How to Calm an Alaskan Malamute Before Grooming

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How to Calm an Alaskan Malamute Before Grooming

Medium

10 - 60 Minutes

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Introduction

If you plan to become an Alaskan Malamute owner, you will be delighted know these incredibly beautiful dogs are highly intelligent. They also tend to be extremely playful just like a puppy practically until the day they pass over the rainbow bridge. As you can imagine, though, it takes a lot of hard work to keep them well-groomed. Your best bet is to start getting your Mal used to being handled and groomed from a very early age when he is most likely to accept it without too much of a fuss.

Dog's Perspective

Keep in mind Malamutes are "seasonal shedders'' in that twice a year they blow out their coats and the rest of the time is spent growing it back. But, the more you stay on top of grooming your pup, the easier it will become. However, like most dogs, your Mal is not likely to be too happy with being groomed at first, take your time and make the whole process fun for both of you.

The Take Your Time Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Scissors

Pin Brush

Deshedder

Dematter

Comb

Clipper

Step

Set up the grooming area

While you might get away with using a grooming table during the first few months, your big fella is going to quickly outgrow the average grooming table. A specific spot in one room of your house where there is a non-carpeted floor is a much better choice. Place the tools you plan to use one the floor or a short table where your dog can see them.

Step

Let him get used to the tools

Bring your pooch into the room and let him see the tools. Give him plenty of time to get used to them, he may sniff them, look at them, even lick them. Let him take his time, the longer you give him, the less fuss he is likely when the time comes for you to use them to groom your Malamute.

Step

Handling

Your dog needs to get used to being touched all over. So, go ahead and give him a good rub down. Don't miss an inch and be sure to pay close attention to his paws, genitals, face, and ears. These are places most dogs can’t stand to be touched, but the more you work with him, the less being touched in these areas will bother him.

Step

Keep things short

Keep the first few of these sessions relatively short, maybe five minutes. This will help your dog start to get the idea of what you expect. Slowly build up the time until you can call him into the grooming room and he will sit calmly waiting for you to begin.

Step

Time to formally introduce the tools

At this point, your Malamute should be used to the grooming room and the tools you plan to use. All that is left for you to do is pick up each of the different tools and let your pup see them in your hands before you start to use them. Take your time and watch your pup closely, he will let you know when he is ready to get started.

The Too Pooped to Fuss Method

Effective

0 Votes

Slicker Brush

Scissors

Pin Brush

Deshedder

Comb

Step

Make grooming go easy

If you want your grooming sessions to go smoothly, your Malamute needs to be too pooped to fuss. To do this, you need to put him on a leash and take him for a nice long walk. As he gets older, the walks will need to be long to be effective.

Step

A groovy spot in the house

Find a nice quiet spot in your house to groom your dog. Choose one with a tile, wood, or linoleum floor as this will make cleanup a breeze.

Step

Create the perfect atmosphere

Your Malamute is very sensitive to the environment around him. Music will definitely soothe this "savage" beast. So, go ahead and turn on some nice relaxing music, your pup will love it.

Step

Make it smell calm

Using a diffuser with lavender essential oil, give the area or room time to fill with this incredibly calming smell. Be sure to use pure essential oil as some of the cheaper ones are made with chemicals that can be toxic to your dog.

Step

Getting familiar

The rest is all about spending plenty of time working with your pup, touching him all over and letting him get used to the tools you plan to use. In time he will get used the idea of being groomed and will learn to look forward to the experience.

Caution & Considerations

Remember, in order to groom your pup successfully, you are asking him to do something that goes against his nature.
There is no reason to be in a hurry, the more time you have to work with your pup, the faster he is likely to pick up on the training you are giving him.
If you do try to use a grooming table, be sure to use the safety harness so that he can't jump off the table and injure himself.
Keep in mind your pup needs to be quite tired before you attempt to groom him, this will help calm him down and make grooming him much easier.
Use the right brushes at the right time and take your time.
Take the time to examine your pup's feet and skin for any signs of injury or damage. If you see any that need attention, be sure to take your pup in to see his vet to make sure it is nothing serious.

Conclusion

Despite their size and seemingly endless energy (or maybe because of it), Alaskan Malamutes can be challenging to groom. Take your time and make it relaxing and fun for both of you. Don't forget to keep a large supply of your pup's favorite treats on hand to use as rewards. Make it fun for everyone and before you know it your pup will soon master this skill.

How to Calm an Alaskan Malamute Before Grooming

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Take Your Time Method

The Too Pooped to Fuss Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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