Alaskan Malamute: How should an owner handle adolescent behaviour changes?
When a young Alaskan Malamute becomes less reliable, return to the last version of the behaviour that was working and rebuild from there. Schedule the first attempt after the dog's normal age-appropriate outlet, not at peak excitement. Return to easier cues, shorten sessions, increase reinforcement, and manage the environment while skills are rebuilt. Keep the easier version in the routine while reliability returns; do not test the hardest version every day.
What can change during adolescence
Alaskan Malamute's exercise is recorded as While the Malamute was not bred for racing, he was bred to work. Here, that matters because it changes the amount and timing of movement, stimulation, and recovery this situation needs.
Rebuild the behaviour you want
- Return to easier cues, shorten sessions, increase reinforcement, and manage the environment while skills are rebuilt.
- Use this exercise note (While the Malamute was not bred for racing, he was bred to work) to choose the starting amount of movement and the length of the recovery period.
- Keep the easier version in the routine while reliability returns; do not test the hardest version every day.
Arrange an assessment if
Escalate for sudden personality change, pain, disorientation, or aggression that cannot be safely managed.
References
Height: 25 inches (male), 23 inches (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 85 pounds (male), 75 pounds (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 10-14 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: The thick, waterproof double coat of the Alaskan Malamute is beautifully adapted to harsh Arctic life, but it requires constant upkeep. A Malamute should be brushed every day with a pin brush and metal comb, all the while checking for mats, which can harbor fungus, and hot spots, which can become infected. Twice a year, during shedding season, an undercoat…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: While the Malamute was not bred for racing, he was bred to work. A strong, athletic dog with tremendous endurance, designed to carry heavy loads, a Mal requires daily exercise. Romping in a well-fenced yard or other enclosed space will suffice, but Malamutes also enjoy hiking, running, and swimming with their owners. And should the owner have sufficient…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: Socialization and obedience training are necessary in order to prevent a Malamute from becoming pushy with children and other pets, or dominant over adults he or she doesn't respect. Malamutes are highly intelligent but also independent and willful, often to the point of stubbornness. While fairness and patience can yield a devoted, trustworthy companion,…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: An immensely strong, heavy-duty worker of spitz type, the Alaskan Malamute is an affectionate, loyal, and playful but dignified dog recognizable by his well-furred plumed tail carried over the back, erect ears, and substantial bone.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Hip Evaluation', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation', 'Alaskan Malamute Polyneuropathy (AMPN) - DNA Test']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/AlaskanMalamute.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
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