How to Potty Train an Alaskan Malamute

Hello Reham, First, know that it generally takes about 2-3 months for a puppy to become fully potty trained, so the accidents could be related to pup being given too much freedom at home too soon, before pup fully understands the concept of potty training. Check out the crate training method from the article I have linked below. Pay attention to how the crate is set up - something absorbent in the crate or too big of a crate can lead to accidents in there. Pay attention to the timing of potty trips - crating pup for too long can lead to accidents. Pay attention to how to manage pup's schedule so pup is only free with an empty bladder. Crate Training method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-german-shepherd-puppy-to-poop-outside If pup is still having accidents after adjusting those things, I would consider a trip to your vet, especially if pup is having to pee more often than every hour or pooping more than three times in 24 hours. I am not a vet, so check with your vet about any medical concerns. Something causing incontinence or diarrhea could lead to potty training issues. If pup is still struggling after applying the above suggestions, then I would confine pup in an exercise pen in a room you can close off at night an when you leave, for pup to use a disposable real grass pad in that pen only during those times, then I would follow the Tethering method from the article I have linked below when you are home to teach pup to hold it while in the rest of your home. You want the exercise pen to be somewhere you can close off entrance too in the future because you want pup to learn that that's the only room in the home where pup can go potty and not in the general part of the home, then once pup can consistently hold it for the entire night and while you are away, you can get rid of the pen and grass pad in the future, and just be sure pup is staying in a dog proofed room to avoid destructive chewing dangers until pup grows out of that also. Tethering method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-german-shepherd-puppy-to-poop-outside Getting pup used to a confined area if needed - Surprise method: https://wagwalking.com/training/like-a-crate Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Nov. 26, 2021

Hello Cindy, Are you leaving the crate door open, and that's why pup isn't staying inside, or do you mean that she cries while inside so you let her out? If either of those scenarios, I highly recommend practicing the Surprise method from the article I have linked below. Know that the crying is very normal, especially the first two weeks of practice. If you let pup out of the crate when she cries she will learn that crying gets her out and won't have the opportunity to learn to settle in the crate and see that she is actually safe in there. Working pup through the crate now can actually prevent future adult separation anxiety later, which is far more serious. Surprise method: https://wagwalking.com/training/like-a-crate If pup is physically escaping from the crate, then often wire crates can be reinforced to close gaps using zip ties or small carabiners, or by using a higher quality crate or different type of crate. Once pup is doing better with crate training, I would use a combination of the Crate Training and Tethering methods from the article I have linked below to potty train. Crate Training and Tethering methods: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-german-shepherd-puppy-to-poop-outside Check out this article for the chewing too, which includes using confinement like an exercise pen or crate when you can't supervise pup, like when you leave and at night. I would also work on some of the commands like Leave It, using deterrent sprays like bitter apple, and providing acceptable toys that interest pup to chew, like a dog food stuffed hollow chew toy or kong. Since you are new to puppies, I have included a link to download a free PDF e-book as well. You can click on the puppy icon that says AFTER Your Get Your Puppy at the website below. I hope you find that helpful too. www.lifedogtraining.com/freedownloads Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Oct. 11, 2021