Alaskan Malamute Club of Gauteng
(KUSA AFFILIATED)

[ Alaskan Malamutes in SA ] [ Sledding in South Africa ] [ Other activities ]

Home
Up

Weight Pulling

The Alaskan Malamute is by nature and conformation a draft animal. His very size and weight lend to heavy pulling.  The sport of weight pulling is popular world-wide, because it can be practiced at home in the back yard or urban park, it is something even the one-dog owner can participate in.  However, it has not been followed in South Africa

Weight pull competitions consist of a dog pulling a given weight a given distance in a set amount of time.  Weights are increased for each round, with dogs dropping out when they fail to make the pull.  The competitions are divided into weight classes.  There are several sets of weight pull rules used, the most common being those of the International Weight Pull Association (IWPA) and those of the Alaskan Malamute Club of America (AMCA).  These rules now call for a dog to pull a load a distance of 4.8 metres in one minute and give you the option of calling the dog from the far side of the finish line or driving the dog from a position behind the dog.  Weight pulling may be done with sleds or carts.  Rules do change from time to time so it is best to become familiar with the rules before you enter a competition.

One may begin training for weight pulling when your dog is six months old; however, most competitions require that dogs be a year old to participate.  Basic obedience training is helpful before getting started because the dog will have learned some basic commands such as stay and come.  Start out with light weights on snow, dirt or grass.  Make sure the harness is properly fitted and that the weight you are using does not make a lot of noise or that it is not so light that it might hit the dog should the dog spook and start running.  A small tire makes a good weight to start with.

Carting

Obedience Carting is enjoyed by many people and some Malamutes have attained Championship status for this activity. 

For more information, please contact Lynn Betteridge for more details.  Photos are available in the working gallery section.

Hiking/Packing

Packing with your Malamute can be an excellent activity for both of you and is ideally suited for the one-dog owner.  It is easy to train the Malamute to pack.  The equipment needs are minimal, especially if you are already a hiker or backpacker.  Hiking trails can be found almost everywhere and most Mals love to get out on the trail.

The dog should be obedience trained in the basics of heeling (walking by your side).  He should know a command to walk in front of you or behind you in the event that you come upon a narrow trail.  He should behave in camp and be able to be tied up in camp if needed.

There are a number of back packs available, or you can construct your own.  Make sure that the pack goes over the dog's head easily and test the pack fully loaded to see that the dog can move freely, with no binding or chafing anywhere.  Your leash can be attached to the dog's collar or a D ring on the pack.  If possible have quick release buckles on the pack as they are a big asset when encountering streams or other hazards.

At about six to eight months of age a dog can be lightly packed.  Start out with about 1/8 of the dog's own weight.  Fill the packs with bulky, light items, giving the dog the feel of a full load with a minimum of weight.  As your dog gets into good condition, slowly increase the load to 1/3 of his weight.  Be sure that each side of the pack carries an equal amount of weight or the load will shift and be hard on the dog.

Before you head for the hills your dog must be in condition and his feet must be hardened. Conditioning trips can be short hikes, or jogging with your dog.  Before you do any serious backpacking, do some short hikes that will take you on a variety of trails.  When your Malamute is mature he can carry about 30% of his own weight all day if he is used to doing it and is in good condition.  Don't expect a dog who spends the day lying in the backyard to be in shape. When the dog packs are loaded, check that all is in balance. Large items such as tents may not be workable as they shift too much.  Don't pack any items that might poke through the pack, and pack all perishable items in plastic bags in case the dog decides to take a swim somewhere along the trail. Plan on extra rations for your hard working dog when he is on the trail.  Take a light chain or rope to tie your dog up within in camp and make sure to carry water if it will not be readily available along the trail.  Take a break every hour or so to rest your dog, give him a drink and check his pack. Remember to watch that your dog does not disturb other hikers, wildlife or livestock along the way. Clean up after your dog on a trail or near camping areas.

Return to TAMC Home Page

Send mail to Webmaster with questions or comments about this web site.  

Copyright © 2003 The Alaskan Malamute Club of Gauteng.  See Copyright and Disclaimer

Last modified: April 11, 2008