Life with a "wolf"

Written by R. Pedersen, one real, huge dog fellow and expert!

How many of you have or have had pets? A lot of you, I suppose! Whether we`re talking dogs, cats, bunnies, horses, snakes etc. we all have an emotional connection with our pets, it is inevitable!

I would like to talk to you about my connection with my dog. He is an Alaskan Malamute, yeah, not many of you know the breed - it`s a sled dog, much like a husky, only bigger! Alaskan Malamutes are the oldest and biggest of all sled dogs. Okay, so, what I often experience is that people ask me: Is that a husky? and kids wonder: Is that a wolf? because of the wolf gray color of my dog.

Basically, I`m faced with two types of reactions whenever people meet my dog; the first one is the most common one, namely, admiration of the beauty of the breed; the other reaction is fear… I suppose both reactions are acceptable, the first, well, I like hearing that my boy is beautiful, the second, because I understand that some people tend to be afraid of the unknown and especially because most people fear big dogs…The problem is when people do not respect the dog (any dog for that matter) and forget that dogs are animals, with strong survival instincts and respond best to body language, since funny enough, they don`t speak human. This can and does result in a lot of dogs being put down and/or being sent to dog shelters (where they can end up being put down) … 

My life with my “wolf” has taught me a lot. In the hopes of there being more healthy and happy dogs out there and less bitten people, I`ll give you a few tips on dogs!

 

Tip1

Research the breed you're interested in before you buy a pup, and consider very carefully whether  or not the dogs mentality and needs match yours and your family's. People SHOULD NOT buy dogs based on APPEARANCE only. Try to learn how dogs minds' work ( from books, ask a specialist etc.) 

Tip 2

If you don`t have time to train a dog, both mentally and physically, DON`T get one!

Tip 3

Show RESPECT to other dogs and their owners.

Tip 4

Teach your children how to treat dogs or ask somebody to help you with that.

NEVER ever leave your children ALONE with a dog, no matter how friendly the dog is.

 

Tip 5

Dogs love to please, so just make sure you show them what is expected of them instead of punishing them. 

Tip 6

Positive reinforcement helps build a healthy relationship between you and your dog, that will result in a lifetime of happiness and mutual respect.

Tip 7

Patience & consistency are extremely important when raising a dog.

Tip 8

Most importantly, REMEMBER, that it is almost never the dog`s fault, it is YOURS… I know that`s hard to hear but dogs are pack animals and in a pack there`s a leader, that leader MUST be you … if you`re not a leader, or you`re a weak one, your dog will take advantage of that.

 I am no expert and don`t pretend to be one. What I am, though,  is a person with a dog, an interesting and demanding dog, who is trying to do her best for his sake. I ask myself this question all the time “ What kind of grown up dog do I want to have?” What`s your answer? My answer is simple - a well-behaved, healthy and happy dog. If your answer is the same, remember that it is entirely up to you to make it happen! Don`t get me wrong, it`s not going to be easy, but I can promise that it`s going to be WORTH it!  

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