance of decompression and identifying local professional dog trainers and resources. We are here to answer questions every step of your journey. Malamutes are highly intelligent, sensitive, and expressive dogs. It is critical to create a plan to set up your family and dog for success.

**Alaskan Malamute Training Facebook Group**

Pawsitive Futures Dog Training and Behavior - Alaskan Malamute YouTube

Dog to Dog Introductions Booklet

Shy Adopter Guide by Shelter Playgroup

Inter-Dog Playgroup Guidelines

How to prevent resource guarding

An adoption requirement is training. Training is like team building with you and your dog. It improves communication and collaboration with our furry companions. Plus, it builds a bond and helps your pup gain confidence. Malamutes are a working breed and need a mental outlet -- they love working for treats!

If you are not sure if a Malamute is the right breed for you or are not ready, you can volunteer to take the Malamutes on a walk. This is a great way to meet the pups and learn from volunteers how to best interact and handle these precious fluffy strong pups.

Fostering is a wonderful alternative too. With your help, we can open up space for another Malamute to come to the rescue.