By nature, the malamute is a placid, easy going, fun loving dog, but many people find themselves unwilling or incapable of coping with the highly intelligent, sometimes devious, Malamute mind. The Malamute is not the fabled one-man dog, following loved ones with blind faith and obedience. First, those loved ones must prove themselves worthy of faithfulness and obedience. The Malamute can be stubborn and independent, ignoring his family with disdain and happily following a stranger.
Respect is the key word.
Using somewhat rough affection, make your Malamute feel your attention is not given lightly and that it is something to be valued and earned. Force or unbending severity will make a Malamute sullen and uncooperative, and he turn to aggression as protection to his pride. Be firm when training your Malamute. Be sure he understands what you expect of him. If you're unable to follow through and enforce a command, don't issue it.