Activities For A Malanees

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Activities For A Malanees

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Introduction

Alaskan Malamute and Great Pyrenees combined makes for a stunning hybrid breed known as the Malanees. The Malanees inherits a heavy coat from both parents, so extensive exercise in warm temperatures is not recommended.

The first parent breed, the Alaskan Malamute, has a long history as a working dog. Known for their ability to withstand arctic conditions, this large breed is both intelligent and independent. Malamutes require moderate exercise and have scores of endurance. Their activity of preference is pulling carts, sleds and mushing.

The exercise needs of a Pyrenees are less extensive than that of a Malamute, so depending on which parent breed genes dominate, your Malanees will fall somewhere in between. Malanees are regarded as friendly and loving pups who need to be kept busy to avoid the unwanted characteristics inherited from their parent breeds. These include howling and destructive behaviors.

Carting Classes

Popular

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Any Day

Expensive

Normal

30 - 60 min

Items needed

Harness

Cart

Activity description

Carting is one way to harness your Malanees' natural tendency to pull, inherited from their Alaskan Malamute parent. Malamutes were traditionally used to haul large game back to the home of their tribe. During WWII, they were used to pull freights and as search and rescue dogs. This is why training your Malanees to pull a cart is a healthy and appealing way for them to exercise.

Carting facilities are located throughout America and "offur" training classes for those looking to learn. Classes can be somewhat costly and may require the rental of a cart if you don't have one already. Carting should be done in cool temperatures so overheating isn't an issue. As your pup improves, you may decide to participate in competitions to show off their skill level, or just keep it as a hobby.

Step

Finding a facility

Cart training and competing is a well-known activity. It should be easy to locate a facility that offers training opportunities. If you're in an area where this isn't "pawssible", you could cart train your Malanees yourself. Cart training can begin after your pup is 8 weeks or older, with classes introducing them to the equipment such as the cart and harness.

Step

Introducing the cart

The last thing you want is your Malanees to be afraid of the cart or harness. To avoid this, introduce the cart in a quiet environment. Allow your pup to sniff and explore the cart at their own free will. Do not force them near it as this could cause fear and lead to complications in training. With the harness, have your pup wear it prior to their first class at home to get used to the feel.

Step

Attaching the cart

Once your Malanees is comfortable with the cart, then it's time to try it on. To attach a cart, there are shafts that connect to the harness. The shafts allow the body of the cart to be far enough away from your Malanees so that they do not touch it at all while running. Carts should be somewhat lightweight and balanced to maximize their ability to hold a load.

Step

Mastering and competing

Once equipped, your pup can practice carting courses. After a few training sessions, it will be clear if your pooch is enjoying the activity. If they excel, it may be a good idea to explore “oppawtunities” for them to compete. Carting competitions are popular events held throughout America. Competitions involve speed and load size and can be a fun way to spend more time with your pup.

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Urban Sledding

Popular

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Any Day

Cheap

Normal

30 - 60 min

Items needed

Wheeled object

Healthy Treats

Water

Portable Water Bowl

Activity description

Another opportunity to practice pulling is urban sledding. Depending on your climate, you may be able to actually implement this activity using a sled; otherwise, it's meant to harness your Malanees' pulling abilities by using a variety of wheeled objects to "sled" through the neighborhood. This activity is also known as "urban mushing" and it originally allowed sled dogs to practice during warm seasons.

Depending on the equipment you already have, this activity could be free, or require some creativity to stretch your dollars! You will need a wheeled object for you to ride, which your Malanees will pull. You will also need a long leash and a harness to secure the object. Get sledding with your pup and explore your neighborhood in a whole new way!

Step

Decide on a sled

Depending on your own personal interests, there are many different ways you can approach urban sledding. The activity is not limited in choice when it comes to equipment -- the only requirement is your sled come with wheels. This activity is meant to be done outdoors and on a concrete surface. You can use a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, and much more. The key to beginning is choosing a vehicle that is balanced and comes with some form of brakes.

Step

Introducing the equipment

As with carting, it’s important to introduce the object being used as an urban sled before you begin. Let your pup sniff and explore the sled to get comfortable with it. You should also have your Malanees wear the harness prior to attaching the sled object. This can be done for weeks leading up to the activity.

Step

Using a harness

If you haven’t ever used a harness, it’s a good idea to consult an expert when purchasing one from your local pet shop. Harnesses must be used properly to avoid causing any harm to your Malanees. Be sure to always secure your harness correctly before beginning your sledding adventure.

Step

Exploring different routes

Once your pup has gotten the hang of the activity, take advantage of their leadership skills by exploring your community. Of course, you will have to navigate and ensure your route is safe by giving commands to stop when crossing roads. Your Malanees should master basic commands, as well as specialized commands like "go" and "stop", for a successful sledding trip.

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Toy Tidy Game

Popular

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Any Day

Free

Easy

15 - 30 min

Items needed

Toys

Treats

Storage Bin

Activity description

For any dog breed with a gifted mind, incorporating some form of obedience training into your everyday activities is recommended. In addition to standard obedience training, you can also find fun ways to train your Malanees' mind while entertaining them at the same time!

One of those methods is playing Toy Tidy with them. Toy Tidy involves training your pooch to store their toys in one specific area in the home. Not only does this activity help prevent destructive behaviors and boredom, it's also a convenient way to keep the house tidy! The only tools required for the activity are a storage container and toys to put inside it. Experience and knowledge of obedience training strategies are useful for completing this activity.

Step

Introducing the storage area

The first step in this activity is introducing your pooch to the storage bin. This bin must be solely used for storing your Malanees' toys -- it's a safe space for them. The bin should have no lid, making the toys easily accessible and easy for your Malanees to put inside.

Step

Teaching Fido how to tidy

To teach your pooch that the toys are meant to be in the bin when not being used, you must use conditioning strategies. You can first model the behavior by getting your pup's attention before picking up a toy and placing it in the bin. After showing them what to do, let them give it a try.

Step

Trying the behavior out

Hand them a toy and give the command you have selected to use when you want to initiate the game. Choose a simple command, such as "tidy", and be consistent in your usage. After giving the command, direct your pup to the storage container with encouragement. If they succeed, reward the behavior immediately with a favorite treat and praise. If they don't succeed right away, repeat the process until they're successful.

Step

Taking toys out of the bin

You must also teach your pooch that toys in their storage bin are allowed to be removed. The catch is, they must learn they do eventually go back. To do this, you can begin by placing the bin in front of your pup with toys inside. Call them to the bin and encourage them to take a toy. When they do, immediately reward with praise coupled with a treat for maximum reinforcement. When they are done with it, repeat step 3 to reinforce tidying up when done.

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More Fun Ideas...

Daily Walks

Daily walks are a simple way to meet your Malanees' daily exercise requirements. Be sure to establish leash manners at a young age, as this breed is large and can assert dominance while walking. Vary your walks and be mindful while you explore your community together.

At-Home Spa Day

Your Malanees has a lush, luxurious coat that requires regular maintenance. With a few supplies from the pet store, it's easy to create a pampering environment for you to enjoy together.

Conclusion

The Malanees is a loving, playful and intelligent breed that requires both mental and physical stimulation. Without ways to keep your Malanees busy, you may notice destructive or unwanted behaviors such as barking, whining, howling or chewing. Meeting their needs with a variety of engaging and new activities can prevent these unwanted behaviors.

For starters, take advantage of your Malanees' natural instinct to pull objects and enroll them in carting classes or try mushing through your neighborhood! Another option is expanding your obedience training by playing games such as toy tidy. Treating your Malanees to a personal spa day at home on a hot day is one way to beat the heat while still doing something fun together. Of course, daily walks are another easy way for them to exert some energy without overheating! Without a doubt, Malanees are optimal additions to any family, so long as you know how to keep them busy!