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Exercise |
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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
(NEED LINK)
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