CHAAMP Malamute Rescue
Chesapeake Area Alaskan Malamute Protection
is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Why Are Malamutes So "Stubborn"?
"Why should I listen to you? What's in it for me? Show me the money!"
Alaskan Malamutes are independent thinkers, free spirited, opportunistic, suspicious, highly intelligent, and bred to live closely with their families while pulling sleds, and hunting. Their confidence, intelligence, and problem-solving abilities are part of what makes the breed so special.
Malamutes are not trying to be difficult. They were bred to make decisions, work independently, and evaluate situations for themselves. Because of this, they often ask, "Why should I do that?" rather than blindly following instructions.
As a working breed, Malamutes thrive when they have a job to do such as nose work. If their physical and mental needs are not met, they may self-employ and create their own job such as chasing wildlife, digging, chewing, escaping, or finding other creative ways to stay busy.
Predation Substitute Training | Force-Free Anti-Chasing Methods
Healthy relationships are built on trust, respect, and two-way communication.
Dogs communicate primarily through body language. Looking away, turning their head, yawning, freezing, lip licking, or creating distance are often polite ways of saying, "I'm uncomfortable" or "I'd like some space."
When we listen to these early signals, dogs are less likely to escalate their communication through barking, growling, snapping, or biting.
Understanding canine body language helps build trust, prevent misunderstandings, and create safer interactions for both dogs and people.
Give Malamutes Space
Please avoid leaning over, staring at, hugging, or patting a Malamute on the head, especially when meeting them for the first time.
In dog body language, these actions can feel threatening. Instead, allow the dog to approach at their own pace and decide whether they want interaction.
A dog standing close to you or getting in your face is not always an invitation to pet them. They may simply be gathering information. Look away, remain calm, and give them time to process. Respect their space, even if they are temporarily invading yours.
When meeting a Malamute, remember: less is more.
We also recommend using a Consent Test for Petting. Like people, dogs are not always in the mood for affection. This becomes especially important as dogs age or experience health issues.
Family Paws Parent Education | Dog Training for Baby Interactions
Belly Rubs Aren't Always an Invitation
Dogs often use subtle body language to avoid conflict.
A dog may roll onto their back, exposing their belly with a stiff body or tense tail wag, as if saying, "I mean no harm. Please give me space."
When in doubt, give the dog space and allow them to choose interaction.
Reward-Based Training Works Best
Malamutes respond best to reward-based training built on trust, clear communication, and cooperation.
Avoid using force, intimidation, or punishment. These methods can damage trust and may cause a dog to become fearful, defensive, or resistant.
Keep training sessions brief, engaging, and rewarding. Two to three minutes is often enough. Take breaks before excitement or frustration escalates. Malamutes have big feelings and learn best when they are having fun.
Communication Through Rewards
Dogs decide what is rewarding.
While food is highly motivating for many Malamutes, real-life rewards can be equally valuable. Going outside, greeting a friend, exploring a trail, or sniffing an interesting area can all reinforce behavior.
For example, before opening a door, wait for your dog to offer eye contact. As they learn the routine, ask for a simple behavior such as a touch or sit before opening the door. Over time, your dog learns that cooperation leads to access to the things they enjoy.
Rewards vs. Lures
A reward is given after a behavior is performed.
A lure is used to guide a dog into position while teaching a new behavior.
When introducing a new skill, use a lure sparingly, then quickly transition to verbal cues and hand signals. Once the behavior is understood, reward the behavior rather than showing the food first.
Keeping treats out of sight encourages your Malamute to pay attention to you instead of the treat bag.
Important Training Reminders
Never use treats to lure a dog toward something they find frightening.
Once the food is gone, the dog may suddenly realize they are too close to a scary person or situation and react defensively.
Instead, advocate for your dog. If someone asks to pet them and your dog is uncomfortable, it is perfectly acceptable to say, "No thank you" and move away.
Never use treats to trap a Malamute in a crate or vehicle.
Doing so can damage trust and create negative associations with both treats and confinement.
Meeting Your Malamute's Natural Needs
They Love to Hunt
Many Malamutes have a strong prey drive and enjoy chasing moving objects.
Rather than trying to suppress this instinct, provide safe and appropriate outlets. One simple game is to roll a treat across a flat surface, allowing your dog to chase, pounce, and "capture" it. Make the game exciting and engaging.
Some dogs may also benefit from structured prey-substitution activities and anti-chasing exercises.
We highly recommend the work of Simone Mueller, creator of Predation Substitute Training.
A Working Dog Needs a Job
Alaskan Malamutes were bred to work, problem-solve, and participate in activities with their people.
Providing opportunities to sniff, forage, chew, lick, pull, hike, and solve problems helps meet their natural needs.
Without appropriate outlets, many Malamutes will create their own jobs through chewing, digging, escaping, counter surfing, or other unwanted behaviors.
Enrichment, pattern games, training, nose work, and interactive play provide healthy ways to channel their energy while strengthening your relationship.
Capture and Reward Good Behavior
One of the simplest ways to improve behavior is to reward the behaviors you like.
We recommend SMART x 50®, developed by Kathy Sdao:
See → Mark → Reward
Keep a supply of small treats readily available and look for opportunities throughout the day to reinforce desirable behavior.
Examples include:
-
Calm behavior
-
Four paws on the floor
-
Voluntary eye contact
-
Relaxing on a mat or bed
-
Choosing an appropriate chew toy
Mark the behavior with a cheerful "Yes!" or "Good dog," then deliver a reward.
The more a behavior is reinforced, the more likely it is to occur again.
By focusing on what your dog is doing right, you build confidence, trust, and good habits.
Prevent Unwanted Behaviors
If you can predict a behavior, you can often prevent it.
Many behavior challenges occur because a dog's physical, mental, or emotional needs are not being met. In some cases, an underlying health issue may also contribute to the behavior.
Set your dog up for success through management and planning.
For example, if your dog counter surfs:
-
Keep food out of reach.
-
Use gates or barriers when needed.
-
Provide an appropriate activity before you start cooking.
-
Offer a snuffle mat, chew, or frozen Kong.
-
Show your dog what to do before they make a poor choice.
Good management prevents rehearsal of unwanted behaviors and makes desirable behaviors more likely to become habits.
Seeing the Dog
We encourage adopters to explore Suzanne Clothier's Relationship Centered Training™ (RCT) and her concept of "The Auto Check-In." Her work emphasizes observation, communication, trust, and cooperation rather than control. This is key for all dogs, but especially an Alaskan Malamute.
Her book, Attentive Cooperation, introduces practical ways to use real-life rewards to build polite behavior and stronger relationships.
Above all, learning to truly "See the Dog" in front of you, rather than focusing solely on obedience, can transform your relationship and help your Malamute thrive.
Walk this way!
Long Line Training for More Fun and Freedom! by Pawsitive Futures
Attention and Recall on the Long Line by Pawsitive Futures
CHAAMP does not receive monetary compensation for recommending Suzanne Clothier, Simone Mueller, Kathy Sdao, Noble Woof Dog Training, or Pawsitive Futures programs or materials.
