Training an Alaskan Malamute: what works and what to expect
How the Alaskan Malamute learns, common training challenges and what motivates it.
Malamutes are intelligent, but they are not eager to please in the way a Border Collie is. They learn a command in a few repetitions and then decide whether it is worth doing. Keep sessions short and varied, and pay well with food. Repetitive drills bore them quickly, and a bored Malamute simply lies down.
Priorities are loose-leash walking (a strong adult can pull you off your feet), relaxed acceptance of grooming and calm behavior around other dogs, since same-sex tension is common. Early, positive time with cats may help, but many Malamutes never become safe with small pets. Teach 'off' and 'leave it' early, and install fencing at least 1.8 m (6 ft) high with an anti-dig barrier, because this breed escapes by climbing and tunneling.
Alaskan Malamute training in numbers
Easy to train
Barking
5 means very vocal
Copes with alone time
Open with strangers
Good with other dogs
Good with children