Hello to everybody

I am on a waiting list for a malamute pup with a view to getting one some time next year, or later if more suitable.

I was looking for other mal owner's opinions on leaving their dogs during the day whilst at work. I'm assuming it didnt worry the breeder too much as we were allowed on the waiting list - and the breeder is a responsible and registered breeder!! I currently have an eight year old dog which would be company for a new pup and my partner and I would be taking time off work initially to settle him in.

I have fully researched the breed for a number of years and spoken to owners/breeders of both mals and sibes, the only reason this is now bothering me is that in a recent dog publication, a prospective owner at Discover Dogs claims to have been turned away by almost all the breeds she enquired about as she worked full time.

I hope I dont upset anyone with this post and any comments would be greatfully received. Thanx

Hi Guest,

Do you know off anyone who could maybe pop in during the day to make sure the pups has fresh water etc?
Also make sure they have toys to play with and I am sure the other dog would keep it amused.

Have a chat with your breeder about for their opion.

When you are at home to settle the pup in, leave it alone in stages, increasing the length your away each time.

I hope it all goes well, after all, we all have to earn a living.
Good Luck
Kind regards

Kelly :) (lobster)

Hi guest :)

Personally I wouldnt advise leaving a Mal alone for more than is absolutely necessary ...they aren't a dog to have if you are out all day. They are people dogs and love their families to bits.

A Malamute left on its own very soon can become destructive ..and as a large breed , their destructiveness can reach amazing lengths.

Could I be cheeky and ask if your breeder knows that you work full time?

There are quite a few Malamute owners here on the site , most of which are far more experienced than me , hopefully they will be along soon to add to what Ive said

Melody

Hi guest,

From personal experience with both Mals and Newfoundlands, I have never had a problem leaving them.

My neighbour pops in a lets them out and gives them water. I did have a problem with them chewing at first but they have grown out of that.

I take them for a long walk every morning and every evening when I get in.

I mean all dogs are different, and some may take longer to settle. But I do agree you should let your breeder know. As they need to know their dogs are be placed in what they feel is a good home.

Good luck

ilovedogs

Hi guest, I was working full time when I got my first mal, but fortunately was able to take her to work with me which meant that she got very well socialised with people. It also helped with training, house and obedience. If she hadn't behaved herself it would have made things very difficult at work. When she was older, she was able to stay at home with our older dog, who had also had the same puppy upbringing. I was lucky in that I had my own office and could use a playpen in a corner of it.
If you can do this I can see little problem, otherwise you really should arrange for someone reliable to call in at regular intervals during the day. Rather than let the pup run loose in a large room, or crate the poor thing up, consider buying a large heavy duty playpen (Canine Kennels make very good ones) so that there is scope for play but still reasonably well confined.

If you're on a waiting list I'm assuming it's a puppy you'd be leaving alone all day every day. I only work part time and my husband keeps very flexible hours, but we totally rearranged our lives to accomdate our mal before he arrived.The longest he's alone is two hours(one day a week), in which time I'm assuming he sleeps. I can't imagine a mal puppy being very happy being alone for over 8 hours a day, they're pack orientated, they need company. Jannat Al Haddad is one of the most experienced people in the UK when it comes to mals, I strongly recommend you contact her for some advice, you can get her contact details from the AMC (breed club).
Please be aware how devasting it is for a malamute to end up in rescue. They bond with you so quickly, they are very intelligent dogs. If there is the slightest chance it wouldn't work out, then please please please don't do it.
Even though you are happy with this breeder, that doesn't mean you can't contact other breeders for advice, in fact I'm sure your breeder would encourage it.
regards,
Julie :)

Have to stick my oar in but I would not dream of leaving a puppy of any breed alone for 8 hours or more. And if I had a litter to sell, it would not go to someone in full time work. Getting onto a list is one thing, actualy getting a puppy is another.
Jackie

Just for whats its worth, I wouldn't leave my mals alone all day. When they are young they are VERY VERY destructive, just ask anyone on this board. I have been through one three piece suite per dog ( and thats with me with them) and now the pup has started on the one we have now. When they are adults, if they are left, they will get bored out of their minds, remember this is a working breed and need stimulation. They are also very dominant and need you around to show who is pack leader as opposed to someone who comes in to see them now and again. When I bred my pups I made sure someone was going to be at home with the puppies for the bulk of the day.The only exception was one chap who had his own business and he takes the dog to work with him every day.
All this is just my opinion of course and I am sure others would disagree but it does need thinking about.