aggressive alaskan malamute

[auntvanna]

I have a 4 year old male alaskan malamute who has recently become aggressive toward my boyfriend and I. He has always been vocal but i fear his growling isnt normal vocalization but aggression. He has recently bitten my  boyfriend and I just dont know what to do with him because i refuse to have an aggressive dog especially one of his size (115 lbs). Will neutering resolve this bad behavior or is it to late? He has been rcently treated for an ear infection would this explain his aggression? His ear is pretty much cleared up now though.

[auntvanna]

I appreciate all of your comments!! They've given me a new perspective on the way king is behaving. I plan to get him neutered asap and will keep you updated on his hopefully improvements. Thanks again :)

[evewisewoman]

Hello again,

I read my husband, Gary, your comments.  My husband and I think that getting your dog neutered would really help with the aggression issue.
We went out for lunch today and we talked about the problem during our
lunch. Gary makes a good point , I think. He says being this time of year,
namely spring, this is the time unneautered male dogs want to mate.
Bottom line is if you got your 4 year old alaskan malumute ( they're such
beautiful dogs) neutered, it would make him less aggressive. Also unneutered males tend to mark their territory. If he was neutered, he wouldn't do this anymore. Hope this helps. Eve :)

[evewisewoman]

Hello auntvanna,

I just finished reading your comments. I'm a big fan of Caesar Milano,
the Dog Whisperer. Caesar grew up with dogs. He can reprogram any
dog especially with behavior issues. I also know that Mr. Milano has
written books and I think he has produced videos on a variety of dog
behavior issues. I grew up with dogs when I was a child. I also have a
good friend who has two dogs, chihuauas. When my friend first got her
dogs, both rescues, one of her dogs called Peanut, used to like to sit
with my friend, Lynne, on her couch. One day I was visiting with Lynne.
Peanut was sitting with Lynne on the couch. This was the first time I
had ever met Peanut. As I approached the place where Lynne and her
dog were sitting, Peanut, started growling.  I knew that Peanut was just
protecting Lynne. The other dog was a lot more laid back. Anyway, the
reason I mention this incident, is because perhaps this is what is happening
with your dog. You mention your dog growls at the both of you and that your dog has bitten your boyfriend. Personally, I think your dog is growling to protect you and has bitten your boyfriend because perhaps it thinks
of him as a potential threat. It's only a hunch. These behaviors can be
corrected. Your dog from the sounds of him or her is not really aggressive.
This behavior can be changed. You don't have to give him or her away
necessarily. I'm not a dog behavior therapist. What I am is a retired
primary teacher who used to work with special education children and
who grew up with several dogs. The best of luck to you. Eve :)

[evewisewoman]

Hi BluCrystal,

Great suggestions , Blu.  Your idea of the boyfriend carrying treats in his
pocket is a really good one. Also your idea for the boyfriend to reward
positive choices. Blessings, Eve :)

[BluCrystal]

Dogs are very sensitive to changes in their environment.  Neutering him may help, especially if you have no breeding plans.  It is never too late to have your dog neutered.  Have your boyfriend keep dog treats in his pocket, and offer the dog the treat when he comes near... that way your dog will link your boyfriend with treats.  And have your boyfriend pet and praise the dog whenever possible.  Blessings - Blu

[Margot49]

Sorry to read you are having these problems.  Dog aggression, especially in an older dog, can be difficult to figure out and manage.  Too bad he wasn't neutered at a younger age.  Neutering him now may certainly help some but no guarantee.  I would not trust him around other dogs and especially children.  Don't challenge him as that may only escalate the problem.  Do you know what triggers this?  Fear, anxiety, possessiveness?  Have you tried daily exercise with him?  
It may be a physical issue and that should be ruled out first.  Get a good Vet exam done, ESP those ears, and have his thyroid checked.  If he is in good health and due to his age, breed and size, I suggest you try to find a goid behaviorist in your area to do an evaluation, one that has dealt with these issues.  Your Vet or local All Breed club or training facility may have a recommendation.