"Winterstar Team." Owned by Karina Burger and Tim O'Brien. Joined by Sherlock, owned by Alexis Smith.
Many members of the Minnesota Malamute Club actively work their dogs in teams, whether with a sled or skis during the winter, or carting, ATVing, or scootering during the warmer months.
What is mushing?
Dog-sledding! Dogs are run in teams ranging in size from two to six dogs. Occasionally larger teams are run.
What is mushing?
Dog-sledding! Dogs are run in teams ranging in size from two to six dogs. Occasionally larger teams are run.
"Aziraphale, Sherlock, Varda." Owned by Alexis Smith.
Why mush?
Mushing can be exciting! It can also be surprisingly peaceful and satisfying - there's nothing quite like watch malamutes doing what they were bred to do. It's a beautiful experience, and the dogs love it!
What equipment do I need?
Mushing is one of the more equipment-heavy activities we do with our dogs. While some may choose the skijoring route, which only requires 1-2 dogs, mushing requires a sled. These can range in size and price. The kicksled is small and suited to a team of 1-2 dogs, but a real sled is ideal. You will need a harness, gangline with a shock-absorber, snow-hook, and more!
Carts can be purchased from several sources. Sled Dog Central's website is a great starting place to research equipment!
Mushing can be exciting! It can also be surprisingly peaceful and satisfying - there's nothing quite like watch malamutes doing what they were bred to do. It's a beautiful experience, and the dogs love it!
What equipment do I need?
Mushing is one of the more equipment-heavy activities we do with our dogs. While some may choose the skijoring route, which only requires 1-2 dogs, mushing requires a sled. These can range in size and price. The kicksled is small and suited to a team of 1-2 dogs, but a real sled is ideal. You will need a harness, gangline with a shock-absorber, snow-hook, and more!
Carts can be purchased from several sources. Sled Dog Central's website is a great starting place to research equipment!
How do I Train?
Check out these articles written by MN Malamute Club members!
Teach Your Dogs to Pull by Terry Miller
A Primer on Working the Alaskan Malamute by Linda Dowdy
Check out these articles written by MN Malamute Club members!
Teach Your Dogs to Pull by Terry Miller
A Primer on Working the Alaskan Malamute by Linda Dowdy
"Winterstar Team" plus Julia's Vesta.
What do I earn?
Dogs can earn a Working Team Dog title (WTD) by running at least 40 miles with each excursion at least ten miles in length. Dogs can earn a Working Lead Dog title (WLD) if they run the requirements as a single lead dog (as opposed to a double lead, which is two dogs working together in the lead position). The titles are awarded by the Alaskan Malamute Club of America. See the AMCA website for more information.
Dogs can earn a Working Team Dog title (WTD) by running at least 40 miles with each excursion at least ten miles in length. Dogs can earn a Working Lead Dog title (WLD) if they run the requirements as a single lead dog (as opposed to a double lead, which is two dogs working together in the lead position). The titles are awarded by the Alaskan Malamute Club of America. See the AMCA website for more information.
"Psyche, Nero, and Vesta." Owned by Julia Berquist.
Banner: "Winterstar Team." Owned by Tim O'Brien (pictured) and Karina Burger.