Taken from "The Alaskan Malamute" presented by Nancy Russell, Storm
Kloud Kennels USA, 30 May 1998
Sponsored by Togiak 'N Skartik Alaskan Malamutes
You
have just purchased your new puppy and prospective champion. Assuming
he has the proper conformation, whether he becomes a champion or a "show
ring drop-out" is entirely up to you. So much of a show dog's success
depends on his attitude as well as his training. The true "show dog" is
one that walks into the ring with the presence that says, "Here I am,
aren't I beautiful?" He ignores the other dogs, gaits on a loose lead
with head up and maneuvers corners and turns without breaking his stride,
poses alertly for the bait, allows himself to be stacked and appears
to enjoy the judge's examination and almost asks for his attention.
Invariably you find that the show dog loves to travel. He thinks his
crate is home and is content in it wherever it is parked. He thoroughly
enjoys being groomed and fussed over to the point that he forgets that
all tables are not to be jumped upon for grooming. This kind of dog
is a real pleasure to show and the kind that wins consistently. So
how do you develop this attitude? First experiences of all the things
associated with the dog shows and going to a dog show must be pleasant
ones. This is the cardinal rule.
Travelling
For example, do not make your puppy's first ride in the car a trip to the veterinarian for shots. He will then associate a car ride with an unpleasant experience. Instead take him to the shops for an ice-cream cone, to the country for a romp, and to a friends house for lots of petting and attention. A few trips like this will establish an association pattern of pleasant experiences of a ride in the car, and you will have a dog eager to travel.Crate Training
A show dog must consider his crate his home. This way he will he content where his crate is placed. Adjusting to new places readily is a natural characteristic of the Malamute since the Eskimo's were nomads and home was wherever the dogs were staked for the night. So now you only need to introduce your pup to his crate in such a way that he feels that is his home. Place comfortable bedding, food and water in his crate leaving the door open so the pup can come and go as he pleases. Praise him for going in it to sleep and to eat, and never scold him in the crate. After he is using the crate without reluctance, start shutting the door for short periods, gradually increasing the time he is left in. Choose a word such as "kennel" or "crate" and use it as a command for entering the crate. Always praise him for obeying. Take his crate along when you visit friends, to training classes, on a picnic etc. Have him spend time both in and out of the crate. Do not use the crate as a form of punishment. His crate must be his security and his home.
