Owner Self Test

POTENTIAL ALASKAN MALAMUTE OWNER SELF TEST

We have created this little test for your private use so you can judge for yourself if an Alaskan Malamute in your life would be a good match.  We do not want anyone to have grief because of being unprepared for these wonderful creatures.  To take the self test, please write the number of the answer to the question that best fits you, in the spaces at right for each question.  Add up the rating numbers to see your score. 

 Note: We do not expect you to return the test – this is for your use only.  If you have any questions, we are happy to give you any answers we can. 

1.             How well would you rate your experience with the Alaskan Malamute Breed? 

                1              I have a little knowledge and familiarity.

3              I have a good knowledge and know people

                                who have owned this breed.

                5              I have owned this breed myself and am

                                very familiar with the breed.                                                               Rating:   __________

 2.             Are you prepared to have your pet have free access to your home? 

                1              No.  I have a nice home and will have areas

                                that are definite off limits to the animal.

                3              I will allow the animal access to all areas

                                once I am comfortable that he is well trained

                                and will not do any damage.

                5              Yes.  Our home is pretty rugged and is puppy-

proof for the most part.  I can allow a well-

                                trained dog to be home alone and not worry

                                too much where he will go and what he will get into.                    Rating:   __________

 3.             How much time do you expect to spend each day on average with your pet? 

                1              One to three hours per day.  He will be left home

                                unattended for the most part.

                3              Four to six hours per day.

                5              I or someone in the family is home mostly all day,

everyday.  The animal will be home alone a little,

but also able to go on errands or walks regularly.                          Rating:   __________

 4.             Are you prepared to clean pet hair from floor and furniture often? 

                1              No.  I do not want my pet to get his hair everywhere.

                3              Yes.  I plan to sweep and vacuum regularly.

                5              I currently have or have had a pet that sheds and I

am used to cleaning pet hair.                                                             Rating:   __________

 Note:  Malamutes do not shed, but they do blow their coat once or twice a year for about a 3-week period.  Loose pet hairs do accumulate at other times if not tended to, although they are not shedders like some other breeds. 

5.             Do you like to have your pet ride in the vehicle with you on errands or family trips? 

                1              No.  I want to keep my vehicle clean from hair and

do not have the means to restrain the animal for the ride.

                3              Yes, but I am not sure how to control an animal in the vehicle.

                5              I enjoy taking my pet for rides and have the

knowledge and ability to keep everyone in the

vehicle safe by restraining the pet safely.                                       Rating:   __________

 6.             Are you planning to use a crate in training your pet? 

                1              Yes, but only at night or while left at home alone.

                3              No, but I may consider using a crate ONLY if the dog is very

difficult to control in a vehicle, and then ONLY for a short

time period.  I will use it ONLY as a very last resort as a

training tool and not as a baby-sitting device.

I know that using crates damage a Malamutes personality, and

give them much anxiety.  They cannot endure being crated, and

can hurt themselves if left lone in one.

                5              No.  I understand there are no bad pets just poor owners.  I am

committed to giving the animal the time and energy that is

needed to make sure he adjusts well to his new home and knows

what is allowed and what is not allowed.  I understand that

Malamutes are not typical dogs, and that they do not adjust well

without a lot of human contact.  I know they will respect the

house and owners if shown proper respect.                                   Rating:   __________

7.             How do you plan to discipline and train your new pet? 

                1              I will take him to dog obedience classes so that he learns how to

behave at home.  I expect the dog will learn easily to obey faithfully

with just a  little effort on my part.  If the dog does not obey

faithfully I will look  for additional help in training the animal.

                3              I plan to use reward and punishment until the dog learns what

is required.  I may use a little physical discipline, such as a

pinch collar or jingle stick.  I know the difference between a “choke”

collar that can damage a Malamute’s trachea, and a “pinch” collar

that creates a quick pinch on the neck when “popped.”

                5              I understand that most importantly I need to establish myself as

the Alpha, and I know how to do this.  I know that Malamutes are

                                very intelligent animals that learn quickly but get bored fast.  I

know that timing, motivation, and consistency are required for

proper training.  Proper respect shown to a Malamute is returned,

                                and that beating the dog does not help it learn to obey, but actually

can make the dog more stubborn.  I know training requires a lot of

my time and effort.                              

                                                                                                                Rating:   __________

 8.             How would you rate your overall knowledge of the Alaskan Malamute breed? 

                1              I know a little and I really like the look of the

dog.  I know they are beautiful and noble animals.

                3              I have read a lot about the breed and I know its

good points and bad points.

                5              I have done a lot of research and I really respect

the breed for its heritage and usefulness.  I am

very knowledgeable and know why the Alaskan

Malamute is considered the “King of Dogs.”                                 Rating:   __________

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 9.             How would you rate you affection toward dogs? 

                1              I love all of God’s creatures and think dogs are wonderful pets.

                3              I consider myself a dog lover, and hope to always have a dog as a pet.

                5              I am not only a dog lover, but I have a special appreciation for them. 

I am able to communicate   with a dog on its level. I know they have feelings,

                                a desire to please their master, and have the ability to communicate in return.                                        

                                                                                                                                                Rating:   __________

 10.          What kind of living environment will you have prepared for your pet? 

                1              I have a small indoor area but plan to take the dog for walks often

or keep him tied up outside.

                3              I have a house with a small yard.

                5              I have a house with a large fenced yard or a long runner system.                                              

                                                                                                                                                Rating:   __________

 11.          Are you prepared for possible pet damage to your furniture, carpets, and vehicle? 

                1              No.  I keep a perfect house and plan to keep it that way.

                3              Yes, a little.  I hope to keep any damage to a minimum.

                5              Yes, a little.  I understand that during the learning curve for a

pup some damage will occur in the house, and that the pup needs

to be watched and trained continually for the first few weeks.

I am prepared to provide continual supervision of the puppy until

I am comfortable it has learned to behave properly in the house.                                                                                                                                                                              Rating:   __________

 12.          How patient are you with dogs? 

                1              I am patient with dogs as long as they are well behaved and not

too much of a nuisance.  I expect a dog to adjust to my lifestyle

quickly and not cause too much disruption to the status quo.

                3              I am patient with dogs and am committed to   do what is necessary

to keep a pet for the long term.  Even if a dog is a difficult case I

have the resolve to work with the animal and not give up easily.

I know Malamutes are stubborn at times and I am prepared to deal

with this stubbornness.

                5              I know pups respond to attention and motivation and I am prepared

to spend as much time as is needed to make sure the pup develops

as he should.  I know I cannot be selfish with my time and will have

to adjust my routine to deal with a new puppy.  I know a pup is a

little baby and that I will lose some sleep so as to comfort and tend

and to the pup, and that I will have to do a lot of cleaning up after him. 

I know that getting a pet is for the long term.                                                                

Rating:   __________

 13.          Why do you want to own an Alaskan Malamute? 

                1              We are ready for a pet and we really like look of the Alaskan Malamute.  

They are nice looking dogs and we know they are good with children.

                3              I know that these animals make excellent pets if trained and tended to

rightly.  I know they are not only beautiful but intelligent.  I have

                                learned a lot about these animals and am convinced they are a good

choice for our home.

                5              I know the breed and have talked to people who own them.  I really

appreciate the intelligence  and personality of the Alaskan Malamute. 

I know they make great companions and are  the best dog to get if one

has the ability to care rightly for them.  Knowing the attributes of

                                this breed, I could own no other breed than a Malamute.  I know I

can provide a great environment for the dog.                

                                                                                                                Rating:   __________

 14.          What things make you a good Alaskan Malamute owner? 

                1              I like the dog and have the ability to provide a good home and care

for the animal.

                3              I have a lot experience with dogs and after research I am comfortable

that I can be a good caretaker of the animal.  I like the breed and I

have the means and ability to raise one rightly.

                5              I know dogs and know what to expect of this breed.  I have the right

environment and personality to raise and keep these animals.  I know

how to establish myself as the Alpha and have the patience and time

                                to make the relationship between dog and  owner a success

                                                                                                                                              Rating:   __________

 15.          Malamutes make great family companions.  How would you rate your family’s attitude toward having an Alaskan Malamute in the home? 

                1              They don’t know.  I think once they see how cute the puppy is that

all will be fine.

                3              We have all discussed the possibility of owning a Malamute and we

all agree to take our part to care for the pet rightly.

                5              Everyone knows what the animal is like and we all have seen one

up close.  We know this is right for us.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Rating:   __________

15 – 40 ……….      An Alaskan Malamute is definitely not a good match for you at this time. You should consider whether a different type of pet is more appropriate.

41 – 60 ……….      An Alaskan Malamute could be a good match.  Please do a little more research to make sure this animal is right for you.

61 – 75 ……….      An Alaskan Malamute is a great match for you.