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7 Strategies to Stop Your Alaskan Malamute’s Resource Guarding

Written by: Arlene D.
| Published on April 30, 2023
iHeartDogs is reader supported. Some of the links below may be paid affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on a product at no additional cost to you. 

Alaskan Malamutes are intelligent and independent dogs that were originally bred for hauling heavy freight. However, like any other dog breed, they can develop resource-guarding behavior. Resource guarding in Alaskan Malamutes can be a serious issue, as these dogs are large and powerful. It is important for owners to be aware of the signs of resource guarding and take appropriate measures to prevent or address it. In this article, we will discuss some common signs of resource guarding in Alaskan Malamutes and provide general guidance on ways to stop this behavior.

Note: Resource guarding can be a challenging problem for a dog owner. In addition to the tips below, you may want to consider consulting the help of a professional. Two excellent online courses we reviewed for resource guarding are SpiritDog and K9 Training Institute.

1. Understand What’s Triggering Your Alaskan Malamute’s Resource Guarding

The first step in addressing resource guarding is to identify the specific triggers causing your Alaskan Malamute to display this behavior. Observe your Alaskan Malamute closely and take note of which resources they guard and under what circumstances. Common triggers include:

  • The presence of other dogs or pets
  • Approach of family members, especially children
  • Sudden movements or loud noises near the guarded resource

Understanding the triggers allows you to manage the environment effectively, preventing incidents before they occur.

2. Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning Your Alaskan Malamute Against Resource Guarding

Desensitization and counter-conditioning are powerful techniques to help your Alaskan Malamute overcome resource guarding. Desensitization involves gradually exposing your dog to the triggering situations, starting with low-intensity encounters and gradually increasing the intensity. Counter-conditioning, on the other hand, involves teaching your dog to associate the presence of the trigger with positive experiences.

For example, if your Alaskan Malamute guards their food bowl when approached, start by standing a considerable distance away while they eat. Gradually decrease the distance over time, rewarding your dog with praise or treats when they remain calm. This process helps your dog associate your presence near their food with positive outcomes, reducing their need to guard the resource.

3. Teach Your Alaskan Malamute the “Leave It” Command

Training your Alaskan Malamute to respond to the “leave it” command is essential in addressing resource guarding. This command tells your dog to release whatever they’re holding or to stop focusing on a particular item. To teach this command:

  • Hold a treat in your closed hand and present it to your Alaskan Malamute.
  • When your dog sniffs or paws at your hand, say “leave it.”
  • Once your dog stops trying to get the treat, praise them and reward them with a treat from your other hand.
  • Gradually progress to using the command with other objects, such as toys or food bowls.

Using the “leave it” command consistently can help prevent resource-guarding incidents before they escalate.

4. Teach Your Alaskan Malamute the “Drop It” or “Give” Commands

Similar to the “leave it” command, teaching your Alaskan Malamute to “drop it” or “give” is crucial in managing resource guarding. These commands instruct your dog to release an item from their mouth or willingly give it to you. To teach these commands:

  • Start by playing with a toy your dog likes but doesn’t typically guard.
  • While your dog is holding the toy, say “drop it” or “give” and offer a high-value treat.
  • When your dog releases the toy, praise them and give them the treat.
  • Gradually progress to using the command with more valuable items.

5. Practice the “Trade-Up” Technique with Your Alaskan Malamute

    The “trade-up” technique involves offering your Alaskan Malamute a higher-value item in exchange for the one they’re guarding. This method teaches your dog that surrendering a resource can lead to better rewards, reducing their need to guard. Practice this technique by offering a high-value treat or a favorite toy whenever your dog is guarding a less valuable item. Over time, your dog will learn that giving up a guarded resource is a positive experience.

    6. Avoid Punishing Your Alaskan Malamute

    Punishing your Alaskan Malamute for resource guarding can exacerbate the problem and lead to increased aggression. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and reward-based training to modify your dog’s behavior. By consistently rewarding your dog for desired behaviors, you reinforce the idea that there’s no need to guard resources, as good things happen when they share or relinquish them. Remember that patience and consistency are key when working with a dog that displays resource guarding behaviors.

    7. Try an Online Training Program for Resource Guarding

    If your Alaskan Malamute’s resource guarding behavior is severe or doesn’t improve with consistent training, it’s crucial to consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. These experts can help identify the root cause of the issue and create a tailored training plan to address the problem effectively. In some cases, medical issues or anxiety may contribute to resource guarding, and a veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist can help diagnose and treat these underlying conditions.

    Our 2 favorite online courses are:

    1. SpiritDog’s “Stop Resource Guarding” Course

    The Stop Resource Guarding training course, attended by 243 students, consists of 42 comprehensive lessons that teach you science-based, fear-free techniques to help your dog trust you around their treasures and train a solid “Drop It” cue. With lifetime access, step-by-step instructions, and a certificate upon completion, this course will transform your relationship with your dog and eliminate resource guarding behaviors.

    2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”

    More than just a resource guarding course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.

    3 Signs Your Alaskan Malamute is Resource Guarding

    Alaskan Malamutes are known to be independent and strong-willed dogs. Resource guarding is a common behavior that they exhibit. Here are three signs that your Alaskan Malamute may be resource guarding:

    1. Growling or Snarling: One of the most common signs of resource guarding is growling or snarling when someone tries to approach or take away something that the dog considers valuable.
    2. Stiff Body Language: Another sign of resource guarding is stiff or tense body language, including a rigid stance, raised hackles, and a fixed stare.
    3. Possessive Behavior: If your Alaskan Malamute becomes possessive of their toys, food, or any other object and refuses to share, it could be a sign of resource guarding.

    In conclusion, resource guarding is a common behavior among dogs, including the Alaskan Malamute breed. It is important for dog owners to recognize the signs of resource guarding and take steps to prevent it from escalating into aggressive behavior. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to stop resource guarding, there are various techniques and training methods that can be effective in managing the behavior. It is important to work with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to determine the best approach for your individual dog. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, resource guarding can be addressed and improved in Alaskan Malamutes and other breeds.

    Note: Resource guarding can be a challenging problem for a dog owner. In addition to the tips above, you may want to consider consulting the help of a professional. Two excellent online courses we like for resource guarding are SpiritDog and K9 Training Institute.

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