The potential for the relationship between dogs and humans is founded in
"puppy hood". Where puppies are born, how long they spend with their mother,
and how they are socialized by a breeder provides a big part of this
foundation. Our Puppies are whelped in a room attached to our home. That way
we can hear everything and respond quickly to any problem, day or night.
Socialization of puppies is a high priority. This socialization is what
helps the puppy adjust to new people and situations when in a new home. All
of our Giant Alaskan Malamutes spend time with us in the house every day and
share many activities including walks in the park, running errands, and
vacations. Alaskan Malamutes can also adjust well to other pets, if
introduced properly.
Left: Male Malamute Relaxing at Home.
Center: Male Malamute with Female German Shepard Sidekick.
Right: Female Malamute, "Always ready to go"
Statistical Reality
Euthanasia has been the reality for as many as 10 million dogs yearly and up
to 40% of puppies don't make it through the first year in their first home.
This is mainly due to behavior problems rooted in "puppy hood" coupled with
unrealistic expectations from human partners. Many people believe that
puppies "outgrow" undesirable behavior. Actually, when these behaviors are
ignored, they become more difficult to manage as the dog matures. In short,
dogs need help to adjust to a human world. Dogs that don't get help are
judged by a standard that views them as "good" if they can figure out what
their master wants, and "bad" it they cannot. This standard is unfair for
the vast majority of dogs who need help in learning about their master's
desires.
Training Malamutes
Training begins when a puppy is born and must be
continued when it moves to its new home. When possible you and your dog
should attend puppy school. After puppy school your dog should be enrolled
in a basic obedience course. We believe a basic obedience program should
include information that strengthens the dog-family relationship in everyday
life. This training should include at least three components: 1)information
on how obedience helps resolve behavioral problems; 2) awareness of how to
work with the dog's personality and breed characteristics; 3)training of dog
and owner in on-leash obedience useful in everyday life.
All-Breed Training
Northern Legend Kennel and Signature K9 Services provide
behavior training for all breeds and ages of dogs. Clients come from all
over North Eastern Ohio. We specialize in private lessons and small group
training for pet dogs. We get to know each dog and owner so that we can
provide the best possible training approach. You can visit Signature K9 by
clicking on the logo above.
