AMRONE
Exercise

The best philosophy for a malamute owner to know is "a tired malamute is a happy malamute!". Although mals are happy being couch potatoes they need exercise and activities to keep them healthy and also keep their minds active. A bored malamute tends to find ways to entertain itself and most of the time they are not owner appreciated activities!

To learn more about working with your malamute and things that you can do to keep your malamute happy read about the following activities. You can also see our resources page or look for places to order equipment.

The activities below have all been done by rescue dogs, AKC titles and AMCA titles can be earned in almost all areas below. Most of the activities can also be done just for fun. To earn some titles, a rescue dog will have to apply for an ILP number from the AKC. This will register the dog with the AKC and allow them to participate in AKC events. To get an ILP number you have to fill out an application and send it with pictures to the AKC. If your dog already is registered this is not necessary.

Walking and Jogging

Your malamute can walk or slowly jog by your side with no trouble at all. Over a period of time, gradually increase the length of your walks or jogs. Start out with a trip around the block. Every week thereafter, you may increase the level and length of exercise as your dog builds up muscle, stamina etc. Be sure to give him a warm up and cool down time. In warm weather you may not be able to exercise your dog as much as you usually do. Walking or jogging can be done in the late evening or early morning when it is hot during the day.

Biking

If you do not like to jog but like to bike there is a safe way to enjoy biking with your dog. A Springer attaches to your bike easily and frees up your hands. It makes it almost impossible for your dog to pull you off balance while keeping your dog by your side, protected from traffic, pedal and wheels. The Springer has a safety release that breaks free if your dog should run on the wrong side of an object. It is easy to put on and off your bike. Again start out with a trip around the block. Every week thereafter, you may increase the level and length of exercise as your dog builds up muscle, stamina etc. Be sure to give him a warm up and cool down time. In warm weather you may not be able to exercise your dog as much as you usually do. Biking late in the evening or early morning may be the best time when it is hot during the day.

Backpacking

If you enjoy the out of doors, enjoy hiking or like to backpack then this will fast become your favorite thing to do with your dog! Backpacks are available thru many sled dog equipment catalogs and online. We suggest that anyone interested in this read Alaskan malamute breeder Charlene LaBelle's book A Guide to Backpacking With Your Dog. The Alaskan Malamute Club has working certificates for dogs that meet their requirements in this area. Rescue dogs can receive these awards after they get an ILP number from the AKC. If you want a taste of what this sport is like please see our pictures from the Camp N Pack weekend.

Skijoring

This is an exciting sport that crosses the thrill of cross-country skiing with dog sledding! It is a sport that can be done with one or two dogs. The skijoring equipment allows your dog to pull you on cross-country skis! Skijoring equipment is available thru many sled dog equipment catalogs and online.

Sledding

Sledding is a fun outdoor sport that you can participate in with only a few dogs. If your dog is in good shape and is healthy you can first work on having it pull things around the yard. Before long you may be looking for a sled! If you are interested in this activity read the articles below then try and find a sled club near you- or someone that does sledding. They can help you get started. It is important to use correctly fitting equipment. The Alaskan Malamute Club gives out working certificates for dogs that meet their requirements in this area. Rescue dogs can also receive awards after they get an ILP number from the AKC.

Weight Pulling

Weight pulling is a sport that you can participate in with a single dog. In this sport a dog is required to pull a cart or sled with weight in it a certain distance. After each successful pull, weight is added to the cart. Prizes are given for the most weight pulled in each class. Classes are divided up by weight. The Alaskan Malamute Club awards working certificates for dogs that meet their requirements in this area. Rescue dogs can also receive awards after they get an ILP number from the AKC. If you want a taste of what this sport is like please see our pictures from the Camp N Pack weekend.

Flyball

Tracking/Search and Rescue

Therapy Dog

Nursing homes, jails, hospitals, schools and other facilities have been recognizing the benefits of having dogs visit these settings. Any dog including your malamute can become a therapy dog if its temperament is suited to this work. There are a few different groups that will certify your dog and help you find a group doing this important work to join.

Agility

This sport requires the dog to run through an obstacle course. The dog is timed and scored. Most malamutes seem to like agility and this is fast becoming a popular sport. If you want a taste of what this sport is like please see our pictures from the Camp N Pack weekend.

Obedience

Obedience is a sport that you can do for fun or that you can do in competition. Obedience trials are open to any AKC purebred dog or a dog with an ILP number. Most malamutes that have come thru rescue can qualify for ILP numbers. In obedience trials, the dog and handler perform a set of exercises, each worth points. To earn titles the dog must earn qualifying scores. The titles are Companion Dog (CD), Companion Dog Excellent (CDX), Utility Dog (UD) and Utility Dog Excellent (UDX). If you would like to watch an obedience trial, contact MBF,Inc to find a show near you.

CD (companion dog)

Canine Good Citizen Test

The AKC Canine Good Citizen test is open to all dogs. The dog must pass ten individual tests that will prove that the dog can be a good member of society. Our annual Camp N Pack weekend offers a CGC test each fall.

Scootering

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