Alaskan malamutes are very sweet, loyal, and beautiful dogs that can be a wonderful companion for anyone who has enough experience raising and training dogs. As many know this breed was bred to travel in large packs and humans through the frozen tundra. Because of this they are high energy, athletic, intelligent dogs who can achieve amazing feats. There are some facts about this fluffy friend that you may not know.

Dig it.

Malmutes will often dig for several reasons. While you may just assume it’s a bothersome habit, you can treat the problem by watching your dog’s behavior and working with them to solve their issues.

Many Alaskan malamutes dig during hot weather to create pits to help them stay cool. Since the sun does not bake the earth under ground is at a lower temperature than the surface. Dogs and other animals practice this behavior to keep themselves cool.

Some may do it because of boredom. Alaskan malamutes are highly intelligent and thrive when working or thinking to finish a task. When they are put outside for long periods of time with nothing to do they can become anxious and restless.

There are a few ways that you can help your pet stop digging by watching them and finding out why they are behaving this way. If you have a dog that is digging to stay cool, go out and buy a small, strong doggie pool. Some are made especially for dogs but a small kiddie pool will do just as well. Fill it with cold water and maybe some ice on hot days so they will have a cool alternative to making a hole.

Keeping your dog busy with toys, games, or even a homemade agility course will help them focus on things other than your flowerbed. If they refuse to give up their digging habit give them a place in the yard where they can dig to their heart’s content. Make a small barrier with metal, brick or rock so the dirt doesn’t fly everywhere. Then dig some of the dirt up and mix it with sand so it will break apart more easily. Once that is done put a few treats or toys in the hole to encouraging digging there. It will help save the rest of your yard and possibly your sanity.

Talkative.

This breed is not very barky but will howl in low notes that sound like they are trying to communicate with you conversationally. Over time they may do this more or less and may only do it when they would like food, affection, or because they are bored. Before adopting a dog be sure to watch a few videos to here how they chat. This way you know if you’ll be able to enjoy your talks with your pooch or need to get a dog who is more of a strong and silent type.

Gold rush.

Alaskan malamutes almost went extinct during gold rush because they were often interbred with other breeds to achieve whatever the miners needed for their work. While the rest of the breeds have been interbred too heavily, Alaskan malamutes are the purest line of malamutes in existence and are preserved.

Sources:

http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/alaskan-malamute

http://dogtime.com/dog-health/dog-behavior/718-dogs-who-dig-aspca

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLiUhyjWGSc