My 16-month old male malamute is refining his hunting skills, which is causing some problems. When walking, he'll heel fairly well until he spots a duck or rabbit and then is off and running and I cannot stop him. He also roams our rural farmstead and comes up with the occasional wood rat or vole. We kennel him at night but sometimes he runs off into the woods and spends the night on the prowl; he recently came back with a fawn and I fear he killed it.
He's our second malamute and much more assertive than our previous dog.
I know he's just doing what he's bred to do but I was wondering if anyone had any tips for discouraging the behavior, especially when he's on the leash.
Thanks for your advice.
P.S. We've been through beginner's obedience school and he generally sits, lies down, stays and heels (as well as a pulling dog can heel).
