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Expert: Shawn - 9/6/2008


Question
Dear Shawn, I am about to get a female Alaskan Malamute puppy and would like to eventually get a partner for her.  What age is best to introduce a male malamute puppy and what is the best way forward to stop any potential dominance/fighting issues with in my pack home?  Do you also have any advice for a first time Alaskan Malamute breeder and show/working dog owner?

Answer
Nicola-

I could answer your question, but I really wouldn't feel like I gave you the best answer, because I have never handled or owned mals. I have owned, bred, studied and shown Siberians for years, but they are a far different breed then mals. For instance, Siberians crave and demand a pack, and mals are a little more stand offish with other dogs. I would like to offer the typical advice of all owner/handlers- if you are showing in conformation, try your hardest not to have two in puppy classes at the same time. What a nightmare! If you are planning on a slow accent into the show world, waiting until your bitch is finished and specialing before adding a puppy class prospect, or purchasing your puppy when your bitch has several points (So by the time he is ready for the 6-9 class your bitch is finished or close to it) so that you don't have to work on building both their points at the same time is *so* much easier. Also, raising two puppies together is very difficult, time consuming, and nerve wracking. I am doing it right now and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy! (Well, maybe a little bit :D )

If we were talking about dogs in general, I would wait until your bitch was out of puppy classes, stable in personality and training at home, and at least 18 months or so to give her a good head start before adding a new puppy.


Have you spoken with your breeder? If you are getting a show/working pup from a reputable breeder they should be MORE then happy to sit down and talk with you about some of the more intricate details of the breeds traits.

Also, try visiting www.bigpawsonly.com. That is a GREAT forum for all us big dog owners!

Good luck with your new puppy!!! Congratulations!

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Shawn

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I can answer questions regarding basic medical needs, diet, behavioral questions, training questions, animal rescue/rehab, breeding/whelping, and conformation showing. I AM NOT A VET- I HAVE COMPLETED TWO YEARS OF VET SCHOOL ONLY. PLEASE DO NOT ASK ME IN DEPTH MEDICAL QUESTIONS THAT SHOULD BE DIRECTED ONLY TOWARDS MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS. I WILL BE HAPPY TO ASSIST WITH BASIC MEDICAL QUESTIONS/NEEDS THAT I CAN OFFER MY PERSONAL OPINION ON.

I have been training/handling dogs for 12 years in conformation showing and obedience. I grew up with selective breeding and whelping, and can offer advice on professional responsible breeding, correct whelping techniques and genetic testing/screening.

For the last 10 years I have been a director of a large animal rescue group and animal welfare advocate for my state. I can offer assistance with training and rehabilitating rescue dogs (to a certain extent- please remember that without seeing and really evaluating a dogs condition, no trainer can offer complete advice.) starting your own rescue group, how to volunteer and donate effectively to rescue groups/shelters, finding your perfect pet, and adoption contracts/agreements.

I am a member of APDT- The Association of Pet Dog Trainers and have just started my third year of vet school at NC state. I am a pre-vet major with vet tech experience and behavioral studies experience. I have also spent many years researching proper canine nutrition.

Please remember that you are asking MY OPINION and that I am in no way shape or form a substitute for immediate vet care in the case of an emergency, or if you feel your dog may be injured, in pain, or seriously ill.

I maintain the right to refuse to answer any questions I am not comfortable with, I can not understand (please use proper spelling and grammar) or is in violation of my beliefs regarding proper animal welfare.

Experience

12 years of dog training/handling, conformation showing of several breeds, 10 years director of an animal rescue group, and a vet student.

Organizations
APDT- Association of Pet Dog Trainers

Education/Credentials
3rd year vet student

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