The most critical period in a puppy's life is when the puppy is between 3 and 12 weeks old. During this time
appropriate experiences with humans, other dogs and different environments is essential if the puppy
is to develop into a successful pet. Alaskan Malamutes have a higher need for careful and ongoing socialization than many other breeds and
during most of the critical phase the puppy is still with his breeder.
As breeders, we take socialization seriously and involve our puppies in our daily life so that they from the beginning are used to being handled and part of family life.
Even before our puppies are fully vaccinated we make frequent visits to town, carrying the puppy around so that he/she can study the new environment without being exposed to possible infections on the ground.
When our puppies are a little older
we enroll them in puppy socialization classes if such are available locally. A suitable age to start attending puppy class
is between 12 and 20 weeks of age, but it also depends on your puppy's vaccination schedule and on the local disease conditions.
A puppy that has regular contact with friendly adult dogs will most likely have a friendly attitude towards other dogs later in life. However, hereditary factors are equally important, if not more, and there is unfortunately a limit to what can be achieved through
socialization. A Malamute that has inherited a bad attitude can be very difficult to train, especially after he/she has reached maturity.
Thus, doing some thorough research about your puppy's background is definitely worthwhile before bringing your puppy home. Ask you breeder about your puppy's parents and grandparents and about his/her uncles and aunts and possible half-siblings. It's very likely your puppy will
develop a similar personality as members of his immediate family. Also remember that temperaments vary A LOT between different lines and breeders often disagree on what is indeed an "ideal temperament".
What is an ideal temperament for You depends on your own personality and experience and on what activities you want to pursue with your dog. If you think these matters through beforehand, and choose your breeder accordingly, you are more likely to gain a dog that truly fits your lifestyle
and dreams.
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