shadowboy
Well-Known Member
I was considering geting a pup of this breed, I have experience with German Shepards, and springer spaniels, but not with this breed, are they ok with horses and how trainable are they? many thanks
Alalskan Malamute
- Thread starter shadowboy
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severnmiles
Well-Known Member
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I was considering geting a pup of this breed, I have experience with German Shepards, and springer spaniels, but not with this breed, are they ok with horses and how trainable are they? many thanks
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My friend breeds them, he has a farm with a fair few sheep so I would imagine they're good with stock. He said unlike Huskies they are very laid back and docile and he can leave them on the yard without them going anywhere. I've not had anything to do with them though the BI's do have some AM in them. I think Emma_Brego (I think thats her username) has one.
I was considering geting a pup of this breed, I have experience with German Shepards, and springer spaniels, but not with this breed, are they ok with horses and how trainable are they? many thanks
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My friend breeds them, he has a farm with a fair few sheep so I would imagine they're good with stock. He said unlike Huskies they are very laid back and docile and he can leave them on the yard without them going anywhere. I've not had anything to do with them though the BI's do have some AM in them. I think Emma_Brego (I think thats her username) has one.
LauraBR
Well-Known Member
Gorgeous aren't they!
My friend has a malamute bitch and in all honesty I don't think I'd have one. My friend went from GSDs to a malamute and she has been shocked at how different they are in terms of the way they learn etc. Malamutes are much more willful and and a lot more difficult to train in many ways- but easier in others training wise (she found).
Beautiful beautiful dogs but I'll be sticking to my Mastiff, a lot less likely to have (let alone express) an opinion lol.
My friend has a malamute bitch and in all honesty I don't think I'd have one. My friend went from GSDs to a malamute and she has been shocked at how different they are in terms of the way they learn etc. Malamutes are much more willful and and a lot more difficult to train in many ways- but easier in others training wise (she found).
Beautiful beautiful dogs but I'll be sticking to my Mastiff, a lot less likely to have (let alone express) an opinion lol.
Tierra
Well-Known Member
Hiya.
Firstly it depends on what kind of dog you want. If you're wanting something that can wander around the yard and entertain itself then no. The malamutes, like the huskies, should be kept on a leash. Both breeds have a very very strong urge to run and when they do, they run blind. They're not off leash pets. Consequently you need to have the time to work them or perhaps work them on the leash. The malamutes dont quite require the amount of exercise of the huskies, but they still need a reasonable amount. Mine are out 3 times a day for about an hour per time and for part of that, they are doing proper pulling work. Without this they go crazy. They're both breeds that need a lot of stimulation.
Next thing, the malamutes arent necessarily the most social dogs. Quite often even breeders will have to keep dogs of the same sex apart. Im good friends with a breeder in London who has two bitch sisters that havent really seen each other in a couple of years. Kept with a dog of the opposite sex, they should be ok... same sex and you can have major problems and they are big big dogs (usually larger than the GSDs). This is a trait where the huskies and the malamutes differ as the huskies are very social.
Equally, both the huskies and the malamutes have strong killing instincts in regards to smaller animals. Mine were raised with cats and I havent had any issues with them but you're generally advised not to introduce smaller animals after you have the dog. I dont think id 100% trust mine with a cat that they didnt know... they have a strong strong instinct to chase and play and whilst I dont think they'd deliberatly hurt something... I could very easily see it happening.
In regards to trainability.. this is a tough one. As I said, they arent breeds that should be off the lead. Both the husky and the malamutes are very intelligent but very independent. Many breeders will advise that in nature, they're more like cats and ive found this to be quite true. Don't get me wrong, mine are affectionate - but its on their terms. They aren't obedience type dogs in the way that the GSDs or spaniels are. Dont expect them to sit / stay and so on.
Finally, as I mentioned at the beginning, they need stimulation and companionship. Mine are only alone when I visit the yard - I cant take them as I cant keep them contained while Im there. I would strongly recommend that they arent left on their own much more than this as they become very bored and will be very destructive. Mine are caged when I leave the house as its the only way I can trust them 100%. If you can have them outside in a run - all the better. However if you have neighbours they may not be so happy. Both the huskies and the malamutes "talk" and they can "talk" for hours. It's very loud and can be very irritating to other people.
I love my dogs... but they're not suitable for everyone. They're so beautiful and that attracts a lot of people but they are working dogs with very special personalities and traits. It sounds like you're used to dogs that display high levels of obedience and if thats what you're looking for, then seriously, steer well clear because they arent those kinds of dogs
Any more questions just ask.
Firstly it depends on what kind of dog you want. If you're wanting something that can wander around the yard and entertain itself then no. The malamutes, like the huskies, should be kept on a leash. Both breeds have a very very strong urge to run and when they do, they run blind. They're not off leash pets. Consequently you need to have the time to work them or perhaps work them on the leash. The malamutes dont quite require the amount of exercise of the huskies, but they still need a reasonable amount. Mine are out 3 times a day for about an hour per time and for part of that, they are doing proper pulling work. Without this they go crazy. They're both breeds that need a lot of stimulation.
Next thing, the malamutes arent necessarily the most social dogs. Quite often even breeders will have to keep dogs of the same sex apart. Im good friends with a breeder in London who has two bitch sisters that havent really seen each other in a couple of years. Kept with a dog of the opposite sex, they should be ok... same sex and you can have major problems and they are big big dogs (usually larger than the GSDs). This is a trait where the huskies and the malamutes differ as the huskies are very social.
Equally, both the huskies and the malamutes have strong killing instincts in regards to smaller animals. Mine were raised with cats and I havent had any issues with them but you're generally advised not to introduce smaller animals after you have the dog. I dont think id 100% trust mine with a cat that they didnt know... they have a strong strong instinct to chase and play and whilst I dont think they'd deliberatly hurt something... I could very easily see it happening.
In regards to trainability.. this is a tough one. As I said, they arent breeds that should be off the lead. Both the husky and the malamutes are very intelligent but very independent. Many breeders will advise that in nature, they're more like cats and ive found this to be quite true. Don't get me wrong, mine are affectionate - but its on their terms. They aren't obedience type dogs in the way that the GSDs or spaniels are. Dont expect them to sit / stay and so on.
Finally, as I mentioned at the beginning, they need stimulation and companionship. Mine are only alone when I visit the yard - I cant take them as I cant keep them contained while Im there. I would strongly recommend that they arent left on their own much more than this as they become very bored and will be very destructive. Mine are caged when I leave the house as its the only way I can trust them 100%. If you can have them outside in a run - all the better. However if you have neighbours they may not be so happy. Both the huskies and the malamutes "talk" and they can "talk" for hours. It's very loud and can be very irritating to other people.
I love my dogs... but they're not suitable for everyone. They're so beautiful and that attracts a lot of people but they are working dogs with very special personalities and traits. It sounds like you're used to dogs that display high levels of obedience and if thats what you're looking for, then seriously, steer well clear because they arent those kinds of dogs
Any more questions just ask.
shadowboy
Well-Known Member
Thanks so much for that, its great to get info from someone with experience. Basically, i have been around dogs since i was born (grew up on a farm) and have always had big active dogs. I have to admit their beauty did attract me, but it was more for the companionship on the yard and hacks that i was after, but if they are likely to run off on a hack them im not sure really. The idea was that they would be kennelled in the garden when there was no one around, but i never knew they were so talkative so perhaps i will have to rethink on this point also. I presume they are also very heavy shedders is that correct? Many thanks
severnmiles
Well-Known Member
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Firstly it depends on what kind of dog you want. If you're wanting something that can wander around the yard and entertain itself then no. The malamutes, like the huskies, should be kept on a leash. Both breeds have a very very strong urge to run and when they do, they run blind. They're not off leash pets.
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Interesting, not what John says. He says unlike huskies who are unbelievably hyper malamutes are quiet and laid back, he leaves his loose on the yard (and being a farmer he can't watch over them), maybe its the way they're brought up.
Firstly it depends on what kind of dog you want. If you're wanting something that can wander around the yard and entertain itself then no. The malamutes, like the huskies, should be kept on a leash. Both breeds have a very very strong urge to run and when they do, they run blind. They're not off leash pets.
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Interesting, not what John says. He says unlike huskies who are unbelievably hyper malamutes are quiet and laid back, he leaves his loose on the yard (and being a farmer he can't watch over them), maybe its the way they're brought up.
Tierra
Well-Known Member
The malamutes and huskies both "blow" their coats twice a year. During this time you can basically expect everything to be covered in white hairs.
I groom mine on a path by the woods so animals can use the fur for nesting and for a good 3 week period, it usually looks like something has been murdered up there. I can usually get a carrier bag full of hair out of each of the dogs a day.
I wouldnt trust mine as far as I could throw them off the lead (and male malamutes weigh more than i do, so thats not far
). Ive had a couple of incidents where they've gotten lose. Once we spent a good hour trying to trace them in a nearby wood. The other time they came back. The problem is if they do get lose, they CAN be aggressive with dogs of the same sex which can land you in a whole heap of trouble.
They are really fantastic dogs but they arent obedient. They're very independent and everything is much a case of "i'll do it if I want to". Most breeders will tell you quite specifically to keep them on a lead at all times and everyone ive met with either of the breeds doesnt let them lose. The only time mine are allowed "free" play is either in a garden (although you'll need damn high walls) or i let them loose on a local tenis court which has 12 foot fencing round. It can then often take me a good 15-20 minutes to catch them again. Mine never go to the stables because I cant contain them. They'll jump stable doors easily and they dig their way through anything (its generally advised that garden fences are sunk a few feet under ground if you want to sled dog proof them). I'd trust them with the horses but wouldn't trust them not to run off. Wouldnt dare leave them in the car either, i think munching on the upholstery would be too much of a temptation
They do talk a lot and while I find it charming, its loud and not everyone appreciates it. It's also quite an infectious "woo-woo-woooo" sound which has a tendency of setting every dog in a miles radius off barking
I groom mine on a path by the woods so animals can use the fur for nesting and for a good 3 week period, it usually looks like something has been murdered up there. I can usually get a carrier bag full of hair out of each of the dogs a day.
I wouldnt trust mine as far as I could throw them off the lead (and male malamutes weigh more than i do, so thats not far
They are really fantastic dogs but they arent obedient. They're very independent and everything is much a case of "i'll do it if I want to". Most breeders will tell you quite specifically to keep them on a lead at all times and everyone ive met with either of the breeds doesnt let them lose. The only time mine are allowed "free" play is either in a garden (although you'll need damn high walls) or i let them loose on a local tenis court which has 12 foot fencing round. It can then often take me a good 15-20 minutes to catch them again. Mine never go to the stables because I cant contain them. They'll jump stable doors easily and they dig their way through anything (its generally advised that garden fences are sunk a few feet under ground if you want to sled dog proof them). I'd trust them with the horses but wouldn't trust them not to run off. Wouldnt dare leave them in the car either, i think munching on the upholstery would be too much of a temptation
They do talk a lot and while I find it charming, its loud and not everyone appreciates it. It's also quite an infectious "woo-woo-woooo" sound which has a tendency of setting every dog in a miles radius off barking
severnmiles
Well-Known Member
I'm really amazed by what you say, Skye and Bria have malamute in them and are sooo different (apart from Skye likes to kill chicken!
).
Certainly don't think they'd be my cup of tea!
Still beautiful dogs though, you must have the patience of a saint
Certainly don't think they'd be my cup of tea!
Still beautiful dogs though, you must have the patience of a saint
Tierra
Well-Known Member
They arent as bad as the huskies by any means. The huskies are gone in a flash where as the malamutes are much more laid back.
The problem is they have the same instinct to chase and while clearly your friend finds them safe around small animals, many sites will advise you quite specifically that they are not. This is where the problem arises. They will chase for miles and it is blind running.
The problem is they have the same instinct to chase and while clearly your friend finds them safe around small animals, many sites will advise you quite specifically that they are not. This is where the problem arises. They will chase for miles and it is blind running.
Tierra
Well-Known Member
No no... I dont want to paint a bad picture because they are lovely. I like the sled dogs because like the OP I like nice active dogs and they are! But they suit me because I can be at home with them.
Personally, I prefer the huskies as they're more sociable. The malamutes can be grumpy little sods and they're god damn huge to try and hold them if they're up for an argument.
Both breeds are lovely with people and great fun but they dont necessarily do as they told. For me this doesnt really bother me but for someone who has been used to spaniels / labs / GSDs / collies and other real obedience dogs, I can imagine its annoying.
Theyre cheap to feed, not generally sickly and quite honestly low maintenance in terms of cost... but they're special. Some people love them, some hate them but it's only fair to point out both sides of the coin because you will often see many sibes and mals being rehomed at around 18 months old... the point they stop being cute and start being independent
ETS - lots of sites will say they need quite a lot of grooming - Ive never found this to be the case at all. Mine are done when they're blowing their coats and thats about it and have no problems with knots and such. They're quite clean dogs in this sense!
Personally, I prefer the huskies as they're more sociable. The malamutes can be grumpy little sods and they're god damn huge to try and hold them if they're up for an argument.
Both breeds are lovely with people and great fun but they dont necessarily do as they told. For me this doesnt really bother me but for someone who has been used to spaniels / labs / GSDs / collies and other real obedience dogs, I can imagine its annoying.
Theyre cheap to feed, not generally sickly and quite honestly low maintenance in terms of cost... but they're special. Some people love them, some hate them but it's only fair to point out both sides of the coin because you will often see many sibes and mals being rehomed at around 18 months old... the point they stop being cute and start being independent
ETS - lots of sites will say they need quite a lot of grooming - Ive never found this to be the case at all. Mine are done when they're blowing their coats and thats about it and have no problems with knots and such. They're quite clean dogs in this sense!
severnmiles
Well-Known Member
Oh totally agree, the Inuits are certainly no Labradors! But I have found them as easy as the GSD's.
Do they have to be fed Gluten free food aswell?
Do they have to be fed Gluten free food aswell?
Tierra
Well-Known Member
Mine are on glutten free diets yes. Are the inuits picky eaters also? Mine can go a couple of days without eating and i know many other sibe and mal owners say the same
severnmiles
Well-Known Member
The one in my siggy is a greedy little bitch! But the other one will leave her food and isn't overly bothered, which worries me as she's not got the weight on her I'd like, given the chance she'd eat copious amounts of horse poo though
Tia
Well-Known Member
When I moved over here to Canada I was looking into buying a Malamute. They are adorable looking dogs and I was quite taken with them. I contacted a number of breeders and on speaking with them all, they pretty much said the same as Tierra; not safe to be left alone because of the HUGE holes they dig and the devastation they will leave behind them if they are left unattended.
I have always had collies and Springers; obedient dogs; this was another point that the breeders mentioned to me - what I have been used to is not comparable to having a Malamute. I have an old collie and a SpringerXcollie and 3 cats, the breeders suggested that a Malamute may not be totally safe with all these animals and doubted whether the lifestyle that my dogs have would suit the breed, ie. total freedom to our farm 24 hours a day and being left unfenced and unattended at times.
In the end I opted not to buy one and went for a Malinois Belgian Shepherd Dog instead - I'm pleased I did, as she is perfect and now at 2 years old is totally trustworthy, obedient and has never damaged anything. She's great.
I have always had collies and Springers; obedient dogs; this was another point that the breeders mentioned to me - what I have been used to is not comparable to having a Malamute. I have an old collie and a SpringerXcollie and 3 cats, the breeders suggested that a Malamute may not be totally safe with all these animals and doubted whether the lifestyle that my dogs have would suit the breed, ie. total freedom to our farm 24 hours a day and being left unfenced and unattended at times.
In the end I opted not to buy one and went for a Malinois Belgian Shepherd Dog instead - I'm pleased I did, as she is perfect and now at 2 years old is totally trustworthy, obedient and has never damaged anything. She's great.
Cyrus
Well-Known Member
Could you stand this noise?
boys have a sing song
I currently have two sibes but by the end of 2007 our malamute will be with us, we have spent the last two years attending rallies and shows meeting breeders and looking into the bloodlines and tempraments of the types of mals we like (yes there are types) we have followed advice and because we have two male sibes we will be going for a mal bitch even though by the time she arrives our boys will be neutered we are not taking the chance of having to permenatly seperate our dogs.
When she is old enough she will be worked alongside our boys and also shown as this is something I would also like to get into, these are not the type of dogs that can be taken out once or twice a day for little walks around the block they need to go for miles as they cannot be let off lead, at this time of year our boys also get a run out each nite on our scooter to get the blood pumping round their bodies and they enjoy doing what they are bred to do.
If you dont mind holes in your garden, hair in your lunch, dinner, tea and coffee all over your clothes, if you dont mind walking for miles with your dog on lead so that they can get the exercise and stimulation they need then yes think about getting a mally but do contact breeders meet their dogs, attend rallies see what these dogs do for a living and visit some shows and see what type of mal catches your eye
Anything more do PM me as I can put you in contact with some very very knowledgeable people in the breed
boys have a sing song
I currently have two sibes but by the end of 2007 our malamute will be with us, we have spent the last two years attending rallies and shows meeting breeders and looking into the bloodlines and tempraments of the types of mals we like (yes there are types) we have followed advice and because we have two male sibes we will be going for a mal bitch even though by the time she arrives our boys will be neutered we are not taking the chance of having to permenatly seperate our dogs.
When she is old enough she will be worked alongside our boys and also shown as this is something I would also like to get into, these are not the type of dogs that can be taken out once or twice a day for little walks around the block they need to go for miles as they cannot be let off lead, at this time of year our boys also get a run out each nite on our scooter to get the blood pumping round their bodies and they enjoy doing what they are bred to do.
If you dont mind holes in your garden, hair in your lunch, dinner, tea and coffee all over your clothes, if you dont mind walking for miles with your dog on lead so that they can get the exercise and stimulation they need then yes think about getting a mally but do contact breeders meet their dogs, attend rallies see what these dogs do for a living and visit some shows and see what type of mal catches your eye
Anything more do PM me as I can put you in contact with some very very knowledgeable people in the breed
severnmiles
Well-Known Member
Bloomin hell Cyrus they're noisy! Mine just howl like wolves! Really theraputic and relaxing!
Cyrus
Well-Known Member
Post deleted by Cyrus
Cyrus
Well-Known Member
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Bloomin hell Cyrus they're noisy! Mine just howl like wolves! Really theraputic and relaxing!
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They can howl like wolves hehe but this is the woo wooing Tierra was talking about I like to call it chatter boxing
You wanna head to a rally and hear over a hundred dogs doing that, when one starts they all go
You also get this at the start of a trail
start of a trail
Bloomin hell Cyrus they're noisy! Mine just howl like wolves! Really theraputic and relaxing!
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You wanna head to a rally and hear over a hundred dogs doing that, when one starts they all go
You also get this at the start of a trail
start of a trail
severnmiles
Well-Known Member
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Bloomin hell Cyrus they're noisy! Mine just howl like wolves! Really theraputic and relaxing!
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They can howl like wolves hehe but this is the woo wooing Tierra was talking about I like to call it chatter boxing
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Bless them, they are lovely, I'm glad mine don't do that too though otherwise it would send dad up the wall! lol.
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Bloomin hell Cyrus they're noisy! Mine just howl like wolves! Really theraputic and relaxing!
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Bless them, they are lovely, I'm glad mine don't do that too though otherwise it would send dad up the wall! lol.
Cyrus
Well-Known Member
My future girls Daddy
And mummy
And mummy
severnmiles
Well-Known Member
Aww lovely faces!
Are you going to work them?
Are you going to work them?
Cyrus
Well-Known Member
Yeah sure will and a little bit of showing on the side. My OH works the sibes so its time I had my own team
He has the ferraris of the sled dog world but I dont mind having the landie type
He has the ferraris of the sled dog world but I dont mind having the landie type
Blizzard
Well-Known Member
In my experience malamutes are very independent dogs, the kind where if you dont ever want them on your bed, then dont even let them up once!
They are beautiful, I was torn between one of those and a St Bernard, we went for the st bernard and I dont regret it as he is so soft, loving and docile.
Also know quite a few malumutes who like huskies cant be let off lead or they will run off, comes from when they living with people in their homeland, and they moved around quite a lot.
They are soo gorgeous though and every dog is different, breed traits arent necessarily breed RULES!
They are beautiful, I was torn between one of those and a St Bernard, we went for the st bernard and I dont regret it as he is so soft, loving and docile.
Also know quite a few malumutes who like huskies cant be let off lead or they will run off, comes from when they living with people in their homeland, and they moved around quite a lot.
They are soo gorgeous though and every dog is different, breed traits arent necessarily breed RULES!
milor
Well-Known Member
Oh yes - get a Belgian - the best breed in the world
stunning to look at - SO intelligent and easy to train and can be let off the lead with no problem as they have a natural tendency to cirlce their owners and rarely leave their sides - I've got 7 and am totally addicted to this amazing breed !
they can turn their paws to anything - I show mine as well as work them in agility and obedience and the breed has also been used as police/mountain rescue/heel work to music/guide dogs for the blind/assistance dogs/sheep herders....you name it a Belgian can do it AND there are 4 varieties to choose from
stunning to look at - SO intelligent and easy to train and can be let off the lead with no problem as they have a natural tendency to cirlce their owners and rarely leave their sides - I've got 7 and am totally addicted to this amazing breed !
they can turn their paws to anything - I show mine as well as work them in agility and obedience and the breed has also been used as police/mountain rescue/heel work to music/guide dogs for the blind/assistance dogs/sheep herders....you name it a Belgian can do it AND there are 4 varieties to choose from
Tierra
Well-Known Member
Oh Cyrus, they're beautiful!
I think mal / sibe people are a bit of a breed to their own... When we got our sibe, the breeder told us that 1) they're more like children than pets and 2) you wont ever stop at one.
p.s. My dogs went crazy at yours talking
I think mal / sibe people are a bit of a breed to their own... When we got our sibe, the breeder told us that 1) they're more like children than pets and 2) you wont ever stop at one.
p.s. My dogs went crazy at yours talking
emmablatch
Well-Known Member
Its typical isn't it, the time a post comes up that is relevant I had gone away!!!
Firstly as much as I love Brego I wouldn't recommend anyone gets one.
That probably sounds mental but I know how much hard work I have put in and also how we went into it with our eyes open yet we still had problems...
I'll talk about the bad points first. They are very intelligent and we as humans are frankly not. Whatever way you train them they will find another way to get around a situation without disobeying. That might sound odd but a good example is telling Brego to sit. He is not allowed to get up until he has been given the okay signal, so he will wiggle forwards on his bottom because he is not officially disobeying - he is still sat...
He will find ways to take advantage. He needs a lot of stimulation however mental stimualtion is far more important to him than physical stimulation so spending an hour training will wear him out more than a two hour walk. They are incredibly trainable - it is a misnomer to think that they are not trainable. Within two months of having him Brego knew over thirty commands. He has a huge understanding of what I expect of him. However he will not always hear me. Or he will pretend to forget what he has been asked.
Brego does not talk as much as other mals because we have not encouraged it, but he does do a lot of Scooby-dooing. Which some people misunderstand and sometimes assume it is growling when he is actually talking to them. Our only disappointment is he doesn't sing but for some people that is a bonus.
His biggest problem is distraction. For example he can be half way through a poo and something will take his attention away and he will forget what he was doing - I mean you have to be very easily distractable to forget you were pooing right??? We went to the beach on Monday and I let him off lead on a long line when there is no one else around. And a little bird flew past, and Brego followed the little bird for a mile... completely in a world of his own and unlike a normal dog wasn't bothered to turn round and find there were no humans with him. He knows the command stop, he knows the command leave it, he knows the command come BUT at that moment in time he forget anything else existed expect for this fascinating little bird.
Brego tries for position now and again. He wants to be the pack leader. And being able to cope with a dog that is stronger than you, more intelligent than you and more confident than you can be very intimidating for a lot of people hence why at around 14 months of age a lot of male mals go into rescue or get 'lost'.
This post is probably quite rambling and I apologise - I would try and put any sane person off getting a mal. Don't do it - get a different breed. Yet at the same time - I love Brego and yes would probably get another mal.
I'm not be cliqueish or anything like that. Someone said to me recently it was just I didn't want everyone to have the same dog as me - which made me laugh. I said no I just didn't want anyone else to put up with the heartache and stress. Really think long and hard about it. Try and meet someone with a badly behaved mal and see what they are like. There are too many people out there now with well behaved mals to give the wrong impression
If you want to chat more pm me
And I might tell you some positives if I can think of any lol
Emma
Firstly as much as I love Brego I wouldn't recommend anyone gets one.
That probably sounds mental but I know how much hard work I have put in and also how we went into it with our eyes open yet we still had problems...
I'll talk about the bad points first. They are very intelligent and we as humans are frankly not. Whatever way you train them they will find another way to get around a situation without disobeying. That might sound odd but a good example is telling Brego to sit. He is not allowed to get up until he has been given the okay signal, so he will wiggle forwards on his bottom because he is not officially disobeying - he is still sat...
He will find ways to take advantage. He needs a lot of stimulation however mental stimualtion is far more important to him than physical stimulation so spending an hour training will wear him out more than a two hour walk. They are incredibly trainable - it is a misnomer to think that they are not trainable. Within two months of having him Brego knew over thirty commands. He has a huge understanding of what I expect of him. However he will not always hear me. Or he will pretend to forget what he has been asked.
Brego does not talk as much as other mals because we have not encouraged it, but he does do a lot of Scooby-dooing. Which some people misunderstand and sometimes assume it is growling when he is actually talking to them. Our only disappointment is he doesn't sing but for some people that is a bonus.
His biggest problem is distraction. For example he can be half way through a poo and something will take his attention away and he will forget what he was doing - I mean you have to be very easily distractable to forget you were pooing right??? We went to the beach on Monday and I let him off lead on a long line when there is no one else around. And a little bird flew past, and Brego followed the little bird for a mile... completely in a world of his own and unlike a normal dog wasn't bothered to turn round and find there were no humans with him. He knows the command stop, he knows the command leave it, he knows the command come BUT at that moment in time he forget anything else existed expect for this fascinating little bird.
Brego tries for position now and again. He wants to be the pack leader. And being able to cope with a dog that is stronger than you, more intelligent than you and more confident than you can be very intimidating for a lot of people hence why at around 14 months of age a lot of male mals go into rescue or get 'lost'.
This post is probably quite rambling and I apologise - I would try and put any sane person off getting a mal. Don't do it - get a different breed. Yet at the same time - I love Brego and yes would probably get another mal.
I'm not be cliqueish or anything like that. Someone said to me recently it was just I didn't want everyone to have the same dog as me - which made me laugh. I said no I just didn't want anyone else to put up with the heartache and stress. Really think long and hard about it. Try and meet someone with a badly behaved mal and see what they are like. There are too many people out there now with well behaved mals to give the wrong impression
If you want to chat more pm me
Emma
Cobnut1
Well-Known Member
my dog was attacked by an Alaskan Malamute last spring...even it's owner wouldn't get in there to pull her dog off mine...my dog wanted to get away, but it just kept pulling her back... It should never have been off the lead. They're not the kind of dogs that should be kept as a pet.... as if they run, like Greyhounds, get the scent of something and you won't see them for dust!!
All dogs have there place in society, but people should be aware that certain types of dog, esp the "working" dog can be more agressive than other's depending on what is what originally bred for...eg...Rodeisian Ridgebacks = To hunt Lions, if they can kill a lion, imagine what they could do to a person.....
All dogs have there place in society, but people should be aware that certain types of dog, esp the "working" dog can be more agressive than other's depending on what is what originally bred for...eg...Rodeisian Ridgebacks = To hunt Lions, if they can kill a lion, imagine what they could do to a person.....
Tia
Well-Known Member
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Rodeisian Ridgebacks = To hunt Lions, if they can kill a lion, imagine what they could do to a person.....
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Well that's a bit over-dramatic and to be fair, Rhodesian Ridgebacks don't and were never used to kill lions. They hold their prey at bay until the hunter comes along and shoots the animal being hunted. RR's are actually very sociable and friendly dogs.
Rodeisian Ridgebacks = To hunt Lions, if they can kill a lion, imagine what they could do to a person.....
[/ QUOTE ]
Well that's a bit over-dramatic and to be fair, Rhodesian Ridgebacks don't and were never used to kill lions. They hold their prey at bay until the hunter comes along and shoots the animal being hunted. RR's are actually very sociable and friendly dogs.
emmablatch
Well-Known Member
It is all to do with training though. Many people don't bother training little dogs and little dogs are the worst for biting people.
It is a shame you had a bad experience but it is slightly unfair to tar all the same breed with that one incidence.
The 'Malamute' people (I can't remember the correct sp) breed the dogs to work for them but also to keep their children warm in the winter so they would be given short shift if they will badly behaved around people.
The only problem is now that a few disreuptable people have got hold of mals and just bred them randomly with profit in mind without carefully selecting for temperament or owners. So an entirely unsuitable person may end up with a mal.
If you have the confidence to handle them they will on the whole behave.
RR were not bred to hunt lions that is a misnomer.
Emma
It is a shame you had a bad experience but it is slightly unfair to tar all the same breed with that one incidence.
The 'Malamute' people (I can't remember the correct sp) breed the dogs to work for them but also to keep their children warm in the winter so they would be given short shift if they will badly behaved around people.
The only problem is now that a few disreuptable people have got hold of mals and just bred them randomly with profit in mind without carefully selecting for temperament or owners. So an entirely unsuitable person may end up with a mal.
If you have the confidence to handle them they will on the whole behave.
RR were not bred to hunt lions that is a misnomer.
Emma
Cobnut1
Well-Known Member
Actually RR's WERE bred to hunt lions...or perhaps to Assist the hunter to hunt lions, may now be more politically correct... Just like Rotweilliers were originally bred in Germany to pull little butcher carts so the butchers could deliver the meat to customers...or perhaps that is wrong too?
Oh, and I didn't tar all the malamutes with the same brush...merely agreeing with someone else who gave a full history on them!
Oh, and I didn't tar all the malamutes with the same brush...merely agreeing with someone else who gave a full history on them!