Adoption & Fostering Support

 

The adoption or foster process begins with completing an online application. All information is kept confidential and helps us match each dog's personality, needs, and energy level with the right home and lifestyle.

 

We work closely with applicants to find practical solutions for common concerns, including alternatives for homes without fenced yards. CHAAMP also provides resources and access to our trainer (Mimi.Tello@chaamp.org) to support adopters and fosters, including first-time Malamute owners.

 

Once an application is received, we schedule a virtual or in-person home visit. During this visit, we discuss:

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• Puppy-proofing and safety considerations

• Creating a secure space using a crate or gated area

• Feeding and potty schedules

• Enrichment and mental stimulation activities

• The importance of decompression 

• Training resources and professional support

 

We are here to answer questions and provide guidance throughout your journey.

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Alaskan Malamutes are highly intelligent, sensitive, and expressive dogs. Creating a thoughtful plan from the beginning helps set both your family and your dog up for long-term success.

 

Helpful Resources

 

Dog-to-Dog Introductions Booklet

Pawsitive Futures Dog Training & Behavior – Alaskan Malamute YouTube Channel

How to Prevent Resource Guarding

Shy Adopter Guide by Shelter Playgroup

Kikopup Dog Training Tutorials

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Our Training Philosophy

 

CHAAMP is a proud member of the Pet Professional Guild's Shelter & Rescue Program. We are committed to force-free training methods and avoid the use of physical force, intimidation, or verbal corrections when communicating with our dogs.

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When a new Malamute arrives at CHAAMP, our first priority is building trust. We focus on capturing and rewarding desirable behaviors that the dog freely offers, following concepts such as Smart x 50 by Kathy Sdao. As the dog becomes comfortable in their new environment and begins offering behaviors such as eye contact, we gradually introduce reward-based training.

 

Pattern Games & Positive Reinforcement

 

Our Malamutes love Pattern Games, developed by Leslie McDevitt, including 1-2-3 Treat, Up/Down, and Ping Pong. These games are predictable, engaging, and help build confidence while creating a positive learning experience.

 

To begin a game, we place a treat on the ground and wait for the dog to voluntarily offer eye contact. This allows the dog to initiate interaction and become an active participant in the learning process.

We also focus on capturing and rewarding behaviors we want to see more often. For example, during a walk, if a dog chooses to look at us, we mark the behavior with a cheerful "Yes!" and deliver a treat. If the dog is calmly walking beside us, we reward that choice as well.

 

At the end of each interaction, we give the dog a clear release cue such as "break," "free," or "okay." We then toss a lower value treat away from us, signaling that the exercise is complete and allowing the dog to disengage and explore their environment.

 

By rewarding voluntary engagement and desired behaviors, we create a partnership based on trust, communication, and mutual enjoyment.

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Kind Two-way Communication

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We avoid startling or intimidating dogs with verbal interruptions such as "No!" or "Ah-ah!" and instead pay close attention to their body language. Every dog is an individual, and each dog determines what they find rewarding and what they find aversive. For example, some dogs may find the sound of a clicker or even an excited human voice uncomfortable.

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Our goal is to provide kind, gentle interactions and give each Malamute a voice in the learning process. We offer choices and encourage collaboration, even when progress requires the smallest of baby steps. Training should be a fun and rewarding way for humans and dogs to learn how to communicate with one another.

Dogs do not speak English. It is our responsibility to learn their language by observing and understanding canine body language. The more we listen, the stronger our partnership becomes.

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Why Training Matters

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Training is a requirement for adoption because it strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Think of training as team building for humans and dogs. It improves communication, encourages cooperation, builds confidence, and creates a foundation for lifelong success.

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As a working breed, Alaskan Malamutes need both physical exercise and mental enrichment. They thrive when given opportunities to problem-solve and work for rewards. One activity we highly recommend is nose work, which allows Malamutes to use their natural scenting abilities while providing valuable mental stimulation and a rewarding sense of purpose.

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Not Ready to Adopt?

 

If you're unsure whether an Alaskan Malamute is the right breed for you, or if you're not quite ready to adopt, consider volunteering. Send an email to MalamuteRescue@gmail.com with your volunteering interests. Walking our Malamutes is a wonderful way to meet the dogs, learn about the breed, and gain hands-on experience from knowledgeable volunteers who can teach you how to safely interact with and handle these intelligent, powerful, and affectionate dogs. 

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Fostering is another incredible way to help. By opening your home to a foster dog, you not only change that dog's life, but also create space for another Malamute in need to enter our rescue program.

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With your support, we can help more Alaskan Malamutes find safety, healing, and loving forever homes.

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