Author: Gary W. Kelly

When you decide to become a dog foster parent, you’re not just temporarily housing a dog; you’re partnering with a rescue to give a deserving animal a second chance. This role is absolutely essential. It’s the bridge that helps a dog move from a stressful shelter environment into a loving forever home, allowing them to decompress, learn how a home works, and let their true personality shine.

The Lifesaving Impact of Fostering a Dog

When you foster, you do so much more than just offer a roof over a dog’s head. You become a critical link in the chain that saves their life. With animal shelters across the country facing a massive capacity crisis, foster homes are the single most effective way to help.

By opening your home, you directly combat overcrowding. That simple act of kindness creates an open spot, allowing a rescue like ADRTC to pull another dog from a packed municipal shelter—often one who is at risk of euthanasia. Your spare room or couch literally becomes a lifeline.

More Than Just a Space

A home is a quiet, stable place where a stressed dog can finally take a deep breath. The constant noise, strange smells, and chaotic energy of a shelter can make even the most easy-going dog shut down. It’s nearly impossible for their real personality to come through in that environment.

In a foster home, a dog can truly relax. The change is incredible to watch. We’ve seen shy, fearful dogs blossom into playful, cuddly companions. We’ve watched overly bouncy dogs learn to settle and enjoy quiet time. This kind of behavioral insight is priceless for a rescue trying to find the perfect match.

“Fostering provides those animals a bit more respite than the typical shelter can. Animals in foster care often experience improved physical health, and increased overall mental health including a decrease in stress.”

The little things you learn—their quirks, what they love, how they react to new things—are details a shelter could never uncover. This information helps the rescue build a rich, accurate profile that leads to a better, more permanent adoption, drastically reducing the chances of a dog being returned. To see just how powerful this transformation can be, you should read Tahvi’s incredible story.

A Critical Role in Modern Animal Rescue

The need for dedicated foster parents has never been more urgent. Foster care is now essential infrastructure for animal welfare, especially as dogs are staying in shelters much longer than they did just a few years ago.

Recent data shows that large dogs now wait a median of 20 days to be adopted. That’s a staggering 82% increase from only 11 days back in 2019. This logjam puts an immense strain on shelter resources and staff, making your role as a foster parent more vital than ever.

By becoming a dog foster parent, you provide:

• Emotional Support: A safe haven for a dog to heal from past trauma, neglect, or the simple stress of shelter life.
• Socialization: Real-world experience living in a home, interacting with people, and maybe even learning to coexist with other pets.
• Essential Information: The key personality details that create a compelling adoption profile, attracting the perfect forever family.

Ultimately, you are an active, hands-on partner in saving a life. You’re not just babysitting; you are giving a deserving dog the stability, training, and love they need to succeed in their next chapter.

Navigating the Foster Application and Approval Process

So, you’ve decided you’re ready to open your home to a dog in need. That’s fantastic. The next part of the journey—the application and approval process—can sometimes feel like you’re under a microscope, but it’s all for a good reason. Every step is designed to make sure both you and the dog are set up for success.

First things first, you need to find a rescue that feels right for you. If you’ve got a soft spot for smart, driven dogs with endless energy, a breed-specific organization like ADRTC (which focuses on northern breeds) could be a great match. If you’re more suited to a mellow senior or a litter of clumsy puppies, there are rescues for that, too. Take some time to explore different groups and find one whose mission clicks with your own values.

Decoding the Foster Application

Once you find your rescue, you’ll tackle the foster application. Be prepared—it’s going to be detailed. You’ll see questions about your work schedule, everyone who lives in your home, and your experience with pets. It might seem a bit invasive, but this is how the rescue starts to picture which dog would fit best into your life.

They’re trying to answer some key questions:

• Your Household: Who’s in your crew? Are there kids, and how old are they? A shy dog might do better in a quiet home, while a boisterous pup could be a great fit for an active family.
• Your Experience: Have you ever had a dog before? What about a high-drive breed like a Husky? They’re not looking for a “right” answer, just an honest one to gauge what kind of support you might need.
• Your Home: Do you rent or own? Got a yard? For escape-artist breeds (looking at you, northern breeds), a 6-foot fence is often a non-negotiable requirement.
• Vet References: The rescue will likely ask for your vet’s contact info. This is standard practice to confirm that any current or past pets are well-cared-for and up-to-date on their medical needs.

Honestly, a thorough application is a green flag. It shows the rescue is serious about its responsibility to these animals.

The Home Visit: What Rescues Are Really Looking For

After the application, the next step is usually a home visit. This might be in-person with a volunteer or done virtually over a video call. The goal isn’t to judge your housekeeping skills—it’s to see the world from a dog’s perspective and spot any potential safety issues.

The volunteer will want to see where the dog will sleep, eat, and spend its time. They’re looking for things like a secure fence without any gaps, toxic houseplants within reach, or easy access to cleaning supplies. Think of it less as an inspection and more as a collaborative safety check. It’s also the perfect time for you to ask for advice on dog-proofing your space.

Pro Tip: Don’t go crazy cleaning. A lived-in home is a normal home. Instead, channel that energy into a quick safety sweep. Tuck away loose cords, put shoes in a closet (you’ll thank me later), and do a quick check of your fence line for any potential escape routes.

Finalizing Your Approval

You’re almost there. The last few hurdles typically involve a background check and, if you’re a renter, getting your landlord’s official sign-off. The background check is just a standard safety precaution.

Getting landlord approval in writing is crucial. Double-check your lease for any breed or size restrictions before you even apply. It saves everyone a headache later. Once that’s all squared away, you’ll get the official “approved foster” email and be added to the list of available homes.

This whole process might seem intense, but it’s a sign of how much animal welfare has evolved. In fact, the entire pet foster care market is growing quickly, with a projected growth of 37% between 2021 and 2025. This boom is driven by a greater public focus on responsible rescue and new tools that make connecting foster homes with animals easier than ever. You can read more about this shift in the pet foster care market on OpenPR.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of what you can generally expect.

Key Stages of the Foster Application Process

Stage	What It Involves	Pro Tip for Success
Initial Application	Filling out a detailed online form about your home, lifestyle, and experience with pets.	Be completely honest and thorough. The more info you provide, the better the rescue can match you with the right dog.
Reference Checks	The rescue will contact your veterinarian and sometimes personal references to verify information.	Give your vet a heads-up! Let them know a rescue will be calling so they can have your pet’s records ready.
Home Visit	A volunteer visits your home (in-person or virtually) to assess safety and discuss your setup.	Focus on safety, not sparkle. Point out how you plan to manage the dog’s space and ask plenty of questions.
Final Approval	This may include a background check and confirmation of landlord approval (if applicable).	Get any required permissions, like from a landlord, in writing before you reach this stage to speed things up.

Completing these steps means you’re not just filling out paperwork—you’re officially joining a community of dedicated people who are actively saving lives. You’re ready for your first foster dog.

Getting Your Home Ready for a Foster Dog

So, your application is approved! This is where the real fun begins. Now you get to shift from thinking about fostering to actually doing it, and that starts with getting your home set up for success.

The goal isn’t to build a Pinterest-perfect dog palace. It’s about creating a safe, calm space where a dog who’s been through a lot can finally take a breath and start to feel secure. A little prep work now sets the stage for a much smoother journey for both of you.

Create a Decompression Zone

Think about the most overwhelmed you’ve ever felt—that’s likely how your new foster dog feels walking into a strange house. The single most important thing you can do is create a dedicated decompression zone. This is their safe space, their home base.

This spot needs to be in a low-traffic part of your house. A spare bedroom is perfect, but a quiet corner of your office or a section of the living room blocked off with a baby gate works great, too. It just needs to be theirs.

Here’s what you’ll need to set up their zone:

• A cozy crate or comfy bed: Make it feel like a den with some soft blankets.
• Water and food bowls: Don’t put these right next to their sleeping area.
• A couple of safe chew toys: These are fantastic stress-busters.
• A baby gate or x-pen: This visual and physical barrier is huge. It gives the dog control and lets them observe from a distance without feeling pressured.

This zone is absolutely essential for the first few days, and honestly, maybe even for a few weeks. It gives the dog a place to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed, which is a game-changer for preventing anxiety and unwanted behaviors.

Dog-Proof Your Home (Northern-Breed Edition)

Next up, it’s time to see your world from a dog’s perspective. Get down on the floor and look around. What can you reach? What looks interesting to chew on?

Look for dangling electrical cords, houseplants that might be toxic, and small things that could be swallowed. Make sure your trash cans are secure and cleaning supplies are behind a locked door.

Now, for the northern-breed twist: your yard. Huskies and Malamutes are brilliant escape artists. That six-foot fence is a minimum requirement for good reason. Before your foster arrives, walk the entire fence line. Check for gaps, loose boards, or any spot that looks like a good place to start digging. Reinforce those weak spots now—you’ll thank yourself later.

Gather Supplies: What You’ll Need vs. What the Rescue Covers

One of the biggest questions new fosters have is about cost. The great news is that most rescues, ADRTC included, provide the big-ticket items. We want to remove any financial hurdles so great people like you can open their homes.

The rescue will typically provide you with:

• A crate
• Food and treats
• A collar, harness, and leash
• Any medications the dog needs

Your main job is to provide the day-to-day comforts that make a house a home. For some great ideas, check out our guide on a shopping list for a new dog. Things like durable chew toys, soft bedding, and tasty training treats go a long way in making a dog feel comfortable and enriched.

Prepare Your Family and Resident Pets

This last step is just as important as the physical prep. Get everyone in your household on the same page. Hold a family meeting and lay down the ground rules—the new dog will need space, quiet, and time to settle in.

If you have kids, this is a great time to teach them about respectful dog body language. They need to know not to bother the dog while it’s sleeping or eating and to always let the dog initiate contact.

For any pets you already have, slow introductions are key. The first meeting should happen on neutral ground, like a walk around the block. For the first few days, plan to keep them mostly separate. A little careful management upfront prevents a lot of stress down the road and helps build a peaceful foundation for your foster journey.

The First 72 Hours: Decompression is Everything

So, you’ve made it home. Your new foster dog just padded across your threshold, and you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. Take a deep breath. These next three days are arguably the most important of your entire foster experience.

Right now, that dog’s world has been completely rocked. Everything is new, strange, and potentially scary. Your one and only job is to be a quiet, predictable presence. Don’t ask for anything, don’t expect anything. Just be there.

This initial period is all about decompression. I always tell new fosters to imagine they’ve brought home a guest who’s just endured a grueling international flight and doesn’t speak the language. You wouldn’t immediately drag them to a loud party, right? Of course not. You’d show them their room, point out the bathroom, and let them crash. It’s the exact same idea here.

Your foster is running on pure adrenaline and stress hormones. They might be shut down, overly frantic, or just plain confused by the new sights and smells. The best thing you can do is let them simply exist without any pressure.

The 3-3-3 Rule: A Foster Parent’s Mantra

To keep your own expectations in check, get familiar with the “3-3-3 Rule.” It’s not a hard-and-fast deadline, but it’s a brilliant framework for understanding what’s going through your foster dog’s mind. It’s saved my sanity more than once.

Here’s the general breakdown:

• The First 3 Days: The dog is completely overwhelmed. They might not eat, drink, or even look at you. They’re in survival mode, trying to figure out if this new place is safe.
• The First 3 Weeks: They’re starting to settle in. You’ll see their real personality begin to peek through as they learn your schedule and realize they can let their guard down a bit.
• The First 3 Months: They finally feel at home. Trust has been built, and they understand their place in your family. They feel secure.

Keeping this timeline in mind helps you stay patient. That super-cuddly companion you imagined might not show up on day one, and that’s okay. They’ll get there, but they need to do it on their own terms.

Your primary job in these first few days is to be a source of stability, not entertainment. The most loving thing you can do is give them space and a predictable routine.

Your Playbook for Day One Through Three

It’s so tempting to want to show off your new foster dog, I get it. But you have to resist. No trips to PetSmart, no parades of neighbors stopping by for a visit, and definitely no long, meandering walks through a bustling park. The world can wait. Your house needs to be their sanctuary.

Keep it boring. Seriously. Here’s how:

1. Introduce Their “Home Base”: The moment you walk in, lead the dog straight to their designated safe zone—the crate, the gated-off room, wherever you’ve set them up. Let them explore it on their own terms. Pro-tip: leave the leash on but let it drag for the first hour. It makes it easy to gently guide them without a fuss if you need to.
2. Start the Potty Routine Immediately: Take them out to the exact same spot in the yard every couple of hours. And I mean every single time. Even in a fenced yard, use a leash. A scared dog can find ways to escape you wouldn’t believe. This also jumpstarts a solid house-training foundation. When they go, offer a quiet “good dog” and head back inside.
3. Offer Food and Water, No Pressure: Place their bowls in their safe zone and walk away. If they don’t eat, don’t sweat it—it’s incredibly common. Just leave the food down for about 20 minutes. If they haven’t touched it, calmly pick it up and wait until the next mealtime.

As for any pets you already have, they need to be kept completely separate for at least the first 24-48 hours. No exceptions. Let them sniff each other out under a closed door first. When you’re ready for an introduction, do it outside on a short, parallel walk on neutral ground—never a face-to-face greeting in a narrow hallway.

By managing these first few days with calm, quiet structure, you’re not just helping the dog decompress; you’re laying the groundwork for a successful and rewarding foster journey.

Daily Life and Building Your Foster Dog’s Confidence

After the initial quiet period, things will start to settle into a new normal. This is where the real magic happens. As your foster dog decompresses, you’ll see their true personality begin to blossom, and you get a front-row seat to their incredible transformation. Your role slowly shifts from just providing a safe space to being their coach, mentor, and biggest cheerleader.

This phase is all about creating a predictable world for them. Dogs, especially those coming from chaotic backgrounds, thrive on routine. It doesn’t have to be rigid, but simple things like feeding them at the same time each day, having consistent potty break schedules, and predictable play sessions build a framework of safety. When they know what to expect, they can finally start to relax and trust.

Establishing Good Habits and Manners

Everyday life is the best training ground. You don’t need to be a professional dog trainer to teach good manners; you just need a pocketful of treats and a lot of patience. A couple of the most impactful things you can work on are crate training and walking nicely on a leash.

• Crate Training as a Safe Haven: The goal here is to make the crate their personal den—a happy, safe spot, never a punishment. Start by making it awesome. Toss high-value treats inside and let them come and go as they please. Try feeding their meals in the crate with the door wide open. As they get comfortable, you can start closing the door for just a few seconds, rewarding them when they’re calm.
• Building Leash Confidence: A lot of rescue dogs have never been on a pleasant walk. Some pull like a freight train, while others are terrified. Start in a low-distraction area like your backyard or a quiet street. Reward them with praise and treats whenever the leash is loose, or they check in with you. For a northern breed with that natural instinct to pull, a front-clip harness can be a total game-changer.

It’s helpful to remember the 3-3-3 rule, a common timeline for a rescue dog’s adjustment period. It’s not a hard-and-fast rule, but it’s a great guide for setting realistic expectations.

As this shows, the journey from a shutdown, scared dog to a comfortable member of the family takes time. Be patient as they navigate each stage at their own pace.

Enrichment for Active Minds and Bodies

Boredom is the enemy, especially with smart, high-energy breeds like Huskies and Malamutes. A bored dog will find their own job to do, and you probably won’t like it—think chewing, digging, or plotting a great escape. Mental exercise is just as crucial as physical exercise.

Enrichment doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive. Simple things can make a huge difference in their day.

• Puzzle Toys: Make them work for their food! Licking mats, snuffle mats, and food-dispensing toys engage their brain.
• “Sniffari” Walks: Instead of a structured walk, let them lead the way and sniff everything. Sniffing is incredibly calming and mentally stimulating for a dog.
• Training Sessions: Keep it short and sweet. Five-minute sessions teaching basic cues like “sit,” “touch,” or “look at me” are fantastic for building focus and strengthening your bond.

A tired dog is a happy dog, but a mentally fulfilled dog is a well-behaved one. Engaging their brain prevents problem behaviors before they start and builds the kind of confidence that comes from solving a puzzle.

Becoming a Personality Detective

One of your most critical roles as a foster parent is to become an expert on the dog in your care. You’re their biographer, their advocate, and the one who knows all their little quirks. The details you gather are what the rescue will use to write a compelling adoption profile that helps them find the perfect match.

Keep a running note on your phone or in a small notebook. Jot down everything you notice:

• Does he love squeaky toys or do they terrify him?
• Is she a morning person or a night owl?
• How does she react to the mail carrier, other dogs on walks, or the vacuum cleaner?
• What is his absolute favorite, can’t-live-without-it treat?

These little observations paint a vivid picture of who this dog really is, far beyond what a kennel card could ever say. This information is pure gold for making a successful, lifelong match.

In fact, research has shown that even a brief stay in a foster home can dramatically increase a dog’s chances of adoption. Dogs who spent just one or two nights in a foster home were over 14 times more likely to find a permanent home. The break from shelter stress and the extra visibility works wonders. You can read more about these powerful adoption findings from Dogster.

By providing daily care, gentle guidance, and keen observation, you’re doing so much more than just putting a roof over their head—you’re actively preparing them for their happily ever after.

Navigating the Emotional Goodbye on Adoption Day

The house is suddenly way too quiet. You keep tripping over a dog that isn’t there anymore. This is it—the day every foster parent simultaneously works toward and dreads: adoption day.

It’s easily the toughest part of fostering, but it’s also the entire point. This isn’t really a goodbye. It’s the beautiful, bittersweet moment you complete your mission.

Of course, letting go is hard. You’ve poured weeks, maybe months, of your life and heart into this dog. You cleaned up their messes, taught them to trust, and watched them blossom from a terrified stray into a confident, goofy companion. That ache you feel? It’s completely normal. In fact, it’s a sign you did an amazing job.

Preparing for a Smooth Handoff

A little prep work can make this transition a whole lot easier for the dog, their new family, and you. Think of yourself as the bridge between the dog’s past and their future. Your job is to make that bridge as sturdy and welcoming as possible.

Share everything. I mean everything. Does your foster husky get a wild case of the zoomies after his morning potty break? Does he love having his ears scritched but despises having his paws touched? These are the little quirks and details that are pure gold for a new family. They turn a stressful first week into a much smoother experience.

This goodbye is your success story. It’s the tangible proof that you’ve prepared a deserving dog for their forever home. By letting them go, you’ve just opened a spot in your home and your heart to save the next one. That’s the real impact of being a foster.

A “go-home” bag is a fantastic way to pass along both comfort items and critical information. It’s a small care package that can make a huge difference.

Here’s a good starting point for what to pack:

• Their Favorite Toy: Having a familiar object can be a huge comfort when everything else is new and strange.
• A Small Blanket or T-shirt: Pack something that smells like you and your home. For a dog, a familiar scent is incredibly reassuring.
• A Few Days’ Worth of Their Current Food: This helps the new family avoid an abrupt diet change, which can easily cause stomach upset on top of an already stressful situation.
• A “User Manual”: I always type up a one-page guide covering their daily schedule, feeding amounts, potty routine, funny habits, and any training cues they’ve mastered.

Managing Your Own Emotions

Let yourself be sad. Seriously. It’s okay. You’ve just said goodbye to a creature you love. But as you process those feelings, try to frame it as the victory it truly is. You are literally watching the result of your patience and hard work walk off toward a wonderful, happy life. This is the moment you’ve been working for.

Many seasoned foster parents, myself included, find it helpful to start thinking about the next dog who needs a safe place to land. Knowing that your empty couch will soon be a lifeline for another animal in crisis can transform that feeling of loss into one of purpose.

It also helps to see the happy endings you’re a part of creating. You can find more resources and stories that celebrate this final, crucial step by exploring the adoption stories on our blog. They’re a powerful reminder of why this work matters so much.

Your Top Fostering Questions, Answered

Jumping into the world of dog fostering naturally brings up a lot of questions. We get it. Let’s walk through some of the most common things people ask before they decide to open their homes and hearts.

How Much Time Will This Take?

This is probably the biggest question on everyone’s mind. The honest answer? It varies.

Sometimes, a dog just needs a safe place to land for a few days during a transport shuffle. Other times, you might have a dog for several months, especially if they’re recovering from a medical procedure or need some extra help with training. On average, though, most foster dogs are with their temporary families for two weeks to two months.

We’ll always be upfront with you about a dog’s specific situation and expected timeline so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.

What Is This Going to Cost Me?

Financially, your contribution is minimal. Rescues like ADRTC are committed to covering all the big-ticket items so you can focus on providing care.

We handle the costs for:

• All veterinary care and medications
• High-quality food and treats
• Core supplies like a crate, collar, and leash

Your main job is to provide a safe, stable home and plenty of love. Of course, you’re always welcome to spoil your foster with extra toys or special treats, but the essential financial weight is on our shoulders, not yours.

A lot of people assume fostering is expensive, but that’s a common misconception. Our goal is to remove financial hurdles so that anyone with a loving home can step up and help save a life.

I Already Have Pets. Can I Still Foster?

Absolutely! In fact, having other well-adjusted pets can be a huge benefit for a foster dog. The most important thing is that your current pets are generally social and up-to-date on all their vaccinations.

Success hinges on a slow, properly managed introduction. This isn’t something you’ll have to figure out on your own. We’ll help you choose a foster dog who’s likely to get along with your resident pets and give you a step-by-step plan for those crucial first meetings. It almost always involves keeping everyone separate for the first few days to let them get used to each other’s scents and sounds without direct pressure.

What if I Can’t Say Goodbye?

Ah, the “foster fail” fear. We hear this from nearly every single person, and it comes from a beautiful place. Getting attached is not a risk; it’s a guarantee. And yes, saying goodbye is incredibly tough.

But that powerful bond you build is exactly what that dog needed. You gave them the love and security required to blossom and become ready for their forever family. Think of yourself as a crucial bridge, not the final destination.

When that goodbye moment comes, it will be bittersweet. But that ache in your heart is the ultimate sign of a job well done. Letting them go means you’ve successfully prepared them for the next chapter, and you’ve just opened up a spot in your home to save another dog who is waiting for their chance.

TL;DR – Key Takeaways

• The Alaskan Malamute is not a giant Husky. It’s a fundamentally different dog with fundamentally different demands.
• They are powerful, strong-willed, and will challenge your authority – especially if you let them.
• Prey drive is real and potentially dangerous. Malamutes have killed cats and small animals. This isn’t a scare tactic. It’s a fact.
• They need a securely fenced yard, consistent leadership, and more exercise than most people can realistically provide.
• If none of that scared you off, you might be ready. But please, keep reading.

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We need to have a conversation, and it’s not going to be the one you were hoping for.

You’ve seen the pictures. Maybe you’ve seen one in person – that massive, wolf-like frame, the thick coat, those deep brown eyes that look like they’ve seen a thousand Arctic winters. You thought: That’s the most magnificent dog I’ve ever seen.

You’re right. It is.

But here’s what we’ve learned after years of running the Arctic Dog Rescue and Training Center: the Alaskan Malamute is the breed we take back the most. Not because they’re bad dogs. They’re extraordinary dogs. The problem is that most people who adopt them have absolutely no idea what they’re getting into.

So let’s fix that. Right now, before you fill out any paperwork.

This Is Not a Big Husky

Let’s get this out of the way first, because it’s the single most common misconception we encounter.

People see a Malamute and think “oversized Siberian Husky.” They are not the same animal. Not even close. Yes, they’re both Arctic sled dogs. Yes, they both have thick double coats. That’s roughly where the similarities end.

A Siberian Husky was bred for speed – light, fast, and built to run long distances quickly. An Alaskan Malamute was bred for power – heavy, strong, and built to haul enormous loads across brutal terrain. According to the American Kennel Club, Malamutes are “an immensely strong, heavy-duty worker” designed for endurance, not racing.

In practical terms? A male Malamute typically stands 25 inches at the shoulder and weighs 85 pounds – and that’s the breed standard. Many run larger. Some significantly larger. This is not a dog that curls up neatly at the foot of your bed. This is a dog that takes up the entire bed and looks at you like you’re the one who’s in the wrong spot.

If you want to understand what a Husky is really like, read our Siberian Husky adoption guide. But if you’re here for the Malamute, buckle up. This is a different conversation entirely.

The Prey Drive Problem

This is the section most breed guides either skip or bury at the bottom. We’re putting it near the top because it’s the single most serious issue prospective Malamute owners need to understand.

Alaskan Malamutes have a strong, deeply ingrained prey drive. The Mahlemut Inuit people who developed this breed didn’t just use them for hauling – they used them for hunting seals and deterring polar bears. That hunting instinct has been refined over thousands of years and it has not been bred out.

What does this mean in practice? It means a Malamute may chase, catch, and kill small animals. Cats, rabbits, squirrels, small dogs, chickens – anything that runs can trigger the prey response. This isn’t aggression in the traditional sense. It’s instinct, and the distinction matters, but the outcome for the small animal is the same.

We have seen Malamutes who coexist peacefully with cats – particularly when raised together from puppyhood with careful socialization. But we have also seen Malamutes who lived with a cat for years and one day, something switched. We don’t say this to be dramatic. We say it because we’ve been the ones on the phone with the heartbroken owner.

If you have cats, rabbits, or other small pets and you’re considering a Malamute, you need to go in with your eyes completely open. Supervision must be constant and permanent – not just for the first few months, but for the life of the dog. Some rescue organizations, including ours, will require that Malamutes be placed in homes without small animals.

If you aren’t willing to accept this risk and manage it every single day – don’t adopt an Alaskan Malamute.

The Dominance Question

Here’s something that surprises people who are used to breeds like Golden Retrievers or Labs: a Malamute will test you. Not once. Repeatedly. For years.

Malamutes are pack animals with a deeply embedded sense of social hierarchy. In the wild and in working teams, there was always a lead dog, and every other dog knew exactly where it stood in the order. Your Malamute is going to figure out where you stand in the order, too – and if you don’t establish yourself clearly, your dog will happily take the leadership position.

This isn’t the same as a Husky being stubborn or a Samoyed being independent. Malamutes are genuinely dominant dogs. As one well-known Malamute resource from the Alaskan Malamute Club of Victoria puts it: “The Malamute is not the fabled one-man dog, following loved ones with blind faith and obedience. First, those loved ones must prove themselves worthy of faithfulness and obedience.”

That’s not hyperbole. A Malamute that doesn’t respect your leadership will ignore commands, push physical boundaries, resource guard, and generally run your household. And because this is an 85-pound animal with a bite force that can crack bone, these aren’t cute behavioral quirks. They’re real problems with real consequences.

Training must start early, be consistent, and be based on firm but fair leadership. Harsh punishment doesn’t work – it will make a Malamute either fearful or confrontational, neither of which you want. But wishy-washy, inconsistent handling is just as bad. These dogs need to know the rules, and they need to know you mean them.

If you’ve never owned a large, strong-willed dog before, a Malamute is not the place to start. Seriously. If you don’t have experience establishing yourself as a calm, confident leader with a powerful breed – don’t adopt an Alaskan Malamute.

The Escape Artist

Every arctic breed has a tendency to roam. Huskies are famous for it. But Malamutes bring something extra to the escape game: raw physical power.

A Husky will find the gap in your fence and squeeze through it. A Malamute will create the gap. They can jump six-foot fences, dig under them in minutes, and break through flimsy materials like chicken wire or lightweight wood panels. One Malamute owner reported her dog figured out how to unlock a deadbolt. These are not dumb animals.

Your fencing needs to be at least six feet tall, made of sturdy material, and extend into the ground to prevent digging under. Some owners bury concrete blocks or wire along the fence line. Electronic invisible fences do not work with Malamutes – their pain tolerance is high enough that they’ll blow right through the shock for the thrill of whatever’s on the other side.

And here’s the thing about a loose Malamute: unlike a loose Beagle or Lab, a loose Malamute with a prey drive is a genuine danger to neighborhood cats and small dogs. This isn’t a situation where you chase your dog around the block for twenty minutes and everyone laughs about it later. A loose Malamute can cause real harm.

If you don’t have a securely fenced yard – and by secure, we mean Malamute-proof – this breed is not for you.

The Exercise Reality

A Malamute that doesn’t get enough exercise is a Malamute that destroys things.

These dogs were bred to haul hundreds of pounds of freight across frozen tundra for hours at a time. They carry that work ethic in their DNA. A twenty-minute walk doesn’t register as exercise for a Malamute. It registers as a bathroom break.

Realistic daily exercise for an adult Malamute means one to two hours of vigorous activity. Hiking, running alongside a bike, pulling a cart or sled, swimming – these are appropriate outlets. The Westminster Kennel Club’s breed profile notes that Malamutes excel in activities like sledding, backpacking, skijoring, agility, and weight-pulling. If you can give your Malamute a job, you’ll have a happier dog and a house with fewer chew marks.

Digging is the other outlet, and it’s practically guaranteed. Malamutes dig for entertainment, for temperature regulation, and sometimes apparently just because the dirt was there and looked like it needed rearranging. Your yard will look like a construction site unless you provide a designated digging area or enough exercise to take the edge off. Even then, you’ll probably still find a few surprise craters.

Here in Albuquerque, the heat adds another layer of complexity. A Malamute’s double coat actually provides some insulation against heat, but these are still Arctic dogs at heart. Summer exercise must happen early in the morning or after sunset, and access to shade and fresh water throughout the day is non-negotiable. We’ve written more about keeping arctic dogs cool in hot climates for owners dealing with this exact challenge.

If you live in an apartment, work long hours, or don’t have the time and energy for serious daily exercise – don’t adopt an Alaskan Malamute.

The Grooming Commitment

Compared to the behavioral challenges above, grooming might seem like the easy part. It’s not easy – it’s just more straightforward.

Malamutes have a thick double coat that sheds year-round and “blows” heavily twice a year. During the blow, clumps of undercoat come out in handfuls, and your vacuum becomes the most important appliance in your house. Regular brushing – at least two to three times per week, daily during shedding season – is essential to prevent matting and keep the coat healthy.

One critical rule: never shave a Malamute. That double coat regulates body temperature in both cold and hot weather. Shaving it removes the insulation layer and can actually make the dog more susceptible to overheating, not less. It can also cause the coat to grow back improperly.

Bathing should happen every six to eight weeks, or as needed. Given the size of the dog, this is often a two-person job or a trip to a professional groomer. Budget $80 to $150 per professional grooming session.

Nails need trimming every four to six weeks, ears need regular cleaning, and dental care matters too. None of this is unique to Malamutes, but the sheer size of the dog makes every grooming task take longer and require more effort than it would with a smaller breed.

The Dog-Aggression Factor

This doesn’t get talked about enough in polished breed profiles, so we’ll say it plainly: many Malamutes are dog-selective, and same-sex aggression is common in the breed.

This doesn’t mean every Malamute will fight other dogs. Early socialization, proper introductions, and ongoing management can make multi-dog households work. But the tendency toward dominance extends to other dogs, and Malamutes – particularly those of the same sex – can have serious conflicts.

At dog parks, this requires careful management. A Malamute that’s fine with most dogs may still react badly to a dog that challenges it, and when an 85-pound dog reacts badly, the results can be severe. Many experienced Malamute owners avoid dog parks entirely, opting for controlled introductions and structured play instead.

If you already have a dog of the same sex and are considering adding a Malamute, proceed with extreme caution. Talk to the rescue or breeder about the specific dog’s history with other animals.

So Why Would Anyone Want One?

After all of that, you might be wondering: who in their right mind adopts this dog?

People who are ready for it. And here’s why.

An Alaskan Malamute that’s been properly socialized, trained, and exercised is one of the most loyal, affectionate, and genuinely impressive dogs on the planet. They form deep bonds with their families. They’re gentle with children – the Mahlemut people trusted them around their kids, and that protective gentleness hasn’t disappeared. They are playful well into adulthood, with a goofy, theatrical personality that will make you laugh every single day.

They’re also stunningly beautiful. There’s a presence to a well-kept Malamute that stops people in their tracks. The broad head, the powerful shoulders, the plumed tail carried over the back – this is a dog that looks like it belongs on a mountain ridge at sunrise.

And there’s something deeply satisfying about earning the respect of a Malamute. They don’t give it freely. When a Malamute trusts you, follows your lead, and chooses to work with you – that’s a partnership, not just pet ownership. It’s the same partnership the Mahlemut people built thousands of years ago, and it hasn’t lost any of its power.

Are Malamutes Good for First-Time Owners?

No.

That’s the honest answer, and we’re not going to soften it. Nearly every expert source agrees – DogTime, the AKC, Petfinder – and our own experience confirms it. A Malamute requires experienced handling, consistent training, significant physical space, and the ability to manage a powerful, intelligent animal that will test your leadership for as long as it lives.

If you’re a first-time dog owner and you’re drawn to arctic breeds, start with a breed that’s more forgiving. Read our Samoyed adoption guide or our Siberian Husky guide – both are demanding breeds, but they’re more manageable for someone still learning the ropes. Or explore our full breed database to find a match that fits your actual lifestyle, not just your aesthetic preferences.

If you do have experience with large, dominant breeds – if you’ve successfully raised a Rottweiler, a German Shepherd, an Akita, or another strong-willed working dog – then you have a foundation to build on. That doesn’t guarantee success with a Malamute, but it means you understand what “firm, consistent leadership” actually looks like in practice, not just in theory.

The Verdict

We’ve hit you with a lot of hard truths here. Prey drive. Dominance issues. Escape artistry. Dog aggression. The digging, the shedding, the sheer physical power of an animal that was bred to haul freight through blizzards.

If you’re still here – genuinely still here, not just skimming for the part where we say it’s all going to be fine – then maybe you’re one of the people who should own this dog.

You know what you’re signing up for. You have the space, the experience, the fencing, and the time. You understand that a Malamute isn’t a decorative pet – it’s a working partnership that demands everything you’ve got and gives back even more.

If that’s you, welcome. You’re about to share your life with one of the oldest, most powerful, and most deeply bonded dog breeds in existence. The Mahlemut people survived some of the harshest conditions on earth with these dogs by their side. They weren’t looking for a pet. They were looking for a partner.

That’s exactly what you’re getting.

If you’re ready to take the next step, check out our Alaskan Malamute breed profile for detailed temperament and characteristics data. You can also contact us directly to ask about available Malamutes and Malamute mixes, or browse our adoption information to learn how the process works. And if you haven’t already, pick up the essentials from our new dog shopping list – you’re going to need the heavy-duty version of everything on it.

One day you went to the website ADRTC.ORG and found yourself fascinated by a picture of a certain dog. You may have visited this site many times before and enjoyed the pictures, but you were always able to leave with just a smile.

But on this day, there was a picture of a special dog that you just could not put out of your mind. You finally gave in and visited the dog at the foster home. It was just a visit, because you were curious and maybe looking for a dog, if it was just the right one. Now that you know it is, and you are about to bring it home, you will want to know what you have done and what you are going to need at home to make this new dog a proper member of your family.

Here is a beginning list that we hope will help. Please send us your comments and suggestions for changes and additions so others can benefit from your experiences.

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1. Feeding equipment

We recommend stainless steel pans. Pans of 2 and 3 quarts work best with most of the breeds we place. Stainless steel is best because it is durable, dishwasher safe, and dogs cannot chew it.

Aluminum is not recommended, as small amounts may be ingested by the dog and could negatively affect health. Aluminum has been implicated in neurological disorders, so we avoid using it when it is not necessary.

We recommend two bowls, one for food and one for water. Additional water bowls may be required depending on your household setup.

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2. Food

We recommend feeding your dog a natural dog food. There are many more options on the market now than in the past. Avoid grocery store foods, as they are rarely good nutrition for northern breeds. Quality foods can be purchased at feed stores, pet stores, or ordered online.

There are many natural dog foods that work well. Some examples include products from Naturapet, Nutro Natural Choice, Solid Gold, Pinnacle, or Lundquist.

Dry food is generally recommended, as it helps keep teeth cleaner. Some northern dogs can be finicky eaters, so this may occasionally be a challenge.

We recommend avoiding frequent snacks and using treats only for training and reinforcement. Remember that feeding can stimulate bowel movements, which may complicate house training if treats are overused.

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3. Collar and leash

Each dog from CCNDR comes with at least one collar. You should not need additional collars, but a leash is essential.

A general rule to remember is that the longer the leash, the less control the handler has over the dog. Use a short leash for maximum control and continue using it until you are confident in your dog’s behavior in all situations. Short training tabs are also helpful. Long leashes should be used only for training purposes or later for controlled recreational use.

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4. Crate

A good crate is an ideal way to start out happily with your new dog. Almost every dog from CCNDR is crate trained when placed. Many are also trained on tie down lines.

A crate provides your dog with a private, secure space to sleep, eat, or play quietly with toys. If you have more than one dog, a crate is almost a necessity. Even with only one dog, a crate helps your dog feel safe and secure. Properly crate trained dogs view the crate as a place of security, not confinement.

For an average size dog, such as a 50 pound Siberian, a size 400 crate is adequate. If a mesh crate is preferred, a small size works well. Mesh crates are often collapsible for storage. Plastic crates with solid walls are better for shipping or transporting dogs.

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5. Identification

An identification tag with your name, address, and phone number is essential. Dogs from CCNDR wear an Alaskan collar and a CCNDR identification tag with a unique reference number.

We recommend adding a personal tag with your name and contact information, but leaving off the dog’s name. Including the dog’s name may encourage theft and can make proving ownership more difficult if the dog has not yet been microchipped.

We strongly recommend microchipping all dogs. Some of our dogs are chipped, but many are not due to cost limitations. We hope this will change in the future.

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6. Grooming tools

For general use, a slicker brush works well for most northern breeds. Longer haired dogs such as Siberians, Samoyeds, Keeshonds, and some Malamutes may require a rake.

A longer rake with closely spaced teeth is more effective than one with short or widely spaced prongs. Other helpful tools include a shedding blade, a rubber grooming brush such as a Zoom Groom, and a comb.

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7. Medications: flea, tick, and heartworm

If fleas are a concern in your area, products such as Advantage or Frontline can be effective. If ticks are also a concern, Frontline is preferred, as it treats both fleas and ticks.

We recommend establishing a regular application schedule, such as the first weekend of each month. Frontline may be applied every one to three months depending on the product and local conditions.

Consult your veterinarian to determine whether heartworm prevention is necessary in your area. Some regions have very low incidence, while others have a high risk. Your dog’s activities also matter, such as hiking in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent. Heartworm preventatives require a veterinary prescription.

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8. Miscellaneous supplies: Nature’s Miracle and Bitter Apple

While many CCNDR dogs are mature and trained, some are puppies or adolescents who may chew.

For dogs inclined to chew inappropriate items, Bitter Apple can be sprayed on furniture legs or other objects to discourage chewing.

Nature’s Miracle is useful for all dog owners. Even well trained dogs can have accidents or become ill indoors. After cleaning with standard carpet cleaners, applying Nature’s Miracle helps break down organic residue and eliminate odors over time. It is also effective for use in vehicles.

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9. Bedding

Bedding should be kept simple. We recommend using the crate for sleeping, though this is not required for fully house trained dogs.

Bath towels work well as bedding and are easy to wash and reuse. Rugs, carpets, and dog beds are harder to keep clean. Dog beds are best reserved for dogs that have passed the chewing stage, as younger dogs may destroy them.

Old towels are perfectly suitable, and friends or family often have extras they are willing to donate.

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10. Toys

Toys are important, but we recommend avoiding rawhide. Northern dogs may consume large amounts, which can irritate the digestive tract and cause prolonged gastrointestinal upset.

Squeaker toys can be engaging but should be supervised, as dogs may remove and swallow the squeaker. Nylon or vegetable based chew toys work for some dogs, and rope toys are popular with young dogs.

Cured cow hooves work well for many northern breeds when sourced from reputable suppliers. While no chew is completely risk free, providing an appropriate outlet for chewing is far better than allowing dogs to damage furniture, fencing, or landscaping. Some dogs have even been known to chew rocks, which is dangerous and costly.

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11. Yard inspection

Inspect the area of the yard your dog will use, especially if the dog will be unattended. Remove toxic plants and check fencing, gates, garden tools, sprinkler heads, and ground lighting.

Northern dogs can escape through very small gaps. An opening as small as 4 inches can allow a 50 pound dog to squeeze through.

Digging is common among northern breeds. Fence lines should be designed to prevent digging underneath. Preventative measures are far easier than correcting escape behavior after it begins.

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Summary Shopping List

1. Two stainless steel pans
2. All natural dog food
3. One leash and optional training tabs
4. One crate, size 400 for a 50 pound dog or equivalent mesh size
5. ID tag with owner contact information
6. Grooming tools: slicker brush, rake, and optional rubber brush
7. Medications for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
8. Nature’s Miracle and Bitter Apple
9. Old or inexpensive towels
10. Toys appropriate for your dog, avoiding rawhide

What Northern Breed Owners Need to Know

Many owners of northern breed dogs consider taking their dog to a dog park but feel unsure whether it is the right choice. For those new to breeds such as the Siberian Husky or American Eskimo Dog, managing daily life can already feel challenging. Visiting a dog park requires more preparation than simply putting a leash on your dog.

Dog parks can be excellent places for exercise and socialization when used correctly. Most problems at dog parks are caused by people rather than dogs. Proper preparation, education, and awareness make the experience safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

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Are Dog Parks Good for Arctic Breeds?

Northern breed dogs are energetic, intelligent, and social by nature. Dog parks can provide valuable physical and mental stimulation, but only when owners understand dog behavior, park rules, and proper etiquette.

An unprepared visit can quickly turn from a pleasant outing into a stressful or dangerous situation. Preparation is essential.

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Know the Dog Park Rules

Before bringing your dog, visit the dog park alone. Read all posted rules carefully and make notes if needed. Dog parks function best when everyone understands and follows the rules.

Common rule violations include:

• Bringing underage children into the park
• Bringing food or treats
• Bringing toys and leaving them behind

These actions increase the risk of conflict, injury, and accidents.

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Children and Dog Parks

Rules prohibiting young children exist for the safety of both children and dogs. Children may move unpredictably, startle dogs, or step on them. A frightened dog may bite, and the consequences are almost always worse for the dog than for the child.

Dog parks do not require dogs to be socialized to children. Instead, children are required to stay outside the park.

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Food and Treats Are Dangerous

Food is one of the fastest ways to start a dog fight. Treats are food and should never be brought into the dog park.

Training that requires treats should be done elsewhere. Offering food in the presence of multiple dogs can escalate into serious conflict within seconds.

The same applies to food or drinks for people. Even coffee or beverages can attract dogs and disrupt their behavior.

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Toys Create Conflict

Toys should not be brought into dog parks. Many dogs become possessive over toys, leading to fights when another dog grabs them.

Abandoned toys are especially dangerous. Dogs may swallow broken pieces, leading to intestinal blockage or death. Picking up discarded toys and throwing them away is an important safety courtesy.

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Always Supervise Your Dog

Pay attention to your dog at all times. Be aware of what it is doing and how it interacts with others. Distractions lead to missed warning signs and preventable incidents.

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Preparing Your Dog for the Dog Park

Vaccinations and Health

Your dog must be fully vaccinated before visiting a dog park. This includes core vaccines and Bordetella.

Diseases such as parvovirus can remain in the environment for months. Puppies or incompletely vaccinated dogs should never be taken to dog parks.

If your dog shows any signs of illness, do not bring it to the park. A weakened immune system increases risk, and sick dogs can spread disease to others.

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Intact Dogs and Special Precautions

Female dogs must not be in heat or approaching heat. Females can attract males weeks before visible signs appear, leading to fights and loss of control.

Owners of intact males must ensure excellent control and prior training in multiple environments. Intact males may react more strongly to other males or females nearing heat.

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Identification and Equipment

Your dog should:

• Wear proper identification and license tags
• Be microchipped
• Have a well fitted collar
• Be attached to a reliable leash

Check leash clips and collars regularly. Worn equipment can fail at critical moments.

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Parasite Prevention

Dogs should be on flea, tick, and heartworm prevention appropriate to your region. Some heartworm preventatives also protect against intestinal parasites commonly found at dog parks.

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Know Your Dog First

Spend time walking your dog in your neighborhood before visiting a dog park. Observe how it reacts to other dogs, people, and distractions.

Northern breeds are independent thinkers. Reliability matters more than perfect obedience. Knowing how your dog reacts allows you to manage situations calmly and effectively.

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Entering the Dog Park Safely

For first visits, choose a quiet time. Walk around the park before entering to help your dog settle.

Use the double gate system correctly:

1. Enter the first gate
2. Ensure no one is entering or exiting
3. Remove the leash inside the holding area
4. Enter the park calmly

Hold your dog by the collar when opening the inner gate to prevent bolting.

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Using a Drag Line

For dogs that do not come when called, a drag line can be helpful. A drag line is a lightweight line attached to the collar that trails behind the dog.

Stepping on the line allows you to regain control calmly without chasing or yelling. This method is quiet, effective, and avoids embarrassment.

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Leash Etiquette Inside the Park

Walking a dog on leash inside the dog park is poor etiquette and often dangerous. Leashed dogs feel restricted and insecure, which can provoke aggressive reactions from off leash dogs.

Dogs behave more naturally and calmly when off leash among other dogs.

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If a Fight Occurs

Never place your hands or body between fighting dogs.

Use the wheelbarrow technique:

• Each owner grabs their dog by the hind legs
• Lift and pull backward simultaneously

This safely breaks most fights without injury.

Stay calm and communicate clearly. Teaching others this method helps prevent injuries.

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Understanding Dog Behavior

Spend time observing dogs at the park, even without your own dog present. Learn to recognize play, insecurity, warning signals, and true aggression.

Growling, barking, and mock threats are often part of normal dog play. Learn when to monitor and when to intervene.

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Handling Problem Owners and Dogs

Some owners misinterpret normal dog behavior or allow their dogs to behave poorly. Stay calm, polite, and firm when educating others.

If a situation becomes consistently unsafe, change your visit time. Safety comes before routine.

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Watching Your Own Dog

Ensure your dog does not:

• Jump on people
• Mouth hands or clothing
• Harass other dogs

Correct inappropriate behavior promptly. Ask others to help reinforce good manners when needed.

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Leaving the Dog Park

Walk to your dog instead of calling from afar. Leash your dog calmly and exit carefully through both gates, watching for other dogs attempting to escape.

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What Dog Parks Teach Your Dog

Dog parks provide valuable learning experiences:

• Proper bite inhibition
• Social boundaries
• Appropriate play behavior
• Improved confidence and emotional maturity

Mental stimulation at the park often tires dogs more effectively than physical exercise alone.

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Final Thoughts

Dog parks can be rewarding experiences for arctic breed dogs and their owners when approached responsibly. Preparation, awareness, and respect for rules protect everyone involved.

A well managed dog park visit creates a calmer, happier, and better socialized dog.

Understanding the Risks, Causes, and Safe Weight Loss

Obesity in dogs has become one of the most common and dangerous health problems seen today. Rescue organizations regularly encounter dogs that are significantly overweight, many of whom should never have been allowed to reach such an unhealthy condition. Excess weight reduces quality of life, shortens lifespan, and increases the risk of serious disease.

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What Is Canine Obesity?

Obesity is defined as the excessive accumulation of fat in the body that leads to impaired health and physical function. This is different from being simply overweight.

A dog may exceed a breed weight range due to muscle development rather than fat. Obesity specifically refers to excess body fat that causes or contributes to medical problems.

A dog is considered obese when its body weight exceeds its ideal weight by 15 percent or more.

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How Common Is Obesity in Dogs?

Canine obesity is currently the most widespread nutritional disorder affecting dogs worldwide. Estimates suggest that between 25 percent and 44 percent of dogs are obese.

Obesity occurs more often:

• In middle aged and older dogs
• In females
• In neutered dogs

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How to Tell If Your Dog Is Obese

The simplest and most practical method is a hands on evaluation of your dog’s rib cage.

• If ribs are easily felt with minimal fat covering, the dog is a healthy weight
• If ribs are difficult to feel due to a layer of fat, the dog is overweight
• If ribs cannot be felt at all, the dog is obese

A large abdomen that hangs downward or bulges outward is another strong indicator of obesity.

Any assessment should be confirmed by a veterinarian, who can rule out medical conditions that may mimic weight gain.

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Why Dogs Become Obese

Some contributing factors are outside the owner’s control:

• Genetics and breed type
• Age
• Sex
• Neutering status

However, the most important causes are owner controlled.

Primary Causes

• Excess calorie intake
• Insufficient physical activity

Most obesity results from dogs consuming more calories than they burn.

Common contributors include:

• Overfeeding
• Table scraps and snacks
• Treats given too frequently
• Feeding when bored rather than hungry
• Reduced exercise without reducing food intake

Neutering significantly increases the likelihood of obesity if feeding habits are not adjusted.

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Puppy Overfeeding and Lifelong Impact

Overfeeding puppies increases the number of fat cells in their bodies. Puppies allowed to become obese are far more likely to struggle with weight for the rest of their lives. Early feeding habits matter.

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Health Risks of Obesity

Obesity significantly reduces a dog’s lifespan and enjoyment of life. It also increases veterinary costs and chronic illness.

Health problems linked to obesity include:

• Diabetes
• Arthritis and joint disease
• Reduced mobility
• Decreased stamina
• Lower overall quality of life

A dog that remains obese for several years is very likely to develop medical complications.

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Owner Responsibility and Compliance

Successful weight loss depends primarily on owner commitment. Every member of the household must agree on the necessity of the diet plan and follow it consistently.

Common obstacles include:

• Denial that the dog is overweight
• Viewing excess weight as a sign of good health
• Inconsistent feeding by different family members

Weight management requires honesty, discipline, and consistency.

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Home Management for Weight Loss

Calorie Restriction

Reducing daily calorie intake is the foundation of weight loss. Most programs prescribe 40 to 60 percent of the calories required at the dog’s target weight.

This can be achieved through:

• Veterinary weight loss diets
• Carefully planned home prepared diets

Food changes must be complete to be effective.

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Measuring Food Is Critical

Food must always be measured accurately.

Estimating portions or using unmeasured scoops almost always leads to overfeeding. Measuring every meal is essential for success.

Stop the diet and consult your veterinarian if your dog develops loose stools or other digestive issues.

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Feeding Frequency

Feeding smaller portions multiple times per day helps reduce hunger and improves compliance.

• Ideally feed 3 to 4 times daily
• At minimum feed twice daily

The total daily food amount must not increase regardless of feeding frequency.

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Safe Weight Loss Rates

• Small to medium dogs can safely lose about 1 pound per week
• Large dogs can safely lose about 1.5 pounds per week

Weight should be tracked regularly to ensure steady progress.

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Managing Extreme Hunger

For dogs that exhibit severe hunger behaviors such as constant scavenging or stealing food, a high fiber approach may help.

One effective rescue method involves replacing up to one third of the meal with rabbit food pellets. Rabbit food is high in fiber and very low in calories.

Benefits include:

• Increased satiety
• Reduced hunger behaviors
• No harmful effects when used appropriately

Some dogs may need time to adjust to the taste.

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Chewing as a Behavioral Tool

Providing large chew bones can help reduce food obsession by:

• Occupying the dog for extended periods
• Burning more calories than they consume
• Reducing boredom driven behaviors

This approach is particularly useful in chronic cases.

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Prevention Through Education

Preventing obesity is easier than treating it. All dog owners should be educated on proper feeding practices, not only those with overweight dogs.

A healthy dog today can easily become obese tomorrow if feeding habits are poor.

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Final Thoughts

Obesity is a preventable condition that causes unnecessary suffering. With proper education, accurate feeding, consistent exercise, and veterinary guidance, dogs can live longer, healthier, and happier lives.

Responsible feeding is an essential part of responsible dog ownership.

Tahvi’s Story – The Training of a Guide Dog
by Gary Wynn Kelly Copyright© 1996, 2005

The remarkable Tahvi was born February 21, 1992. This article chronicles his early years up to 1996. The story was published with permission in the BASH newsletter from April through October, 1996. I have added an afterward, to summarize some of the highpoints that followed these early years. Tahvi died on January 21, 2004.

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Gary Wynn Kelly – May, 2005

Why a Siberian?

Typically, traditional guide dog schools use shepherds, retrievers, and border collies as guide dogs. When I obtained my first guide dog, I went to one of the highly respected schools, and got a shepherd guide dog named Nell. She was quite attractive and weighed in at 60 lbs. Nell worked as well as any shepherd, and served me for eight years. I retired her with hip dysplasia, cataracts, skin problems, low thyroid, digestive ailments, and occasional other maladies from time to time!

I enjoyed the help that Nell gave for much of her life, but not the problems that came with her breed. The physical problems were obviously pronounced, and created their own psychological reactions to working well. After having concluded such an experience I was reluctant to again volunteer for a shepherd. She was a best bred shepherd, as she was a product of the school’s own breeding program.

I conducted my own research on possible dogs for a guide dog. I was attracted by the husky. These dogs enjoy robust health, an enthusiastic nature, and the kind of intelligence essential to being a great guide dog. Some had been guide dogs, though not many. I decided to make the attempt.

I liked the size of a husky. Traditionally, larger dogs were used on the misapprehension that a large dog was needed to move a large man out of the way of a vehicle or other danger if necessary. It seemed that a husky could manage this quite readily, and retain the benefits of a small dog. There is simply no place in modern society for an 80 pound dog in compact cars, airplanes, or at theaters.

I also liked the odor-free nature of huskies. A wet shepherd is unpleasant to have on a bus, in the office, or even in the home. A less doggie smelling dog seemed an asset.

A shepherd can be moody at the best of times, and positively unpleasant if one decides to take offense at being corrected, or is having an off day because it is hot outside. I wanted a dog with a positive outlook — a real optimist, who would do something for my occasional depressions other than reinforce them! It seemed there could be only one dog to meet all those requirements.

I trained my first husky, Kodiak, and I was very fortunate in many respects. Kodiak, as he matured, became a dignified professional dog who fulfilled my every expectation of what a truly great guide dog should be. After that, I was sold on huskies!

When I lived in Hawaii, I did not use a guide dog. This is due to the fact that quarantine regulations are so severe as to make travel with a guide dog almost impossible. The quarantine period at that time, was 4 months, and there was no exemption for guide dogs.

Huskies make great guide dogs because they love working, take work seriously, enjoy having new experiences, always have a positive attitude, enjoy people and children, and never take things personally. We should all have such great companions and working partners!

When we moved to California in 1992, I again chose to train my own husky. There seemed little choice for me after my experiences with Kodiak, and my general good feelings about the breed. I contacted Lee Reed, of Aurora Siberians, and after viewing with him, I acquired Tahvi — or Tahvi me.

Training Can Be Difficult

I started Tahvi’s training in September of 1992. I began by taking Tahvi on walks around my neighbor hood on leash. I used my cane, and just had Tahvi come along. At every street corner, I would make him sit, praise him, and have him wait until it was safe to cross. We did this each day, gradually getting Tahvi used to being out near traffic, and aware of curbs. After a couple of weeks, we introduced him to his harness, which he, like Kodiak, instantly loved — very unlike shepherds, who will eat their harness, or chew it off.

The next days were spent in continuing the original exercise with encouragement for Tahvi to guide. He had learned the limited route, so he would tentatively set out along it. With encouragement, he learned to walk along and stop at corners. It took time to teach him to actually stop reliably, and to not sniff along the way, but he did learn quite quickly.

After only 3 weeks, I put all my work to the test, and took Tahvi out to dinner with us to a very nice restaurant. He settled down behind my chair near a window, and behaved very well. That set a pattern for going out that persisted for all his working years.

I had practiced having Tahvi at my feet at the home dinner table, and I never feed my dogs from the table, so I was quite sure of his manners in advance. It is also important to plan for future events.

One school of thought might think that taking a young dog out so early in training was foolishness. Actually, it isn’t. The dogs are inexperienced, and a husky will react predictably in this situation. They are reserved, because they are uncertain. It is overwhelming, and demanding, so they typically respond by being a lot less enthusiastic and boisterous. I reinforced that, and it became the pattern.

As Tahvi progressed in learning to guide, I began “rewarding” him by expanding the route on which we trained. Huskies love change. They often quickly grow bored with the same routine which gives them an unjustified reputation as stubborn. Huskies thrive on stimulation and interaction. They will create what they don’t have, through games and varying the instructions they are given.

As I expanded the route, there were plenty of opportunities to make demands on even an energetic husky. A guide dog cannot simply obey commands. A good guide dog has to intelligently disobey commands, and use a lot of initiative in solving unstructured problems. I make more demands on my dogs than traditional training, because there is a lot I don’t know about what might be happening that a sighted trainer would know. My dogs have to think early, and think accurately.

It is not desirable to over-stress the obedience of a guide dog. The last thing a guide dog should be is perfectly obedient. They are generally selected to be “intelligently disobedient”, and show high initiative. That is a bit of a paradox to obedient behavior.

I began Tahvi’s training with very little obedience. Virtually all teaching was with positive reinforcement only. As months went by, I demanded a higher standard of excellence reinforced with verbal praise, and verbal discipline for the most part. Occasionally — and rarely for the training of Tahvi — I used a leash correction. I reserved this for severe offenses, since verbal guidance is all that he normally required. Tahvi is a “soft” dog, and a leash correction was much too harsh for him in most instances. He takes my verbal displeasure seriously, and tries to please me.

I was surprised to find that when I began his obedience training that he had no objection. When Tahvi was young, he would get up in the morning, and begin his day like a cannon ball. He was awake, full of energy, and ready for his walk. It was hard to get him to eat breakfast first. As a matter of fact he would get so excited, that I had to slow him down, or the excitement led to further spirals of uncontrolled enthusiasm. So, I began obedience training before taking him on a walk. Much to my surprise, he took to it with typical husky enthusiasm. He bugled when he performed successfully, and when he failed to sit calmly and rest as he should, he would jump around excitedly demanding just “one more chance!” I had a hard time being serious enough to keep him concentrating on his exercises.

Tahvi learned all the commands, and could perform each perfectly — when he could restrain himself enough to comply. He learned that when he did complete them successfully, we went for his walk. So at the end of the session I was often rewarded with a trumpeting husky’s declaration of success.

Initiative is very important in guide dogs, and counter to obedience. Guide dog instructors like to talk about the criteria for guide dogs being initiative, emotional stability, and intelligent disobedience. Guide dogs are not very well trained for obedience because it is counter to the first and third qualities most sought for in selecting guide dogs.

Initiative is required for the dog to problem solve. Too many situations contain variables and circumstances of which I can know nothing. My dog has to make the decision to do something, or we are stuck. That can be dangerous. The dog has to take the initiative and solve the problem appropriately.

As an example (that is all too typical) I can site the case of crossing a street that has multiple lanes, and having an inconsiderate driver pull into the crosswalk blocking it. If we stand still, the light may change leaving us in the middle of a street with cars going everywhere around us. Playing Russian roulette with automobiles is not my idea of entertainment. I want to have my dog figure a way out — now.

The solution is not one I can dictate. Walking in front of the car may be unsafe if it takes us into the traffic lane, especially with cars coming up from behind us. Walking behind the car may be unsafe as well in that it may put us between two cars , with the possibility that the driver in front may decide to back up for some unknown reason, and not realize we are behind him.

The dog had better think quickly — and well ahead of the problem. The key is to not have the situation develop if it can be helped. That means that Tahvi has to have figured out the problem before leaving the safety of the curb or island from which we start. It is possible, and has happened, that the situation developed after that was no longer a reality. Tahvi solves this by being conservatively assertive. He walks in front of the first car — right up to the offending driver’s side and stares the driver down. Several times they have backed up to let us pass with apologies.

On the occasions when this has not occurred Tahvi is quite sure that the car we are now standing in front of is not going to move. He has placed himself in a position to be visible to the next driver behind the offending motorist, and when the inconsiderate driver has removed himself/herself — the next car usually stops to allow us safe passage to the curb. This happened several times at Park and Soquel. Tahvi was good — very good, in fact the best at this of any of the guide dogs I have ever had.

Intelligent disobedience is knowing when to tell the master “no”. If I ordered Tahvi forward, and he realized that some driver was ready to make a right turn on red regardless of us having the right of way, he had best stand still. He would. He had a strong sense of self preservation.

How does one encourage initiative? It can be suppressed, and I find encouraged with appropriate education. I did it through a careful program requiring months of work. When Tahvi guided me we encountered many situations which are trivial as well as those which are major. I began by having him make choices in trivial situations. Which way around an obstacle do we go? Often there are two or three solutions, and I let him choose. In any situation there may be more than one answer, and the important fact was that of Tahvi recognizing alternate possibilities. If he made a choice differing from my own, I would let him make it if it truly makes no difference in terms of the outcome.

This may extend to which approach we make when we come to an obstacle, which way we walk around the block, or whether we use a short cut or not. I often would stop, and say nothing. Tahvi would seem to think about it, and offer a tentative indication of what he expected us to do. I then directed him to continue. After a while he made choices more assertively. later, he became quite definite, though he learned to revise his thinking immediately, if I directed him to do so.

When we approached low hanging tree branches on a sidewalk, Tahvi had to decide if we should go into the street to go around them, or if I could safely navigate by stooping beneath them. Sometimes I would duck beneath them, but complained verbally if I thought we could have gone around more easily. He learned to take me around in the street unless he decided that he did not have the visibility to do so. Then I had to duck beneath branches — bow to his greater knowledge, so to speak.

Tahvi could soon make confident decisions about going around cars at a construction site, moving into a traffic lane when the sidewalk was blocked, and staying where he was until the situation changed and produced a better set of circumstances. It is one of the few times Tahvi displayed patience during those early years.

There were a couple of situations where Tahvi gave others a look communicating his assessment of their behavior — at least in their perceptions. We came down the sidewalk one day to find that construction was blocking the next twenty feet of sidewalk. Worker’s were doing some concrete work, and had hoses, wheel barrows, shovels, frames, and other debris every where. The workers immediately called out for us to stop, and one began directing the others to move various objects out of the way, Tahvi stopped for a moment or two, then proceeded, with some interesting expression on his face for the one giving orders. The man said to me, “I guess I should just let him do his job.”

Tahvi of course, navigated the obstacles quickly and safely. He made it look easy. I wish I could have seen Tahvi’s look. Anita often has said that Tahvi always communicated so clearly.

Another day Tahvi was cruising along the sidewalk at a good 3.5 mph, and there were containers with bottles for the usual Wednesday collection. A man called out to us about the containers, and his voice trailed off as he watched Tahvi. Tahvi didn’t even slow down, he veered left out one driveway, and in the next with total grace and control. He had it all figured for thirty feet in advance, and knew what he was going to do. He uses every curb cut, and every driveway he can to make his job easier, as well as my walking.

When a guide dog uses curbs, it must stop and await my direction to go forward. Tahvi learned to optimize his moving time by planning the most accessible route. Huskies like efficiency — Kodiak learned the use of these conveniences as well.

Huskies Will Be Huskies

High initiative means that a husky sense of humor is likely to get ample expression as well. I got a sample of this from Tahvi when training him to take me along the beach.

Tahvi had a mischievous sense of humor. I often would take him for walks on the beach. I was careful to always use the same ramp from the access road down to the beach when I first took him. That is very important. When I went down to the beach alone with Tahvi, I could not determine for myself, how to get from the beach back up to the road. By teaching Tahvi the way I could rely on him to take me back the way I came.

New Brighton Beach is nice because it is possible to walk along the beach for more than a mile to the next State park — Sea Cliff. Tahvi had to know when we were getting back though, and find the way back up to the road. He did so reliably every time. One part of the beach looked like another to me, so I needed Tahvi to find our way out of the park.

Tahvi was not above walking me into the waves when we took such a walk. He loves the ocean. He would chase waves, dig for them, and always consider it a treat to be taken to the beach. When I did not wish to get wet, I had to walk further up the beach from the waves to avoid tempting Tahvi. When the tide was high on one occasion, I was actually walking along the berm which is about two to three feet above the level of the beach. We walked along the beach to the creek as usual, and were on our way back when Tahvi engaged in his fun.

We were most of the way back to New Brighton walking parallel to the high waves along the top of the berm. Tahvi suddenly jumped forward and up — taking me with him — right off into space! The berm had ended and Tahvi, instead of signalling me by stopping as he should have, jumped out into space taking me along. He knew it was only a couple of feet to the soft sand of the beach — but I didn’t!

I landed safely enough, on my feet as a matter of fact, but I did experience an adrenaline shock. I don’t know what other people would say, but I know Tahvi was laughing at me! Especially, as he was cavorting about, doing his “lamb dance”.

Every Day Life With Tahvi

I was often asked about how I trained Tahvi in everyday matters. What techniques did I use for more usual husky problems?

One day Anita and I were working at the house on our computers intently. Tahvi was in his backyard being bored. He had been in and out several times, and was growing tired of our failure to entertain him. He finally went outside and stayed out. We kept working — paying little attention to how quiet he had grown. Anita finally took a break and looked out in the yard. She gasped in dismay. Tahvi had dug six holes in a row. Any one of these holes was large enough to hold him in it! He had nearly made a trench across the yard, and of course, scattered dirt everywhere. It was a mess.

Anita went out and began cleaning up. She swept the lanai, and covered the holes with what dirt was still available. Our usual procedure to discourage digging was to bury his stool from the yard in his holes. This is very effective as a deterrent to further excavation in the same area. This time however, his massive excavations precluded this simple solution. I suggested we get out the black pepper to put in the holes. Anita did so, and presently came inside.

In a little while she looked outside to see what Tahvi was doing. He was walking around the area of the holes looking like he might dig them out again. But, suddenly he began using his nose to push dirt from around the yard into the holes. It was the first time we had ever seen a dog use his nose as a bulldozer! He soon ran out of dirt, since it was so scattered. He began looking around for more, and seeing some on the bottom board of the fence used his nose to push it off, and over the holes as well. We nearly fell off of our chairs laughing.

Tahvi really does not like pepper! It was the first time I ever saw a husky un-dig a hole!

For a while I had a challenge with Tahvi eating his bed. I suppose it is his version of a Bed and Breakfast — a bed for breakfast. He kept eating his cedar mattress. I bought burlap sacks to contain its remains, and he would eat those as well. I put Bitter Apple on the bedding, and in a couple of days it would wear off, and he would commence his mastications once again.

I finally found the solution. I bought another burlap sack, and used some lemon scented Dawn dish detergent on it. I rubbed it in over the entire surface and let it dry without rinsing it. I put that over his cedar mattress, and he did not chew it after that. The first couple of days he was not thrilled about sleeping on it, but then he slept on it every night.

The Traveling Tahvi

Huskies love adventure, and Tahvi was no exception. We took a trip to Atlanta when Tahvi was seven months into training. That was a real test of how well Tahvi was doing.

Tahvi was a traveling dog. He flew like a pro both ways. On the flight from San Jose to Phoenix, he was only the slightest bit nervous, but settled down quickly. In phoenix, we had expected to have a break before the next flight, but did not. That meant that Tahvi had to go much longer with no stop for him. He managed very well, though the total time for him exceeded nine hours with no trees.

When flying with a guide dog, the airlines are supposed to provide seating with sufficient room to accommodate the dog. This means that we request the bulkhead seats. The floor space is sufficient here to permit the dog to lie at one’s feet. It is nice if there is an empty seat as well, so that there is additional unoccupied floorspace, but this is not required by the law. On the flight going to Atlanta we had the good fortune to have the extra seat on both flights. On the way home this was not true on the last flight. Tahvi managed though. The dog never needs a seat, but floor area is growing to be more of a premium as planes get smaller and passengers more crowded.

The flight to Atlanta from Phoenix was supposed to have been on a larger aircraft, but there were so few passengers that they put us all on a 737. This meant that Tahvi did not have as much room, but then he did not know the difference. This is a *very* good reason to have a husky! I value him being only 45 pounds, and highly compact.

When we landed in Atlanta and went to baggage claim, Tahvi saw the doors outside and insisted we take him out first. We did, and he did not even wait to get to the first tree — he chose a lamp post instead!

The Atlanta airport is so large, that the concourses are connected to the terminal areas by an underground system a mile long. In this underground transit corridor, There is a choice of walking, a people mover, or a train. We chose the train. This is an automatic computer controlled train. One has to move fast or a computer voice chastises one for being in the way of the doors. Tahvi managed as though he had always done it.

Bad Vibrations

I learned something about huskies in Atlanta that I have suspected for many years. This may be a new bit of information not well-known among husky owners.

When I had my previous husky guide dog, Kodiak, I found out that he had an interesting phobia. In Atlanta there are very large shopping malls. There are in fact, quite a large number of them around the city. They were built at different times, and have differing styles. Several have upper floors designed as balconies overlooking open lower courtyards. Some of these are built solidly, and some are built with a more resilient architecture such that they vibrate when you walk on the upper floor. I had found out years ago that Kodiak would never walk near the edge of the balcony of one of these malls. Others he would, so it never seemed to relate to heights. I suspected that it was a vibration that he sensed that he equated to “bad ice”. I could never prove that this was more than an aberration of one dog — until now.

Tahvi acted in precisely the same manner. He refused to go near the edge of the balcony, or upper floor in a mall where Kodiak had behaved in the same manner. In other malls he had no problem. I am completely convinced now that these huskies sense the “swaying” or bouncing of the upper level with people walking on it. The result is that they interpret this as dangerous and retreat to safer footing. Tahvi and Kodiak acted in precisely the same way. They put all four feet in front of them, and refuse to go further. Each walked close to the store fronts venturing only a minimum distance from the solid footing near the building. If I attempted to force them to further distances from the store fronts each rebelled in the same manner. Neither would even permit me to lead them by leash to the edge of the upper level. Each would lie down and hug the floor — refusing to move.

In two other malls built differently, tahvi had no such reaction. In one of them that was around at the time, Kodiak lived, he too, never reacted either. It isn’t the height.

What is curious about this is that neither dog had had any experience with ice. The behavior is apparently passed on genetically. Possibly Tanya told Tahvi when he was a puppy — but I doubt it.

I know that many people have wondered how huskies know bad ice without taking a sled out upon it. Apparently the answer is that they are sensitive to vibrations — perhaps through their feet. These vibrations may be sensed in a similar manner to seismic vibrations, and tell the husky a similar story.

Tahvi Goes Shopping

Another funny happening was that in one mall we went into a store looking for a present for Anita’s daughter who was graduating from California State at Northridge the next month. We were with my sister, Diane, and her husband, Al. On the way out the door, Al politely stated, “I think your dog has picked up something.”

Tahvi had nabbed a stuffed black cat with velcro feet on the way by a display. He was carrying it in his mouth out the door!

The store staff were very good about it. They laughed, and asked Anita, “Since the dog picked it out, Isn’t he going to buy it for him?”

I didn’t. My sister accuses me of being a modern blind Fagan from oliver.

Later, that following Christmas, my sister and her husband sent Tahvi a present: the cat he had chosen. We kept it for him for years, and he always cared for it. We put up where he could not demolish it, and brought it down for visits at intervals.

Going Out and Up

Tahvi was very well behaved at restaurants we went to, and quite the center of much attention anywhere we went. He had learned to ride escalators, but I did not practice as much as I might have, as there were so few where we were living. When we were in Atlanta, he got more practice. He was unsure, but quickly got back into the routine. The trick is to keep him moving when going onto, or coming off, an escalator.

Thirty years ago guide dog schools did not teach dogs to do escalators. We were told to use elevators or stairs. About twenty years ago most schools began teaching dogs to do escalators. I taught Tahvi. Tahvi caught on right away. He had a sense that the safest place for his feet was in the middle of a step, and knew when coming off to avoid the vanishing steps.

Talking Siberians

Tahvi was also very popular with my parents and sister. My parents admired his intelligence, and my sister liked the way he could talk. I found it easier to teach Tahvi to talk in only some places and not in others. Basically when working he is not to talk. When off duty at home, he can talk politely. That means that he may make unusual — not very loud sounds. It has worked. He is doing very well by this agreement. If he talks in public I generally know that he needs something like water, or to go outside. Like many huskies, he can talk quite well in other circumstances! It probably would have been impossible, and cruel to forbid talking, so I taught him to moderate his talking into acceptable communications. He pleased me greatly with his success at mastering this concept.

Generalizing Concepts

On the trip back, we flew to Phoenix first on a 757 (which meant more room for Tahvi), and changed planes. We had to go from one concourse to another, and this required using two People Movers. These slidewalks are similar to escalators, but a little different in use. Tahvi took to them quite well. He made the general association, and surprised me by knowing what to do when he came to the end — he sped up so he did not go over on his nose! Tahvi handled these movers as though he had been told how in advance.

Again, there was no opportunity to have Tahvi go outside during transfer. That meant that he traveled some eight hours with no stops. He did it. He was quite thirsty upon reaching San Jose, and when we stopped to get something to eat, I got him a big bowl of water. He emptied it.

Tahvi matured greatly with the experiences. He underwent that permanent change which occurs in guide dogs. This change is the realization within the dog that the master really does not see, and the dog’s acceptance of what that means as a personal responsibility. It as though such an experience enables the dog to take all the independent concepts, and generalize them into one body of knowing. It is the wisdom of the guide dog, and they start acting with greater authority in every day work.

This did not mean that Tahvi never made a mistake again. It did mean that he would think in any new situation. He would make a visible effort to accommodate my inability to see in his guiding behavior. He would also on occasion take advantage of my not seeing for his own purposes! After all, he is a husky which might also be pronounced as “opportunist”.

Tahvi became well educated. He learned to make good decisions, and took his work seriously. His behavior when I depended on him to guide in harness became radically different from his behavior out of harness. While in harness, he was the professional guide dog, and while out of harness, he could play the clown dog very well.

It is All in the Gait

I should mention the importance of good gait in a guide dog. I had had three guide dogs including Tahvi, at the time of his early training. The gait of the dog is enormously important. I happen to like huskies with a gliding gait. When I hold the harness handle the movements of the dog tell me not just the direction in which the dog is travelling, but also the nature of the terrain over which the dog is navigating. A dog with an irregular, clumsy gait would be giving me signals that are similar to those I might expect from a dog who is trying to tell me that the footing is broken, or uneven. When I had my Shepherd, Nell, this problem occurred as she aged.

As Nell got older she developed hip dysplasia. The result is that her gait became uneven when climbing slight inclines, curbs, steps, or sometimes just uneven because it was a cold morning. On cold mornings in fact, I gave her Bufferin so that she could guide at all. The result was that it became difficult to tell the nature of the terrain versus her uneven gait.

Ideally, the best guide dog has a gait which makes it seem that the harness is floating in air. That way any change in the orientation or movement of the harness handle is clearly a signal from the dog. These signals can communicate a great deal of information if they are not contaminated by extraneous movements.

I rely on the signals that Tahvi sends to tell me about his judgments concerning the path ahead, his behavior (is he paying attention?), and how he feels. If Tahvi doesn’t feel well, or has trouble with a foot (perhaps because he hurt a paw), his gait shows it first.

Guide dogs vary in their typical work habits and behaviors. Tahvi usually had a positive pull on the harness. He liked to “pull” slightly, even when he had settled down after the first mile or so. This was particularly true if we were working new territory or fun places like the beach, as opposed to the “old route”.

Tahvi had an even gait in his younger years. He actually walked so quietly when he chose that I could not tell where he had gone to in the house. I put a “harmony ball” around his neck attached to his collar. This makes pleasant chimes in a very quiet manner when he moved. The result was that Tahvi learned to move so quietly that he did not even jingle it. I changed to multiple tags, and those jingled well enough most of the time for me to know what he was doing.

Tahvi was challenged by the spring growth each year. So many of the trees grew so much each year, that their limbs would hang down at face and head level for me. Tahvi had the task of keeping me from walking into these. It is one of the hardest things to teach a guide dog. Tahvi did quite well with this. He learned to think carefully before approaching such a situation, and warned me by slowing, or stopping. If he stopped, I knew to reach up and move the branch aside, or to command Tahvi to find a way around it. If I directed him to go “forward” he would take action to avoid the obstacle which sometimes meant that I had to go into the street. If I directed him to go “straight” he would proceed, slowly, trying to leave clearance for my head to just brush by the leaves. If this was not possible he would wait until I either cleared the path or gave another command.

Guide dogs are allowed to have branches or leaves brush me, but not hit me in the face or body. This is sometimes a judgment call, and takes time to learn. The standard may vary with the master. I am pretty tough, partly since I wear glasses, and I don’t want them scratched or knocked off of my face. I have enough vision to see obstacles to my right, but none at all on my left. Branches from the left are especially dangerous. Tahvi was more likely to make a mistake on a new route than a known route. This is typical of guide dogs.

The ultimate challenge comes with any guide dog, when another dog is near as we approach overhanging branches. That has to be the toughest challenge for a husky pup. The dog has to actually put me first and forget (at least post pone) interest in the other dog. That is discipline! Tahvi was far above average in this regard, and got better as he matured.

A Day at the Wharf

On one occasion, we went to Monterey, and walked around Fisherman’s Wharf. Tahvi loved it. He kept trying to chase all the sea birds of course, and I am fairly tolerant of that behavior, I control it, but I prefer he maintain some interest in his environment. I am a firm believer that attempting to eliminate interest in the environment, produces a depressed dog. Tahvi was a dog long before he learned to be a guide dog, and I owed it to him to respect that.

Tahvi met a monkey at the Wharf. A man with an organ and a monkey was there collecting money from all the passers by. We stopped and I took Tahvi quite close. Tahvi was fascinated, and interestingly enough, so was the monkey. The monkey kept trying to come closer to Tahvi, and this annoyed his master, since he was more interested in having his animal collect money for him. Tahvi stood politely, wagging his tail, and staring at the monkey. He did not say a thing, only watched.

I moved him away after a few minutes so as not to provoke the man further. Tahvi left with his usual good humor, and no reluctance. Tahvi always believed that if we are going to a different place it can only be that something else is there for him — that might be even better! He never showed any displeasure at my changing direction or plans.

On the observation deck overlooking the harbor, Tahvi stood on his hind legs to see over the rail just as any person might. From his level he could see nothing, since there was a boarded up portion of the fence from about four inches to 40 inches. Tahvi simply stood up, and poked his head over the boarded up portion just under the top rail. People started watching him more than the harbor! They are always surprised by his almost child like behavior.

Interestingly enough, as Tahvi got older, he did not do this. He even was reluctant to go out on this part of the wharf, as he seemed to think it was too dangerous. I found the change interesting.

These incidents and more, illustrate how a husky can mature in to a wonderful guide dog, and how they can learn to enjoy the job even with its restrictions because it does offer the kind of variety on which they thrive.

The San Diego Zoo Trip

In February of 1996, we enjoyed a long weekend in San Diego. It was one of great weather, good food, and fun times. We took Tahvi to the zoo there, and saw the zoo from an entirely different perspective. Tahvi is extremely interactive, and we expected to see him react to the animals. We did not expect to see the animals interact with him. One usually thinks of the animals as existing in their own caged world, largely choosing to be unaware of those people outside of their cages. This is simply not so. They were incredibly aware of Tahvi in most instances, and reacted to his presence in often very obvious ways. Our adventure began with our late flight out from San Jose. By the time we got to our hotel in San Diego, it was 10:30 p.m. I fed Tahvi, and we walked him afterwards. This made it 11:30 or so when we returned to the hotel, and we were hungry. There was nothing open, so we ordered a sandwich to be delivered. We got it at almost 1:00 a.m. That meant that we got to bed pretty late!

I got up at 6:30 that morning, so we didn’t get a lot of sleep. We ate, and got ready to go to the zoo. We made the zoo at around 10:00 a.m.

Upon admission, we found that we had to talk with security about taking a guide dog through the zoo. After some preliminary work, we were permitted to take Tahvi through the zoo, but with an escort, to be sure that the animals didn’t get frightened, and that Tahvi didn’t misbehave. The assigned escort was an extremely nice young man named Norman, and the actual tour was more like having a guided tour than a security escort.

Norman was to observe Tahvi and the animals, and make determinations as to when we might go into some areas, and when we had to avoid them. Some areas were off limits, such as the aviary, where frightened birds might damage themselves on their cages upon seeing a predator. Norman was quite impressed with our husky guide dog, and very perceptive of his behavior.

We were unable to move into the primate area because the monkeys reacted so strongly to Tahvi when he was still 25 yards away. They set up such a chorus upon seeing him, that it was advisable to not enter their area. We did get to move into the big cat area — at least a part of it. The cats, normally appearing to be oblivious of the crowds, often stood, moved to the fore parts of their cages, then followed along the inside of the cage until we passed by. This was an accomplishment, since normally guide dogs are not permitted in the area at all. The exception came about because the keeper for that area gave us permission to enter, and Tahvi behaved well. Tahvi walked on the opposite side of the sidewalk from the cages, and sometimes crowded against me. He never made a single noise, appearing to be aware that these were certainly not house cats! We avoided the snow leopard, since it was known to react to dogs, and we did pass its cage from a lower road. The snow leopards, two of them, could see us from 100 feet away, and one of them watched us take each step until we passed from view. The other was asleep, so we did not upset it. Anita said that it was the only time in her life where she felt the stare of a wild animal who didn’t want us near. Norman was pleased with the encounters. The visitors to the zoo at that time got a better view of the animals, since the cats normally sleep, and are hard to see clearly. They woke, and followed us, one even standing on its hind legs to watch us leave the area. The other visitors were quite entertained by the sight of such big cats watching a little husky who was probably more than a little concerned about becoming dinner for one!

The supervisor for the cat area was impressed and pleased. The results were so favorable, that other guide dogs might be permitted in this area in future. Tahvi apparently, was one of the first.

The escort stated he would be able to give the handlers some excellent information as a result of our visit. Animals that he expected to react reacted mildly, or in a very acceptable way — as with the big cats, and others, like the deer, reacted strongly, even barking at Tahvi until we moved from their area completely.

The deer were quite funny! There were six of them in one very large enclosure. Tahvi was looking in at them, and the females lined up in a row, and began moving towards him, staring intently. Norman decided it was time to move on at that point. As we did so, the male stood, and joined with the females. They moved after us, and began a sharp barking. The barks are single, explosively loud sounds that hit like the impact of a drumbeat. They are designed to frighten, and could easily do so. They kept this up until we were quite a long distance away. One interesting development was that when we first took Tahvi to a caged area, he would, with encouragement, put his forepaws on the top of the low wall around the area, and look inside. He often could not spot the animal, which might be hiding, and only partially visible. If the animal didn’t move, Tahvi became bored, and jumped down. After a couple of hours, he would spend minutes looking, and learned to keep looking, and using his senses until he did find the animal inside of the cage. We, as humans, can converse and say, “Look at…” Tahvi has no such advantage. To him, each cage was just another wall with vegetation behind it unless the animal was clearly moving, or choosing to make itself known. He would even get distracted by bird life common to the area, and miss the animals. After a time, this changed dramatically, and Tahvi even got some animals to interact with him. One particular tree kangaroo put on a peek-a-boo game with Tahvi, with both participating. The game lasted almost 5 minutes. Another animal, a blue larakeet, did a dance for tahvi, and played in the cage just in front of him for minutes with Tahvi intently watching. This parrot wasn’t in the least afraid of him, and he never threatened it, only watched it take a dust bath, dance around, and chirp at him.

One of the other surprises was his reaction to the brown bears. The great grizzly female he saw from above, was a huge specimen, and she was quite active, walking along a stream in her pen while we viewed her from a catwalk above, and well out of reach! Tahvi looked, jumped down, jumped up, and looked again. He then turned his head to Anita, and with very wide eyes, seemed to be asking her if she saw this too! He then looked back, and standing on his hind feet feet, with front paws on the wall, kept looking. He would jump down, jump up and look again, jump down, and appear to think about it before deciding he had better look again. He was caught between being apprehensive at not seeing this huge animal on the other side of the low wall, though 20 feet below him, and seeing it — a horrific sight! He seemed relieved to leave the bears.

Tahvi didn’t like the wild hogs at all! Any version of wild pig got a refusal to look at for more than a moment it took to identify it. Then tahvi would insist it was time to move along to another exhibit. One might say he was bored, but I suspect it was a reaction that is almost genetic in nature.

The macaques, a species of monkey from India, are in a special enclosure away from the other monkeys. They are being bred to a population which will allow them to be split into two groups, one to go to St. Katharine Island off the coast of Georgia to be bred to high enough levels for return to the wild in India in years to come. They are kept isolated from human contact as far as possible, even being fed whole fruits, so they do not get used to humans cutting their foods like other primates. They are an endangered species, and one of many such projects at the zoo.

As we went by, the macaques saw Tahvi, and began to move towards us. Norman moved us along, and the macaques followed. They were not upset, but very curious, and Tahvi was just as curious about them! He kept looking at them over the low wall, and they kept coming after us. Finally they reached the end of there cage, and continued watching us as long as they could see us, gathered at one end of their cage.

We saw a rare tree fox, and it is such a timid animal that Norman said that this was only the second time he had seen it in two years of being at the zoo. It usually hides from humans. It was in plain view, and watching Tahvi intently. Tahvi watched it as well, and they kept this up for a minute or so, before Norman moved us along. He didn’t want the timid animal to be frightened, but it was also amazing that it came into the open to watch Tahvi, when it normally would not.

Tahvi was surprisingly interested in the various goats from around the world. He inspected everyone, and most eyed him with equal interest. Few animals remained oblivious to our passage.

Our visit lasted almost 5 hours, and covered 8 miles of walking through animal areas. Tahvi was quite exhausted at the end of the day — a first! I suspect it was emotional and exhaustion through concentration more than physical. After another day of intense activity, he got almost punch drunk from stimulation and hard work. While always a clown dog, he became a slap-stick comedian. Upon returning home, he slept 12 hours, and took a couple of days to recover fully. I was surprised that his dreams did not disturbed him more!

Afterward

Tahvi retired in November, 2003. He guided for 11 years, and more than 18,000 miles. The statistics are far less impressive than his life experiences. In 1998, we acquired Akamai, an alpha female Siberian pup. Tahvi helped me to train her as a guide dog. We had practiced earlier by training 3 other Siberians as guide dogs — one only for practice, one that chose to later become a therapy dog, and one special dog, Kami, who became a service dog.

Later, in 1999-2000, Tahvi helped train Machiko and Suki as guide dogs. Suki now lives and works as a guide dog in Florida, and Machiko is one of my current guide dogs, along with Akamai, Bronwyn, and Pakelika. It was Machiko who trained Bronwyn, and most recently, Pakelika.

Apparently, guiding runs in Tahvi’s family. Machiko is his half sister, Suki his niece, and Bronwyn his grandniece. But, it was Tahvi who taught me how a Siberian can teach another Siberian. Together we learned and explored the concepts of having a guide dog teach other Siberians to be guide dogs. I had always trained my dogs myself, which I now know is the hard way. Tahvi and Machiko are far more proficient teachers of Siberians than I am.

In 1996, we began fostering Siberians for the Bay Area Siberian Husky Rescue. During the next 2 years, we fostered some 34 dogs. We then started the Central Coast Northern Dog Rescue, CCNDR, in 1998. Since then, we have fostered and placed more than 250 dogs — nearly 1 per week, up to the retirement of Tahvi in the fall of 2003. That pattern continues to this day — we have now fostered and trained over 350 dogs as of May, 2005.

Tahvi is the one who helped get us started, showed me how he could help to train and civilize dogs that are often as difficult as foster children can be, and helped me teach an entire team to handle the work as the workload grew.

There were other recreational times, too. Trips to Yosemite were highlights, as well as trips to Oregon, Sacramento, and San Francisco. Tahvi loved “Phantom of the Opera”, and My Fair Lady.

Tahvi largely retained his excellent health. He developed sciatica, but additives to his food helped with that, and the occasional use of boots on his feet when he wore the pads down.

In October of 2003, Tahvi started losing his hearing. I made the decision then to retire him completely. I had already had Machiko train Bronwyn earlier that year, and Bronwyn was up to handling all the work formerly done by Tahvi, and then some. Tahvi had already been on semiretirement, working only a few days a week. There was no reason to keep him working when it was becoming difficult, stressful, and possibly dangerous to do so.

Tahvi enjoyed a retirement plan that few human Americans have these days. He took daily walks with anita and Pulu, as a companion dog, with no expectations that he do anything but enjoy himself, which he knew well how to do. Tahvi retired gracefully, and appeared to thoroughly enjoy his days of naps in the sunshine, good meals, and spending his days being a house dog.

It is Tahvi’s half sister Machiko, who is most like him, and it is she, who taught Bronwyn to carry on the banner so proudly raised by Tahvi years ago. Tahvi enjoyed his seniority in the pack up to his last day, and had it guaranteed by alpha Akamai, who would not accept anything less than deference to Tahvi, who raised and trained her from a pup.

Siberians may not have a written language, but I suspect they know something about this Tahvi, who has done more for members of his breed than dogs usually do. If every human being could follow his example, in respect to other humans all of our lives would be improved.