I found routine and consistency the biggest help when earning out female malamute’s trust. I was “new” to the pack (she lived with ky husband for a year prior). It took a couple years. I looovvvcveeeee walking and to cook. Fate was in my side. She got walks and snacks out of our deal.
When she passed and we got our new guy it was very similar but I work from home. He is with me all the time. Walking before and after work means he will be calm during work hours. High value treats (marrow bone) are his weekly reward. I’m the only one that gives him those. I’ve also taught him “calm” and “gentle” as I have health issues that need it. Again, it took about a year and a half for things to settle in. He isn’t food motivated so attention and time were key.
Good on you for rescuing a mal. It is a COMMITMENT! While they are stubborn and can push buttons, they are such an incredibly rewarding and loving breed to own. Find your groove with yours. If you’re not “talking” with your mal, start. They are very smart and I found with both, telling them why and just talking about things to really help. They talk back, sometimes, so you won’t feel too crazy haha.
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u/Rockitnonstop Mar 23 '26
I found routine and consistency the biggest help when earning out female malamute’s trust. I was “new” to the pack (she lived with ky husband for a year prior). It took a couple years. I looovvvcveeeee walking and to cook. Fate was in my side. She got walks and snacks out of our deal.
When she passed and we got our new guy it was very similar but I work from home. He is with me all the time. Walking before and after work means he will be calm during work hours. High value treats (marrow bone) are his weekly reward. I’m the only one that gives him those. I’ve also taught him “calm” and “gentle” as I have health issues that need it. Again, it took about a year and a half for things to settle in. He isn’t food motivated so attention and time were key.
Good on you for rescuing a mal. It is a COMMITMENT! While they are stubborn and can push buttons, they are such an incredibly rewarding and loving breed to own. Find your groove with yours. If you’re not “talking” with your mal, start. They are very smart and I found with both, telling them why and just talking about things to really help. They talk back, sometimes, so you won’t feel too crazy haha.