We have some Malamute owners on the forum, so hopefully they'll stop by to offer you some reassurance and advise. However, just wanted to comment on a couple of things, the biting you're experiencing from the description you've given sounds totally normal. All pups bite and are mouthy, some worse than others. My own youngster is incredibly mouthy still at 21 months! Usually a combination of time-outs and distraction works wonders, but it does require consistency and patience. I would supervise at all times with your young daughter as the chances of your pup becoming excited and OTT in her play/nipping is a given right now.
Secondly, it doesn't sound like you've been given great advise from this trainer you saw. He seems caught up in pack theory mentality and the whole dominance and pack training techniques are outdated. You yourself say your puppy is more than willing to engage with you when you offer her treats, so why change what's working? Have you looked into clicker training? Lots of dogs thoroughly enjoy this style of training and its a great, fun way of learning.

If you're looking for further training/behaviour advice I'd start your searches with either of these websites - http://apbc.org.uk/help/regions and http://www.apdt.co.uk/dog-owners/local-dog-trainers

 

Hi @IndieWolfe welcome to the forum

It sounds like you have been given some unhelpful advice. Dominance training is not a very effective way to go, especially not if you're looking to build a bond of mutual trust and respect.

Malamutes are not known to be particularly biddable, so all the more reason you're going to have to really work to build that relationship with your pup so that she knows that working with you is fun and rewarding, not a chore.

I looked at your other posts and see you're in Pennsylvania?
This trainer might be a little far from you, but I'd call her anyway and see if she can recommend someone closer to you.
http://www.headoftheclassdogtrainingllc.com/about-us.html

 

Hi @IndieWolfe welcome to the forum

It sounds like you have been given some unhelpful advice. Dominance training is not a very effective way to go, especially not if you're looking to build a bond of mutual trust and respect.

Malamutes are not known to be particularly biddable, so all the more reason you're going to have to really work to build that relationship with your pup so that she knows that working with you is fun and rewarding, not a chore.

I looked at your other posts and see you're in Pennsylvania?
This trainer might be a little far from you, but I'd call her anyway and see if she can recommend someone closer to you.
http://www.headoftheclassdogtrainingllc.com/about-us.html

Hi ouesi! Thank you for the recommendation on the trainer and the advice. I have come to the conclusion that I need to forget that trainer ever came into our lives. He left me with such negative feelings and I know Indie could pick up on that. I let him convince me that I had a bad dog and knowing Indie up to this point, with a whole-heart, I don't believe that. I have gone back to believing in her and envisioning her as the great dog I believe she is and I can already see a positive change in our relationship. I have gone back to basics in creating a bond with her and using treats to reward good behavior... I feel good again about where we are. Yes, she has her common puppy issues, but nothing I can't handle. I chose a Mal because I think their qualities are endearing and that is what I think this trainer was trying to strip her of. One thing I did learn is not to trust just anyone, but to trust my own intuition when it comes to my family. I don't think Indie liked or trusted him and that is why he did not get what he wanted from her.

 

I stood outside the other day throwing a ball around trying to instigate play and she was not the least bit interested, she just continued to graze for sticks and acorns (her favorite activity). If I get her excited and offer treats she is more than willing to play with me and return the ball in a game of fetch. But in treat training she does tend to get nippy with me when I stop supplying the treats. After our training session, the trainer broke my heart a little bit by telling me that, because of her lack of compliance and eye contact, she might just be a working dog and never have the "pet-like" qualities everyone looks for - that I was looking for in a dog.

I have huskies, so am not that well versed in Mal behaviour, but from what I understand, they're not too dissimilar. Huskies are definitely not lap dogs - they are very intelligent and independent, so don't want or need constant attention. You will come to notice the little looks that say "it's fine, we're both still here" - to me that says as much about our bond as if they were climbing onto me. My older one gets insecure sometimes, but you would only know by the way he gently leans against your leg; then as soon as he's feeling better he will walk off.

Mine also like to chase a ball for a couple of minutes, then they get bored and go off and do their own thing. It's nothing to do with you, it's just how they are.

 

Hi MiffyMoo! Thank you for the input. I am okay with not having a lap dog, or one that needs lots of affection. I like the fact that they are smart, independent creatures. I am now resenting this trainer for putting ideas in my head that Indie was not going to be a good family dog, (ie.. not good around my children), and that she would probably never bond with us. As I said in another post, knowing Indie up to this point, I cannot and I wholeheartedly do not believe this. If I viewed Indie his way, then yes, that may be the dog I get. I think Indie is a great addition to our family, I love working with her my way and we are all much happier that way. So, I guess this trainer did teach me a few things... to trust my intuition and look at the positive.

 

I don't have experience of Malamutes but I have Samoyeds.Maybe some of my thoughts on spitz breeds might make you feel better about your little girl.
Fifteen weeks, she's a baby, nipping, biting, it's all part of the package. Some do it more then others.
In my experience, many trainers do not "get" spitz breeds, instead find them irritating and frustrating. You sound sensible and able to make the right decisions for your girlie.
Try throwing a ball for a Sami and you'll probably get that "yeah, whatever, get it yourself" face. I imagine it's the same with Mals
There are some brilliant Mal people on here who should be able to help you.
Sorry, my post is very disjointed. I'm suffering from lack of sleep, with my three month pupster

 

Hi Born to Boogie! Thanks for your reassurance. This is my first Mal/northern breed/first pet all together so I am still trying to figure out what is normal Mal behavior vs. behavior I should worry about and work on. For the most part, my gut tells me she is just a normal Mal puppy and I just need to be consistent with her and stay positive. I think you are right in saying that maybe this trainer doesn't understand the breed. I also maybe need to think about some fun new games we could play that might spark her interest. Her favorite activity is eating sticks and acorns in the yard, so if I can get her attention away from that, I think I'm doing okay. If you have any fun suggestions for games, I would love to hear them! I can understand the your sleeping issues... with a 2 year old and a puppy :/

 

Is it ok for dogs to eat acorns? They are poisonous to a lot of animals, pigs can eat them though.

 

Our vet said she can eat them, but she shouldn't due to sharp pieces moving through her digestive tract. I have tried taking them out of her mouth, and with treats I sometimes can, but I pick my battles. We live in the woods, so they are everywhere!

 

Hi and welcome to the wonderful world of Malamute ownership. I have three, 11, 10 and almost 8 years old. They can be dismissive as youngsters and they will rarely do something for no return, so positive reinforcement with treats goes a very long way with them. Biting is something all pups do but with a larger dog it sometimes seems worse, it's rarely aggression and the way I stopped it with mine was to pop my thimb on the tongue and hold it for a couple of seconds, you don't have to be hard and forceful just a gentle squeeze and they can't wait to get your thumb out of their mouth. As I said, not hard but a small amount of pressure all the same - it stopped ours practically overnight and we only had to show a thumb eventually when they got mouthy for them to realise what we were intending.
They are a wonderful breed but they can be a trial as youngsters, although some like our oldest are putty in your hands right from the off.
If you are on Facebook try requesting to join the groups Malamute Matters (UK) and Alaskan Malamute Owners
(US) because you need a sense of humour with these dogs, they are actually easier to raise than some think and if you take everything they do as a challenge you could very easily end up disappointed and questioning their temperament. You just need to understand how they work, any owner/breeder will tell you that what amuses and works with other breeds may not work with a Mal, so it's always a good idea to ask folk who deal with them daily how they coped with their growing dogs.
The groups are informative, fun and the pics will melt your heart. Hope to see you there sometime.

ETA - this guy works wonders in training Mals.
http://www.alaskanmalamuteuk.co.uk

 

Hi and welcome to the wonderful world of Malamute ownership. I have three, 11, 10 and almost 8 years old. They can be dismissive as youngsters and they will rarely do something for no return, so positive reinforcement with treats goes a very long way with them. Biting is something all pups do but with a larger dog it sometimes seems worse, it's rarely aggression and the way I stopped it with mine was to pop my thimb on the tongue and hold it for a couple of seconds, you don't have to be hard and forceful just a gentle squeeze and they can't wait to get your thumb out of their mouth. As I said, not hard but a small amount of pressure all the same - it stopped ours practically overnight and we only had to show a thumb eventually when they got mouthy for them to realise what we were intending.
They are a wonderful breed but they can be a trial as youngsters, although some like our oldest are putty in your hands right from the off.
If you are on Facebook try requesting to join the groups Malamute Matters (UK) and Alaskan Malamute Owners
(US) because you need a sense of humour with these dogs, they are actually easier to raise than some think and if you take everything they do as a challenge you could very easily end up disappointed and questioning their temperament. You just need to understand how they work, any owner/breeder will tell you that what amuses and works with other breeds may not work with a Mal, so it's always a good idea to ask folk who deal with them daily how they coped with their growing dogs.
The groups are informative, fun and the pics will melt your heart. Hope to see you there sometime.

ETA - this guy works wonders in training Mals.
http://www.alaskanmalamuteuk.co.uk

Hi Malmum! Thank you for the welcome and information. I will certainly look at the cite you included. Before we got Indie, I read many stories about Mals and watched video's of them "talking" and howling... I find them fascinating and endearing. I also read this through this forum many times before getting her and before actually joining. I have to say, I have always found that your posts make me love Mals a little more. As frustrated as I have gotten with her at times over biting me, I can also certainly see the humor. Indie tests my patience at times, but I think that is good for me. It is amazing how many emotions I have encountered and what I have learned about myself since we brought her home. I went through this as well when I had my little girl. It's an opportunity to grow. I know we have a long road ahead of us with training and it is always helpful to read about others who have or who are going through the same. Your insights and suggestions are always welcome.

 

If you join those groups you'll find you'll love them that little bit more each day because you can see how so many owners know and expect their, (sometimes ) stubborn ways and Idiosyncrasies with humour instead of reading too deeply and involving the 'wrong' type of trainer. Terry, on the link, mostly deals with problematic dogs or should I say owners (as he would say) and has great feedback from clients but you're not at that stage IMO, you simply need to understand how best to communicate with your girl and what she needs from you - not necessarily the other way round.
The groups take things with a light heart, you can ask advice on whatever you like and not feel like you're being picky. Their love is obviously Mals and members will do anything to show you what a fab breed they are. And they truly are fab.

 

Hi MiffyMoo! Thank you for the input. I am okay with not having a lap dog, or one that needs lots of affection. I like the fact that they are smart, independent creatures. I am now resenting this trainer for putting ideas in my head that Indie was not going to be a good family dog, (ie.. not good around my children), and that she would probably never bond with us. As I said in another post, knowing Indie up to this point, I cannot and I wholeheartedly do not believe this. If I viewed Indie his way, then yes, that may be the dog I get. I think Indie is a great addition to our family, I love working with her my way and we are all much happier that way. So, I guess this trainer did teach me a few things... to trust my intuition and look at the positive.

I'm so pleased to hear you say that!

Mine are very rough when they play together, and for that reason I worry about them being around young children (purely because I can imagine a little body being sent flying), but other than that they adore babies and children and are really rather protective of them.

 

If you have any fun suggestions for games, I would love to hear them! I can understand the your sleeping issues... with a 2 year old and a puppy :/

My dog behaviourist said one of the best games for his GSDs is their favourite toy, or a stuffed Kong, but tie a tea cloth tightly around it. At first they will try and rip it off, but after a couple of times they will realise that it's quicker to undo the knots. They really do enjoy the challenge. Then there's also the good old small pieces of boiled chicken in the Kong - she will have to figure out how to get the pieces out. Unfortunately these breeds are so damned clever, it takes them all of a minute to figure it out, and then you're onto the next puzzle.

Mine also love quick 5 minute bursts of training with tons of treats and praise. Every time we do this, they do zoomies afterwards. The dog behaviourist said it's the endorphins released in their brains because they're having to concentrate, and that in turn increases their confidence and makes them feel really good.

 

Mine also love quick 5 minute bursts of training with tons of treats and praise. Every time we do this, they do zoomies afterwards. The dog behaviourist said it's the endorphins released in their brains because they're having to concentrate, and that in turn increases their confidence and makes them feel really good.

Ditto MiffyMoo
I do short short training sessions, max 5 minutes, probably even less. Chopped up sausage treats, cheese, liver cake. Pantomime levels of enthusiasm and praise

 

Hi @IndieWolfe welcome to the forum

It sounds like you have been given some unhelpful advice. Dominance training is not a very effective way to go, especially not if you're looking to build a bond of mutual trust and respect.

Malamutes are not known to be particularly biddable, so all the more reason you're going to have to really work to build that relationship with your pup so that she knows that working with you is fun and rewarding, not a chore.

I looked at your other posts and see you're in Pennsylvania?
This trainer might be a little far from you, but I'd call her anyway and see if she can recommend someone closer to you.
http://www.headoftheclassdogtrainingllc.com/about-us.html

Thank you for referring Lisa from Head of the Class! I contacted her and she gave me a lot of really great information and referrals of good, humane trainers near us. This information is priceless! I now know what questions to ask and what to look for in a good trainer and/or behaviorist.

 

Thank you for referring Lisa from Head of the Class! I contacted her and she gave me a lot of really great information and referrals of good, humane trainers near us. This information is priceless! I now know what questions to ask and what to look for in a good trainer and/or behaviorist.

Glad to hear it
Good trainers generally have a pretty vast network of fellow trainers to refer to and are happy to help owners even if they will not end up being clients. I figured Lisa would have some great contacts through KPA