We Work and Show our Malamutes with varied success and gain great pleasure doing both, as do our dogs. As you can see from the picture below, they are a Hardy, Primitive, Work driven breed !
WORKING
We work our dogs on the Rig at least once a week, usually more, and sometimes on the Springer a few times a week to keep them in shape and give them the exercise they need.
When we are working the dogs on the Rig, Kaiy, is happy to travel alongside Seku and take direction from her, as she has great focus and he trusts her. Seku has always been our lead dog when working, because of her focus and follows my every word. They both love it and are raring to go, as soon as they see the Rig and Ganglines come out. We enjoy it too and it's great exercise and extremely exhilarating. If you are hoping to work your Malamute, you must be prepared to work them at the colder times of year, or very early in the mornings or late in the evenings, and make sure you have the correct equipment for comfort and safety. You must also be prepared to be cold, out of breath and Muddy ! See the links page for Equipment.
If working on the Rig is not for you, or you are not prepared for the odd injury, you could always 'Backpack' with your Mal, as we also do. Dog backpacks are easily acquired (see Links page) and are a great form of exercise and mental stimulation. Again, they love to have a purpose and it's great exercise for the whole family.
SHOWING
Our Malamutes have been shown in the ring and have done well. Kaiy is now retired from formal showing and he is only shown for fun. He doesn't rate showing much and would rather be working, Backpacking or sleeping ! Seku however, has done very well in her short career already, taking many 1sts, and a few Group placings in only a handful of shows. She loves showing, all the preparation & grooming and loves being in the ring gaining attention from the Judges. She's truly a little show-off.
