Alaskan Malamute: How can an owner handle puppy biting and over-arousal?
With a Alaskan Malamute puppy, treat biting and over-arousal as a sign to lower the intensity and teach a calmer way back into play. Keep Alaskan Malamute close to a calm handler and use reward-based cues during the first repetitions. Interrupt calmly, offer an appropriate chew or rest period, and reinforce four paws down before resuming play. End the interaction while the puppy can still disengage, then offer rest before trying again.
What may be driving the arousal
Alaskan Malamute's training is recorded as 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. Here, that matters because it changes how much reinforcement, repetition, and choice the dog may need to stay engaged.
How to bring play back down
- Interrupt calmly, offer an appropriate chew or rest period, and reinforce four paws down before resuming play.
- Let the training note (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 does) set the reinforcement, session length, and distance from distractions.
- End the interaction while the puppy can still disengage, then offer rest before trying again.
Pause home training if
Stop home correction if bites break skin, escalation is repeated, or the behaviour is accompanied by pain or fear.
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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