Prepare for unexpected vet bills
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 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.
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!
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.
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.
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!