Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've always wanted an Alaskan Malamute and couple of weeks back we moved into a house. Last week we bought a cute 7 week old puppy, simply gorgeous!!! For two nights, he kept us awake, but then we taught it to stop howling. This morning my neighbor told me that the puppy keeps howling while home alone and that we should do something about it. (He's alone ~ 5-6 hours in the morning) Can we do something?
Furthermore, I don't want the puppy to become the 'pack leader', but I don't have the heart to tell him off whenever he does something he's not supposed to... my bf assumed that role.
What's a good way to train my mal, especially to come to me when I call it?
Thanks for any input

It's only been a week since you have your Mal so he is still getting used to his surroundings. You could try putting a hot water bottle or a ticking clock next to where he sleeps to simulate his mother being there. Like most Spitz or Northern breeds, Mals can be a bit independent in their thinking and need a strong hand at socilization and obedience. This doesn't mean yelling or hitting with newspapers they won't resond to this. They need a firm and consistant hand when training. As soon as you can when he has had all of his shots I would recommend both you and your bf to attend obedence classes. You will need to also attend and be able to reprimand him when needed to keep the social structure of the pack in tact.
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

We were planning to go to classes with the doggy. He needs his second shot this Thursday, then another in October. I would love my mal to come into the house, just sit or whatever without 'marking' its territory... do i have any chance in achieving this?

btw, ty for the reply ^^

Absolutely! But you yourself and your bf need to also be committed to the effort. Where is your Mal kept now? Keep in mind he is only 7 weeks old... his bladder is small... so right now it isn't a matter of marking, it's more of a need to go. When he is with you he will need to go outside every couple of hours and especially right after eating or drinking. Also a tired pup is a happy pup. They key to the whole system will be positive reinforcement and being consistant in your training. If you vary the training you lose credibility with the dog and he only gets confused. Keep in mind this breed was bred to be a working dog and it isn't to early to assign your a pup a job to do. Since he hasn't had all of his shots you would need to be careful where you walk him but if you have a large yard it would best to have a long period of playtime. Once he is old enough to be neutered... the chances of him marking his territory are greatly reduced. Bottom line is it is not only the dog that has to make a commitment it is us as well.
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

Definately take this pup to classes- puppy socialization classes typically are for dogs as young as yours and all are screened for having the appropriate shots for their age. Find one in the area and go to it.

Being "pack leader" absolutely does not mean being mean to the dog. It's consistent enforcement of the rules. Yet, in order to enforce the rules you first have to show the dog what the rules are. Do an Internet search for "Nothing in life is free- dogs" and you'll get a good idea how to be a pack leader without beign a bully.

As for your dog soming in the house, sitting comfortably and not marking- that too just involves training. TEACH the dog to go outside. Marking is no different than potty training. It's not tolerated in my house and I don't set my dog up to allow it to make mistakes. By that I mean, my dog earns freedom to wander the house without me present. Initially, he was tied to my belt on a 6' leash. Then, when he was good about that, he was allowed to be unleashed in the same room with me. Eventually, my bedroom and hallway. Gradually the rest of the house.

Neutering your dog will also help with marking. It doesn't eliminate th need to train the dog. If your dog is spending long hours in an outside kennel, housetraining is harder. There really is no substiute for putting the time and effort into training. No dog automatically knows how to be a good dog.

Your puppy will be great. You just need to make sure you are a great teacher as well.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles www.freewebs.com/performanceshibas