Life as a packleader of 20 Alaskan Malamutes - With Emeli Aagedal

Say hello to Emeli Aagedal, the dog lover who grew up without dogs. Every birthday and Christmas Eve contained the same wish – a four-legged friend of her own. Today, Emeli shares her life with no fewer than 20 Alaskan Malamutes. What began with a curious question during a dog psychology training has grown into a lifestyle characterized by love, routine, and passionate work with one of the world's most demanding dog breeds. 

Have you always lived a life with dogs?

It may sound strange, but I didn't grow up with dogs at all. I begged and prayed every birthday and Christmas to have a dog of my own, but I never got one. I usually tell my mother with a twinkle in my eye that that's why I have so many today. 

What inspired you to start training and living with Alaskan Malamutes?

When I was doing my dog psychology training, I asked my teacher which breed was the most challenging and why. I was told, Alaskan Malamute. It is a breed that is very independent, and it takes a fair amount of patience to have the breed. It can be described as a breed with a large body size, some same-sex problems, and resource defense. I wanted to learn more from them and breed individuals that were not described that way. I was not interested in the traits or the type of activity with dogs, but it became my lifestyle when I got my first Malamute 15 years ago.

Can you describe a typical day in your life with all 20 dogs? What are the routines like?

We actually have two different days to describe. Training day and rest day. Both are equally important for the dog. 

On the rest day, we do nothing with the dogs, then they just sleep all day and all night long. Since I mostly drive in the evening, the routines look the same in the morning for both days.

I feed them at 8-9 in the morning. I let the dogs stretch their legs in their enclosures that are connected to the dog runs while I pick up poop, clean up a bit. I cover up the holes they dug the day before, move some logs and rocks to change the enrichment, and change the water to fresh new water. When they enter their runs, I check the paws, and check each dog a little quickly. This is to get a general idea of how the dog is doing. Is anyone stiff? Is anyone lethargic? Has anyone's paw got a crack? Is the general condition good? Then I go to work.

At noon, it's the same routine again. On training day, it's exactly the same routine. What you should know about this breed is that they love their routines and feel best from it. We train about 3 days a week. Different distances and weights. 

I usually start driving the dogs around 6 pm in the evening, and right now I drive 5 different teams due to the high age here at home. It takes about 5 hours to drive all the dogs. Some are driven loose, on a long line, and others in a team. When all the dogs are done, they are given a small snack immediately after training, to build muscles in the best way possible.

What challenges have you encountered when it comes to training and caring for so many dogs?

I never see them as problems. I am the one who chose to have as many dogs as I do, and it is up to me to adapt to their needs and their individuality. 

Sometimes there is not enough time, sometimes it's too hot, and sometimes you are simply too tired to go out, but that is only human. Strong self-confident individuals who may not get along with others are the ones who can be problematic, or make it more time-consuming. You have to adapt sometimes, maybe a little too much, and sometimes you can get very tired of them being so stubborn, and at the moment more stubborn than me.

How do you think life with 20 Alaskan Malamutes has shaped and influenced you as a person?

I think I have become a very genuine, understanding, and very patient person. I have become strong, independent, stubborn, and straightforward as a person. I have a routine in my life, I get active, I get to experience nature, opportunities, and places that I would never have had without them.


How do you think Astrid Wild's Minna Wool Fleece is suitable for dog training?
Astrid Wild's fleece is the most comfortable; it is enough as a layer over a base layer and fits perfectly under a thicker down jacket for extra warmth. Now is the time when you can put away your winter jacket for the usual chores with the dogs, and it is so nice to just have a proper fleece jacket on. Big pockets and a high collar are the best thing about the jacket.

Emeli in our Minna Wool Fleece in the color Camel size XS.

What would you say to someone who wants to get an Alaskan Malamute?

Let them be stubborn, a free spirit, and just jump on the bandwagon and go with it. Give them time to find themselves. Respect all their sides and don't try to change them, be understanding of what breed they are and their origins. Give them activities that they are made to do and become a part of their lives, and not the other way around.

Thank you so much, Emeli, for letting us get a glimpse of your life and for sharing your passion for dogs. Don't forget to follow her on Instagram and take part in her passionate work with one of the world's most demanding dog breeds. If you want to read more about life with dogs we recommend you to check this one out!