What We Do

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CHAAMP is run by volunteer board members and is funded by donations. We have full time jobs and have families, so please be patient with response time. We follow and embrace AVSAB's recommendations that only reward-based training methods should be used for all dog training, including the treatment of behavior problems. It is the best way to communicate with Alaskan Malamutes. We continue to learn and grow to make their world a better place.

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• Take in Malamutes from shelters and owner surrenders

• Offer training and behavior tips ( Mimi.Tello@chaamp.org )

• Find FREE resources so everyone has an opportunity to learn

• Provide virtual or in person support to fosters and adopters 

• Have fundraisers to offset costs

• Attend adoption and dog events

• Photos with Santa fundraiser

• Continuing education by attending conferences and webinars

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Malamutes are often surrendered because they pull on a leash, chase critters, destruction, reactivity, and big feelings. CHAAMP is here to help pet parents learn how to meet their pups needs with a healthy outlet. 

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​Malamutes are family

​Malamutes are highly social and consider themselves part of the family. Imagine the confusion and anxiety they face with the loss of their family and home. This can be traumatic causing distress, frustration, and even depression. Their world has been turned upside down and they need time to process their feelings. Most need time to receive all the love and affection we have to offer. They are dealing with a lot of feelings. We recommend reviewing how to read dog body language to respond appropriately. 

 

It's so fluffy!

Malamutes are beautiful and intelligent. They let you know exactly how they feel, which can take humans by surprise. They are independent thinkers and want to know what's in it for me? Why should I listen to you? They may talk back and express themselves passionately. They look so cute, fluffy, and so animated but please pause to try to understand what they are telling you. If we do not listen, their behavior may escalate due to frustration or fear or both. 

 

A Malamute's cuteness may cause us to overlook what they are trying to say to us. If they look away, it's their way of saying, "no thank you -- please do not pet me." If their body is stiff, give them space! A wagging tail with a stiff body and a growl means give me space now!!! When someone doesn't hear us, we yell. Malamutes yell too and this can look like an air snap or fierce growl. 

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Malamutes can be so animated due to their beautiful appearance. This can lead us to misinterpret their behavior. When a dog is afraid or not sure when meeting a human, they may run up, jump up, rub or lean into the person appearing really friendly and may even get in your face. Warning signs: the dog is flicking their tongue, freezing, hesitant, yawning with a stiff body and tail wagging. They may want to see what you are going to do. It is best to be calm, avoid eye contact, and do NOT pet them. This behavior is inappropriate for first introductions. We want to prevent their arousal from escalating even if they are friendly. If we reciprocate by petting or possibly hugging the dog (viewed as restraint), it may cause the dog to air snap or bite the person in their face. This is why it is so important to give the dog "space" and allow them to sniff us without petting them. Malamutes are easily excitable and due to their size can knock you over if they jump on you. 

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Belly Rubs

Some of us shut down or avoid conflict. Dogs will roll over on their back exposing their belly with a stiff body and possibly wagging tail desperately trying to tell you, "I mean you no harm, please give me space." When in doubt, give them space. 

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To minimize stress, we do our best to create peaceful interactions. If we do not listen with our eyes by reading their body language, we may inadvertently cause them to feel threatened. In dog body language, staring, directly facing, or leaning over a dog is considered threatening. We want to be respectful and earn their trust. A healthy relationship is formed when we listen and feel heard. 

 

Chasing Critters

The most common issues are pulling on a leash to chase critters, which are behaviors that are bred in Malamutes. Offer opportunities to chase treats or do nose work as a healthy hunting outlet. Simple games like Ping Pong help your dog engage with you and chase a treat. Practice at home with no distractions, then practice in different locations and then slowly add distractions. If your dog cannot play this game while out on a walk, then it is time to manage and create distance from the trigger with an emergency U-turn. Simone Mueller has written books and offers online Force-free anti-predation training for dogs that love
to chase.

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• https://www.dogcrazylady.com/post/pattern-games

• https://joyfuldogllc.com/emergency-leash-techniques/

• https://predation-substitute-training.com/

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Unwanted Behavior

Remove opportunities for your dog to practice unwanted behavior (bad choices). You can teach alternative behavior and increase mental stimulation (brain exercises). There is a good chance that a need is not being met or it can be a health issue that is causing unwanted behavior. 

 

If you know how to predict your dog's behavior, you can be proactive.

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Stop counter surfing by removing access to the kitchen (with a baby gate or crate) and do not leave food unattended. Before you start cooking, show your pup where to go and provide them with a snuffle mat, a natural chew or a frozen Kong, close the kitchen door/gate and then start cooking. Show your dog what to do BEFORE they get themselves into trouble. If we react when the dog comes to the kitchen to find food by giving them food, the dog learns going to the kitchen means he will get food. Timing is so important!    

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Safe & Secure

At the CHAAMP kennel, we provide routine (morning potty, breakfast, frozen Kong, afternoon potty, afternoon frozen Kong, dinner, evening potty, natural chews). We keep it nice and cool with the A/C and fans blowing during the summer. The white noise provides a peaceful environment for a nap. A routine helps reduce anxiety and supports a potty-training schedule. 

 

When a Malamute goes home, we highly recommend providing them with their own "space" where they can feel safe like a crate or an area in your home blocked off with a baby gate where they can eat and sleep in peace. They like cool places like bathroom tiles or close to the AC or a fan. At bedtime, they may want to be close to you. Just don't be surprised if your Malamute changes his/her mind if you snore, lol. Some Malamutes are easily stimulated by movement and thrive in a quiet cool area. 

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Meeting a Malamute

Meeting a Malamute is exciting for everyone! Did you know that not all zoomies are expression of fun and happiness? Some zoomies are done because they are anxious or possibly too excited to contain themselves. Too much too soon can easily nurture jumpy, bitey behavior, oh my! It's not fair to get them all excited and then get upset when they jump up and possibly knock you over. We want to do our best to set them up for success. It's tough because they are super cute. 

 

Please give Malamutes "space" instead of affection until you get to know each other better just to be safe. Toss a treat away from you and they will eventually come closer when they are ready. Let them sniff you without petting them. Give them time to process all their feelings. Dogs can smell you and your emotions at a distance, there is no need to extend your hand to their face. In doggy language, it may appear to be rude. "How to greet a dog and what to avoid" by Sofia Yin. 

 

The more excited a Malamute becomes, the calmer we must be. We strive to keep Malamutes under their emotional threshold. Rescues have been through so much change, losing their home and family. Help us set them up for success. It is easy to misread excitement with stress. 

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Rewards-Based Training 

We like to teach Malamutes what to do and reward them. Practice good behavior until it becomes the new norm (muscle memory). When we reward good behavior, we simultaneously minimize unwanted behavior. Plus, you are building your Malamute's confidence and strengthening your bond.  Good things happen when they choose you.

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