Big Paws Only Dog Forums

sorry - not sure why the other fotos didn't post - so here's one of them. I'm new and getting the hang of this.

Ask away! I don't mind a bit. He is so cute! I wish we lived closer so he could play with my girls! Alaskan Malamutes are a breed apart, as I'm sure you've discovered. They're not just regular dogs. They're loyal and loving, don't get me wrong. But if you don't want a dog that is going to logistically try to figure out why you told him to do what you told him to do and why it needs to be done now every single time you say something, it's not the breed for you! They think about everything! And you can just see in their bright little eyes how much they think! I love it, but it can make them so stubborn. Dolly's my easy fur child. And Zoey's my psycho one!!  I'm betting your boy will get up in the 80-85 pound range, but with German Shepherd in him maybe, it could vary. German Shepherds can be hyper too sometimes. I don't own one and never have, but I know someone who did. Great guard dog, but a little crazy at times! Oh well, sorry I made that so long! Guess it's just late and I'm just blabbering! Later!

Yup - we've noticed! you could have been describing our Pascua thinking away and taking his time. And yes he gets hyper sometimes (gs)  - he had his evening romp too late tonight and boy did we suffer for it.  I remember the first time he got those crazies the second night we had him and thinking - oh we're in for it!  but as long as he's well exercised he's pretty mellow.  he's also a guard dog which we really did not intend to have and why training is so important - he also has some fear of people (men, male teens, kids) - today there was a teenage boy who walked past and Pascua rushed to get in front of my husband and give his BIG barks - our friend who was there said that the kid smelled of pot and had already seemed nervous and was digging his hands into his pocket.  I guess Pascua sensed all of that.  Other than that he's a big sweetie-esp. with other dogs - oh i have to find a picture with his stuffed animal wolf pup that he likes to sleep with and carry out of his crate and thrash sometimes.
oops I carried on too long!  must sleep!

Welcome Mel and BlackJack - he is amazingly cute and yay to adopting rescue pups! 

We brought Pascua home from a rescue shelter at @ 12 weeks and he weighed 23 lbs I think. We free fed him (putting the measured amount for the day) but he's not a big eater.  We'd go by measuring on the bag - first it was eukanuba for large breed puppies- that was bad for his stomach so switched to royal canin and now transitioning to Canidae.  we just stopped free feeding since he  started to not eating anything - so now we're more strict and now he's eating more. so this probably doesn't help cuz  your pup is a good eater!

the photo is of our Pascua at @13 weeks - sorry couldn't help it!

With many of our young "kids" it goes in stages- one week they are hellions, the next week good as gold.  Maybe exercising before class will tone it down enough that he will cooperate in class?

Yes good idea - we were running late this morning but next time we'll give him the chance to run around before class. thanks!

Pascua and his dad when to training class this morning and it seems like today he was the class troublemaker - he's usually pretty good - well yes on Wed. he did wander off to the creek while off-leash training in class. Today he was trying to get the other dogs to play (esp. a 10 month old rottweiler) , barking (he's not a barker), whining, ignoring his dad (all with a smile on his face).

I could kinda tell beforehand that he had some mischievous energy - course I didn't help when I was trying to get him to howl with me .  We took him on a trail for a good romp after class.  Ah it's nice to have a tired pup. 

So is there an average to how long adolescence lasts for a bigger dog? or is it always the case that behavior fluctuates? 

thanks1 - first time parent of a bigger dog

Welcome to BPO!  I'm Melissa, or Mel to most.   I'm Mommy of Dazy, the 1 year old Giant Schnauzer and Ladybug, the 4 year old Mini Schnauzer with the GIANT attitude! lol  I also am Mommy to an 8 year old daughter and I have a husband that lurks around here from time to time as well. 

I think it's pretty common for most larger type dogs to continue to grow until 2 or so years of age. ??  Anyone may correct me if I'm wrong on that though. Best of luck with the new love of your life.  (both of them! lol )

thank you Mel - we are a happy new family here plus 2 kitties who hopefully will get used to Pascua.  Pascua met an intact mini Schnauzer at the dog park the other day who -let's say gave him a very hard time ;(  His mom finally had to leave with him since he kept going for Pascua.  I swear Pascua doesn't know how big he is and he's very tolerant!   

I saw your avatar of Pascua as a puppy and I had to say Welcome!  Pascua is a beautiful dog.  THOSE EARS ARE HUMONGOUS!!! Hope you have fun here!!!

thank you for the welcome - luckily he's grown into his ears but not his paws yet. 

Thanks everyone for greeting us - all of your pups are "awesome" as my new hubbie would say. we are off for a walk in our neighborhood with Pascua - we have to make sure he's around other people each day to continue socializing him.  So is there an average time for a bigger pup to stop growing? just wondering.  I've only had smaller-medium dogs in the past.  Take care!