Alaskan Malamutes were bred to pull heavy sleds across vast Arctic landscapes, making them natural athletes for vigorous activities like hiking. Their tremendous endurance, pack drive, and cold tolerance make them ideal companions for outdoor adventures. However, properly training their strong-willed nature and high prey drive takes dedication to prevent mishaps. Follow this guide for tips on preparing your Malamute for safe, enjoyable hiking.
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Getting to Know the Alaskan Malamute
To set your dog up for success, first understand these key Malamute traits that influence their hiking experience:
- Very high energy reserves matched with tireless stamina – Malamutes need intense daily exercise.
- Strong prey drive – They may readily chase small animals, bikes, or even vehicles if instinct kicks in. Training helps override this.
- Pack animal mentality – They want to be included in family activities and bond very closely.
- Loyal but independent thinking – Malamutes will behave on their terms unless given proper motivation and boundaries.
- Insulated by a dense double coat allowing them to thrive in cold conditions.
Proper conditioning and positively reinforced training help channel their abilities into amazing trail companions.
Finding Alaskan Malamute-Friendly Hiking Trails
When selecting hiking trails, look for these Malamute-suited characteristics:
- Off-leash allowances – Malamutes thrive by covering ample ground while expending energy.
- Space to run safely – Beaches, meadows or very long loop trails are ideal.
- Climate control – Avoid overheating by choosing fall through spring hikes. Snow is no obstacle.
- Limited road crossings – Reduces temptation to wander into traffic while chasing an interesting scent.
- Mileage 5+ miles ideally – Short walks simply won’t tap into their endurance reserves.
Proper Gear for Hiking With an Alaskan Malamute
Be sure to pack:
- A sturdy leash and properly fitted harness for navigating parking lots and trailheads. Malamutes can pull with incredible force.
- Biodegradable waste bags for packing out any waste. Leave no trace.
- A collapsible water bowl and fresh water. Hydration is key even in cold weather.
- Nutritious high-protein trail snacks to keep their energy reserves fueled.
- Booties to protect paws from sharp ice chunks, hot asphalt, or irritating deicers.
And don’t forget your own essential hiking supplies!
Training an Alaskan Malamute for Off-Leash Obedience
Getting a Malamute reliable off-leash requires immense dedication:
- Start by reinforcing a solid recall using a long lead line for distraction-proofing. Malamutes can be selectively deaf.
- Use high-value rewards like chicken, steak, or hot dog pieces to incentivize focus. Food motivation is key.
- Practice “check-ins” using a whistle, treats, or toy on every on-leash hike first.
- Gradually work up to very short periods of off-leash hiking once their recall is highly dependable.
- If they ignore a command, promptly return to on-leash hiking until their focus re-develops. Do not repeat unheeded commands.
Take it extremely slowly with endless consistency. Alaskan Malamutes heavily rely on instinct when not properly motivated and trained. Have an emergency leash accessible.
Safety Tips When Hiking With an Alaskan Malamute
Pay close attention to these risks when hiking with a Malamute:
- Chasing small animals into unsafe terrain – Use a lead if recall is not 100% bombproof in exciting situations.
- Resource guarding food or toys from other dogs – Careful socialization helps teach proper manners.
- Porcupine encounters – Their poor eyesight and curiosity put them at high risk of painful quills. Give any sighted porcupines an extremely wide berth.
- Overheating in warmer weather – Know signs of heat stroke and ensure access to shade, rest, and water. Avoid hot days.
Stay alert at all times on the trail. Don’t hesitate to cut a hike short if they seem overtired or distressed. The breed will keep going beyond healthy limits to please.
Rewarding Your Alaskan Malamute After a Hike
After an invigorating hike, be sure to:
- Give treats and praise for demonstrating good recall, manners, and fitness.
- Provide fresh water before they desperately lap up whatever is available.
- Check feet and coat for debris, burrs, or signs of injury. Care for any wounds promptly.
- Schedule a thorough brushing when home to help remove dirt from their thick coat.
With the right preparation, realistic expectations, and dedicated training, an Alaskan Malamute who views their owner as the “pack leader” makes a phenomenal hiking companion. Their loyalty and determination on the trail is unmatched. Just be prepared to keep up on those energetic adventures together!
Related Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiking
