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CHAAMP is a proud member of The Pet Professional Guild Shelter & Rescue Organization. Our goal is to practice force-free (no physical force or verbal intimidation) methods to communicate with the pups. When we welcome a new Malamute to CHAAMP, we focus on capturing and rewarding good behaviors freely offered to start building trust (see Smart x 50 by Kathy Sdao). Once the pup is offering eye contact on their own and feel comfortable in their new environment, then we start rewards-based training. We avoid startling the dogs with "No!" or "Ah, ah!" and are careful to read their body language. The dog decides what is aversive (scary) and what is rewarding. For example, did you know that some dogs find the sound of the clicker and our excitement to be aversive? Each dog is a unique individual. We do our best to provide gentle and kind interactions with Malamutes and offer them a "choice" to collaborate with us. Even if it means that we start with the smallest baby steps. Training is a fun way to learn to communicate with our dogs. We learn to watch and read their dog body language so we can "hear" what they are saying to us. We are teaching dogs English, and they do not speak. It is our duty to learn to read a dog's body language.

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Positive Reinforcement Training – Does it Work for the Working Group?

By Chelsea Murray, ATDI, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP

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Adoption or becoming a foster begins with completing an online application. Information is confidential and is used to help us match a dog's personality with your environment and lifestyle. We work with you to find alternative solutions if you don't have a fence. We offer resources and access to CHAAMP's trainer (Mimi.Tello@chaamp.org) to support adopters and fosters including first time Malamute parents. Once the application is received, we set up a virtual or in person home visit where adopters and CHAAMP discuss puppy proofing your home, identifying a safe place (crate or gated area), food/potty schedule, and discuss enrichment ideas. We discuss the importance of decompression and identifying local professional dog trainers and resources. We are here to answer questions every step of your journey. Malamutes are highly intelligent, sensitive, and expressive dogs. It is critical to create a plan to set up your family and dog for success. 

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**Alaskan Malamute Training Facebook Group**

Pawsitive Futures Dog Training and Behavior - Alaskan Malamute YouTube​

How to prevent resource guarding

Dog to Dog Introductions Booklet

Shy Adopter Guide by Shelter Playgroup

Inter-Dog Playgroup Guidelines

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​An adoption requirement is training. Training is like team building with you and your dog. It improves communication and collaboration with our furry companions. Plus, it builds a bond and helps your pup gain confidence. Malamutes are a working breed and need a mental outlet -- they love working for treats! We highly recommend nose work for Malamutes. It is a great way to give them a job and use their nose.

 

If you are not sure if a Malamute is the right breed for you or are not ready, you can volunteer to take the Malamutes on a walk. This is a great way to meet the pups and learn from volunteers how to best interact and handle these precious fluffy, intelligent, and strong pups.  

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 Fostering is a wonderful alternative too. With your help, we can open up space for another Malamute to come to the rescue.

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