Hi, I'm new to the site, but know there are a few Mal owners on here. I'm hoping you can give me some advice.
After a wait of 18 months we finally picked up our 8 week old Mal girl yesterday. We had no problems in the car, she was a little gem.
When we got home, we intoduced her to the crate, fed her in the crate and she had a nap in the crate. The problems occurred last night. We took her outside about 10pm, and she had a wee. We then put her in the crate and closed it before going to bed. I must explain that we live in a bungalow, and that the crate is in the kitchen which is just across the hall from our bedroom.
Anyway she immediately started yowling her head off. We ignored her for the first 2 hours, thinking that she would eventually calm down. She didn't, so I got up and took her outside, but she didn't want to go. Went back in and returned her to the crate. After about 10 mins
she started up again. Needless to say this went on all night.
We think she was just doing it for attention/play. She was the most popular with the breeders kids, therefore she's probably got the most fuss.
Just wondering if anyone has had similar problems, and what their solutions where? Would moving the crate into our room for a few nights help?
We really want to start off on the right foot. Maybe she was just missing her bro and sisters.
We love her to bits already, and just want the best for her. Please help

thanks
Ian & Aimee

Hi Ian and Amiee , I didn't get on at all with crate training my Mal ..we persisted as you have for about 4 weeks and then gave up ..far too many sleepless nights for me I'm afraid . This doesn't mean you can't crate train them though ..I would imagine you would begin by teaching your Mal that the crate is a nice place to be , maybe feeding her in there so she associates it with good things?

Hopefully some more experienced crate people will be along to offer advice soon

Melody :)

Hi Iam and Amiee

Congratulations on your pup. Not experienced with your breed, but my last three pups have been crate trained. I have always found that they accept them with no problem next to your bed. Anywhere else in the house and boy they yell their head off. We live in a bungalow too, you can't get away from the noise can you?
Put it next to your bed for a few weeks, preferably with the top and at least one side covered by an old sheet or something, it seems to make them feel more secure. Try putting a furry toy or an old jumper(something cuddly) in the back of it as well. You can gradually ease it out to another room in a few weeks time. Use it for 10 minutes or so during the day now and again so they get used to it for short periods. Whatever you do don't use it for a punishment den while they are this young. Believe me in a few weeks you will feel like it!!

Good luck, let us know how you get on.
Sandra

Thanks for your advice Sandra. We decided not to move her to our bedroom, but leave her in the kitchen. We have a lean-to consevatory adjoining the kitchen, and along with the kitchen this will be her personal space. Therefore wr tthought it would be best to keep her in this area so she gets used to it.
We did however decide to cover three sides of he crate with a blanket and put a soft toy in there for her. We also decided to take it in turns to sleep next to the crate (on an airbed) so that she could see us.
Aimee did this the second night. We left the crate door open so she could wander around if she wanted.
She did snuggle up to Aimee a few times. Each time Aimee would encourage her back into the crate , where she would remain until she needed to go.
Last night I stayed with her, but this time we closed the crate behind her. It seems to be working. Didn't hear a peep out of her, except when she neede to go, about ever 2-3 hours. She seems to be settling.
We will continue this way for the next couple of nights, then we will move into the hall, al ittle further away, but she will still be able to see us. Then gradually move further and further away until we can be out of sight. Hope this stratedgy works.

thanks again
Ian and Aimee (feeling a little more rested!)

Thanks for your help Melody. She's seems to be a lot better now. We researched Mals for about 4 years, going to shows, visiting breeders and friends who own them. Nothing, however, prepared us for the noise that first night. The yowling, crying and talking (in that Chewbacca style of theirs). I swear that first night she was crying 'mamma'. It was so heartbreaking.
Hope Hudson is well. He has such a lovely face, and that typical cheeky Malamute smile. As if butter wouldn't melt, or 'it wan't me'.
How was the club show? Our first show with Breezer will hopefully be the next club show in September.
Hopefully we'll get to Leeds, if we can find a dog sitter.

The club show is always great because you get to see so many Mally people who all *understand* Mals and their various foibles :D :D Not sure if we will go to Leeds or not ..East of England is our next Champ Show.

Look forward to seeing you in September if not before ;)

Melody