~Special Medical Problem's ~
Special Medical Problems: Snow Nose or Bad Pigmentation?
Snow Nose is described as a pink/reddish marking on the black nose. It is commonly experienced amongst the northern breeds. Snow Nose can disappear over the warmer months and reappear over the winter months. There is nothing wrong with snow nose. Bad pigmentation occasionally occurs within specimens of the breed. The pigmentation area generally occurs around the face and is best described as being pinkish skin and it can, in some cases, detract from the dogs appearance. The main problem with this pigmentation is the threat of sun cancer occurring to the area as the pink skin is more at risk of sunburn. It is advisable to cover the affected area with sun screen regularly to protect the dog from this threat of cancer. It is possible to correct pigmentation problems with tattooing and there is a relatively new procedure where a vegetable dye is injected into the area and spread to cover the pigmentation.
Hot spots : Hot spots look like raw grazed skin. They can also take the form of loose coat that does not appear to be attached to the skin. There is a link between hot spots and incorrect diet. Alaskan Malamutes cannot handle rich and spicy food.
Bloat : Bloat is a condition that affects all large, deep chested breeds. It is a potentially life-threatening condition which usually affects dogs in the prime of life. Basically, the dog's stomach will swell from gas, fluid, or both (this is acute gastric dilation). Once distended, the stomach may twist abruptly on its long axis. If it does twist, but the twist is less than 180 degrees, it is called a torsion. If greater than 180 degrees, it is called a volvulus. Therefore, the term bloat can refer to any of these three conditions (acute gastric distortion, torsion, or volvulus). Acute gastric dilation is not serious, and may clear up itself in a few minutes. Torsion or volvulus are life threatening and immediate veterinary attention is required. The chance for recurrence is around fifteen percent. The cause of bloat is unknown.
Eye Problems Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and central progressive retinal atrophy (CPRA) : have appeared in a number of breeds, including Malamutes. Hemeralopia, or "day blindness", has also occurred in Malamutes. All of these problems are genetically caused. Careful screening of potential breeding pairs has helped reduce the incidence of these problem in the breed.
Snow Nose is described as a pink/reddish marking on the black nose. It is commonly experienced amongst the northern breeds. Snow Nose can disappear over the warmer months and reappear over the winter months. There is nothing wrong with snow nose. Bad pigmentation occasionally occurs within specimens of the breed. The pigmentation area generally occurs around the face and is best described as being pinkish skin and it can, in some cases, detract from the dogs appearance. The main problem with this pigmentation is the threat of sun cancer occurring to the area as the pink skin is more at risk of sunburn. It is advisable to cover the affected area with sun screen regularly to protect the dog from this threat of cancer. It is possible to correct pigmentation problems with tattooing and there is a relatively new procedure where a vegetable dye is injected into the area and spread to cover the pigmentation.
Hot spots : Hot spots look like raw grazed skin. They can also take the form of loose coat that does not appear to be attached to the skin. There is a link between hot spots and incorrect diet. Alaskan Malamutes cannot handle rich and spicy food.
Bloat : Bloat is a condition that affects all large, deep chested breeds. It is a potentially life-threatening condition which usually affects dogs in the prime of life. Basically, the dog's stomach will swell from gas, fluid, or both (this is acute gastric dilation). Once distended, the stomach may twist abruptly on its long axis. If it does twist, but the twist is less than 180 degrees, it is called a torsion. If greater than 180 degrees, it is called a volvulus. Therefore, the term bloat can refer to any of these three conditions (acute gastric distortion, torsion, or volvulus). Acute gastric dilation is not serious, and may clear up itself in a few minutes. Torsion or volvulus are life threatening and immediate veterinary attention is required. The chance for recurrence is around fifteen percent. The cause of bloat is unknown.
Eye Problems Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and central progressive retinal atrophy (CPRA) : have appeared in a number of breeds, including Malamutes. Hemeralopia, or "day blindness", has also occurred in Malamutes. All of these problems are genetically caused. Careful screening of potential breeding pairs has helped reduce the incidence of these problem in the breed.
~Temprament~
The Alaskan Malamute is extremely loyal and intelligent, sweet and most affectionate toward it's master. Great with children who are old enough to play with him safely. If their canine instincts are met, they mature into a dignified and mellow adult dog. They are very friendly and therefore are not suitable as a guard dog. Malamutes are happiest living outdoors as long as they receive enough companionship, but they also enjoy living indoors where their human "pack" lives. Without firm leadership and daily mental and physical exercise, these dogs may become destructive nuisances, acting like a big, rambunctious puppy. In one case, a single dog ruined an entire living room of furniture valued at $15,000 in just three hours! Malamutes love outdoor activities and even do well in obedience with firm encouragement. Although it can be difficult to train Malamutes for formal obedience, it is not particularly hard to train them to be well-mannered because they love to please. Males can be very dominant. This breed needs the humans around him to be firm, confident and consistent pack leaders. Some dogs may be difficult to housebreak. This breed is a thrifty feeder and needs less food than you might expect. However they do tend to wolf down whatever is offered, which can lead to obesity and bloat. Malamutes are quiet compared to most dogs but they do like to howl and dig. This breed should be supervised around unfamiliar small animals, as they have a strong prey instinct. This does not mean they are not good with small animals. Some Malamutes have been known to raise small kittens as their own. Both sexes can be combative with other dogs, especially with the same sex and breed and firm handling and training are necessary to curve this. Proper socialization with people and other dogs is imperative. Obedience training is highly recommended.
Alaskan Malamutes are not recommended for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and should have at least a large yard. If you live in a suburban area, a high fence is a must, but bury the base, because they are likely to dig their way out. Alaskan Malamutes like to roam in what he considers to be his territory. The Malamutes coat allows them to withstand extreme cold, but be careful to keep the dog cool in hot climates. Make sure they have shade and plenty of clean cool water.
~Proper Socialization~
Most of a dog’s behavior habits are formed from birth to 1 year of age. When you bring your new puppy home, it is important to get it accustomed to different sites and sounds. Slowly introduce it to the things in your household. If your puppy growls at an object or person, do not pick him up and cuddle him. This reaction will be rewarding to your puppy, and will intensify the dog's behavior. It will teach him that the appropriate reaction to fear is to growl. Growling can lead to biting. Rather the dog should be corrected, much like a mother dog would do with her own puppy. Stern, firm, confident, and consistent.
Tell him "No," show him the object and let him know there is nothing to be afraid of. You may need to give him a touch that matches your dog's own intensity (mocking a mother dog). Puppies like to play. They chew on everything including your fingers and legs - sometimes with a playful growl. Do not confuse this normal, natural behavior with the defensive growl of fear. Take your puppy out often. Show him all kinds of sites, sounds, people and animals. Once your dog has had all of his shots, you can bring him to a dog park. Dogs should be taken for a pack walk before getting to the dog park, in order for them to be in a more sociable state of mind. Be careful when introducing your puppy to other dogs and animals. Know your dog's breed traits and use your best judgment. For instance, if you know your neighbor’s dog is dog-aggressive, take your puppy to the park instead to do your doggie socializing. If you know your puppy’s breed has been known to kill cats, take extra precaution when cats are present. Always correct your puppy if he shows any signs of aggression or domination towards another animal or person. Do not laugh it off as being cute If there is a baby in the house, at the first encounter, carefully let your puppy smell the baby, than ask the dog for space, meaning, ask the dog to back away and stay away, as the baby claims HIS or HER area. This will make your baby higher in the pack order than the dog and the start of the bond between your new dog and your child. Teach your children to respect the puppy, and teach your puppy to respect your child. NEVER tolerate growling even with small dogs. Growling is a sign that your dog thinks he is Top Dog. Three weeks to three months is a critical age in socializing your puppy. This is when most of his behaviors are being formed. For this reason it is important to find a breeder who takes time to socialize their puppies. When you get your puppy or adult dog home, continue their socialization. If the breeder did not do a good job socializing the pup or if your adult dog is not well socialized, with some work on your part, you can change their behavior. Introduce them to all types of sights and sounds, correcting them at the right moment if they should begin to act out in an inappropriate manner. For a dog, life is all about the moment, and you can, at anytime change the way they view their surroundings. In order for you to do this, you yourself will need to be in a firm and confident mind frame. Dogs can read human emotions and if you are anything but, you can set your dog off. No words need to be spoken for this to happen, they can feel what you feel, you cannot hide it. They need you to be strong minded, as dogs instinctually need a strong pack leader to be mentally stable. A dog will feed off of the way a human feels. If you are unstable, anxious, worried, nervous, scared, hyper etc... your dog will feel this. There reactions to a humans instability will vary. It may empower them and they may try to take over, to "help" both of you survive. Or it may make them mentally unstable, becoming fearful, or nervous. Fearful dogs, sometimes act out with aggression. Dogs NEED a strong minded leader.
So while you take your dog out and introduce him to all types of new sights and sounds, pay honest attention to the way you feel as well, because your dog already knows.
Tell him "No," show him the object and let him know there is nothing to be afraid of. You may need to give him a touch that matches your dog's own intensity (mocking a mother dog). Puppies like to play. They chew on everything including your fingers and legs - sometimes with a playful growl. Do not confuse this normal, natural behavior with the defensive growl of fear. Take your puppy out often. Show him all kinds of sites, sounds, people and animals. Once your dog has had all of his shots, you can bring him to a dog park. Dogs should be taken for a pack walk before getting to the dog park, in order for them to be in a more sociable state of mind. Be careful when introducing your puppy to other dogs and animals. Know your dog's breed traits and use your best judgment. For instance, if you know your neighbor’s dog is dog-aggressive, take your puppy to the park instead to do your doggie socializing. If you know your puppy’s breed has been known to kill cats, take extra precaution when cats are present. Always correct your puppy if he shows any signs of aggression or domination towards another animal or person. Do not laugh it off as being cute If there is a baby in the house, at the first encounter, carefully let your puppy smell the baby, than ask the dog for space, meaning, ask the dog to back away and stay away, as the baby claims HIS or HER area. This will make your baby higher in the pack order than the dog and the start of the bond between your new dog and your child. Teach your children to respect the puppy, and teach your puppy to respect your child. NEVER tolerate growling even with small dogs. Growling is a sign that your dog thinks he is Top Dog. Three weeks to three months is a critical age in socializing your puppy. This is when most of his behaviors are being formed. For this reason it is important to find a breeder who takes time to socialize their puppies. When you get your puppy or adult dog home, continue their socialization. If the breeder did not do a good job socializing the pup or if your adult dog is not well socialized, with some work on your part, you can change their behavior. Introduce them to all types of sights and sounds, correcting them at the right moment if they should begin to act out in an inappropriate manner. For a dog, life is all about the moment, and you can, at anytime change the way they view their surroundings. In order for you to do this, you yourself will need to be in a firm and confident mind frame. Dogs can read human emotions and if you are anything but, you can set your dog off. No words need to be spoken for this to happen, they can feel what you feel, you cannot hide it. They need you to be strong minded, as dogs instinctually need a strong pack leader to be mentally stable. A dog will feed off of the way a human feels. If you are unstable, anxious, worried, nervous, scared, hyper etc... your dog will feel this. There reactions to a humans instability will vary. It may empower them and they may try to take over, to "help" both of you survive. Or it may make them mentally unstable, becoming fearful, or nervous. Fearful dogs, sometimes act out with aggression. Dogs NEED a strong minded leader.
So while you take your dog out and introduce him to all types of new sights and sounds, pay honest attention to the way you feel as well, because your dog already knows.
