How to Stop An Alaskan Malamute From Barking
It’s a warm, gorgeous spring day and you and your Alaskan Malamute are casually strolling down the sunny side of the street. Passersby wave and smile as they compliment the regal appearance and lush coat of your dog. Suddenly, one of your neighbors comes walking in similar fashion counter to you and your Malamute, but with her perfectly groomed and pink-tinted poodle. Immediately upon spotting the couple, your Malamute begins barking viciously whilst tugging at his leash. Mortified and surprised, you frantically begin attempting to calm your dog, but he just won’t relent. Instead, he becomes even more excited, bearing on his leash with all of his weight and might, nearly ripping your arm from its socket. In return, you tug back, yelling at him in an attempt to get him under control. Unfortunately, no amount of heel, down, or please-for-the-love-of-God-just-stop seem to work, and your dog grows only more excited, more ferocious, and worst of all, much louder.
But, there is hope. First, let’s come to understand Alaskan Malamutes. These dogs are highly intelligent, which means that they are sensitive to differences in situations as well as the emotional state of their owners. Thus, it is paramount to remain calm when your dog is doing something that it shouldn’t be, even if its loudly barking at the neighbor’s dog. Instead, you must hold your dog’s leash firmly (without tugging it) and calmly, but adamantly, ordering your dog to stop. You can also distract your dog by blowing a whistle or clapping your hands, but by all means, do not begin to shout.
Of course, those techniques only work some of the time, and given the stubborn nature of your dog, he or she may not be responsive at all. Therefore, the best way to deal with this sort of behavior is preventative measures.
Alaskan Malamutes are pack-oriented, so it is very important to establish that you are the alpha, or leader of his or her pack. If this isn’t established early, then your dog may remain ornery and disobedient his or her entire life.
Additionally, it is best to always have supplementary tools on hand while your dog is in training. One of the best tools to use is a squirt gun or spray bottle, preferably filled with cold water. This is almost impossible for your dog to ignore and after a few good spurts, you will have his or her attention for long enough to deliver calm but firm instruction. Another effective prop, though loud, is a whistle. Given your dog’s innate sensitive hearing, he or she will be more than happy to comply as long as you stop that infernal whistle-blowing.
Finally, it is very important to always positively reinforce good behavior. No matter how frustrated you may become, once your dog finally complies with your instruction, you must praise your dog. They love nothing more than positive reinforcement and it will eventually be enough incentive to keep your dog happy and obedient.