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Retrieving
Alaskan Malamutes are not natural retrievers for the most part, but some are more willing to participate in this activity than others. Let's face it, all purebred dogs originated from the same stock and all carry the same instincts buried deep inside them. In order to produce today's retrieving and sporting breeds, man has consistently bred together those dogs which most strongly exhibited the desired behaviour. Puppies have all of these instincts closer to the surface, only to have some instincts overpowered by distinct breed traits as the dog matures. If you throw a ball for a very small puppy, he will usually follow it and pick it up. Some will automatically return the ball to you to repeat the procedure, but most can be coaxed and rewarded. If you build on this natural behaviour with your young puppy, you will keep that instinct strong in the dog. However, if you ignore this behaviour and then toss the ball again when the dog is mature, he will most likely watch the ball fall and look up at you as if to say, "You threw your ball away! Are you going to pick it up?" While formal training procedures can teach a mature dog to pick up and retrieve objects, it is much easier to build on their natural desire during the first few months of growth.
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