The Four Way Stop: More Puppy Pics!

HIM: We have had the puppies for two days now and they are great!

To start with, we had to make sure that our apartments allowed them. We knew that the contract specified that no huskies or part-wolf breeds were allowed. Our friend Tierney's complex specifically names malamutes as allowable where huskies are not. Also, we did our online research to make sure that they are not considered wolves in the scientific community and were glad to find there was a clear distinction. We will be filling out the necessary paperwork and doing the pet deposit within the next couple weeks.

In the meanwhile, we have been training them for life with our family. Our routine has averaged 2 play times and 1 major walk each day, with potty breaks every 3 hours during the day. At night, the puppies sleep very well and only really cry when they are separated for their periodic potty. We had to do this because if we tried to let them out together one gets distracted and tries to go before we make it out the door. This way, we can keep an eye on one and make sure it does its business outside.

We have a chest harness for each so that they are at leash-length without having to yank on their necks. So far they are obedient enough that we don't have to yank them around much. They're so friendly, too. We found a few good websites on what to expect about our new additions. This one discusses malamutes in warmer climates, and this one information about the ancestry of the breed. Then, of course, there is Wikipedia's info. Don't forget that he's only part malamute as well. He's a lab/malamute mix from a litter of 9.

We took them to the beach yesterday and they loved it. Duke seems a little shy of the ocean waves, but Dexter is more adventurous and will follow me in paw-deep. They'll both run through it as we're running up the beach, though. I'd love to get some pictures of it soon. Keep your eyes out. We should have some more pictures with Vanessa and Sebastian up soon as well.