After training and working with Alaskan Malamute's and other Nordic Breeds for about 2 decades now, it is easy for one to tell that these genes are a breed apart!

The senses of these types of dogs are innately in tune with their surroundings, allowing them to refine their skills quite adeptly. The intelligence factor extremely surpasses that of "all" other breeds, in my opinion, and as my neighbor so eloquently put it, "You can just see the wheels turning". As far as their ability to learn, their behaviour, and their uncanny way of companionship, they (Mal's and Wolves in particular) are more intelligent, or have more "horse sense", than just about any other domesticated canine breed known to man. Each Mal has it's own unique intelligent character, and some experts agree that the Mal has the IQ of at least a 5 year old child and a supernatural ability to reason, contemplate, and share emotional responses with humans, in a human like way.

It's a fortunate experience to be able to interact with these creatures, and everybody that does, takes home a wonderful memory and deep impression that there is truly something unique in these dogs. If the mal, husky, or wolfdog is contained properly, and given ample room to run, then a good life can be offered to these intelligent minds.

As sled dogs, with proper training, mals can pull a sledge load between 25-75 miles per day depending on weather and the condition of the trail. The colder the weather usually means the faster and farther they will run, to a certain extent. Plainly put, they love it when its ICE-cold. Their limitations are well below -30F into 40mph+ blizzard force stormy weather. They simply love to run in the cold, and love to do something exhilarating with the team, as a team. Much preparation must be given to expect them to perform like athletes when exposed to these kinds of conditions, however, only if necessary. Like any athlete, its not wise to expose them to these kinds of extremes without slowly building them up to it. These dogs have been the choice for reliable Arctic travel for millennia. To be able to team-run gives them such a feeling of joy that the only explanation of motive could be the reward of experiencing real freedom, instinctual exploration, and pure bliss. They also know that warm food, water, and 8 hours rest would usually lie at the end of the course, which may also help seal the motivation. When its time to "take them dogs for a run", you always have an animal that loves to do it just for the challenge, the sake of exploring new territory, and loves nothing more than to get you to spend some time with them in their element. Oh, and did I mention, they love to run?

Rajah's job is heavy, but he is a veteran trailbreaker. He wouldn't have it any other way. Actually when another leader is placed in front, they run too fast for him and he gets discouraged, he knows how to keep a good pace, he's a born leader. Rajah knows how to find the trail, proceed only when safe, lead an entire group of family lives along any given or chosen path to any given destination, ever so-heartedly guiding you, leading and showing the way swiftly efficient, most importantly keeping bearing and orientation no matter how far a detour takes you off your course. He also knows when to stop if approaching a frozen lake. These smart dogs will not cross these frozen lakes unless living in a very very northerly latitude, and only during the right season. Of course they can be trained to brute-force their way across any frozen lake, but this is unwise training, and undermines the dogs natural abilities.

This is Rajah and the team, patiently anticipating the run that he is about to lead. He was a proud and trusting malamute, and you can see some of his nature here by the expression on his face ("down for the job, ready to get to business").

Don't be fooled by the gentle appearance of these friendly furballs. They love to go. Got Dirt, Snow, or Gravel? We'll dig, we'll travel!

That is the rest of the team paired up behind Rajah. In this picture, this family shows some good hearted happy spirits that are ready to hike and steady the course. Notice the smiles on Timbre's and Nikita's face, and you can see Aly's ears back indicating she's grinning too, and Kobuk's tail is wagging wide, as he goes pure nuts during these moments just before a run, he just can't wait to hit the trail.

Rajah knows he is tied out in lead position for a run. He used to lead 7 of his team mates on training runs. Rajah wasn't doing it for the speed like some of the younger dogs, he kept the whole team at a good smooth trotting pace. He didn't like to be bothered by his team mates when working, so he wouldn't hesitate to snap at, and bite into, if given the chance if they tried tangling him up or kissing up to him for play during runs. This taught them that it wasn't time to be goofing off, or wasting energy. Rajah fulfilled his lead position well by keeping the team at his rear 'WELL disciplined', paced, and in good RESPECTFUL order. He was also extremely well at letting ME know when he was getting a bit tired, he would just start snapping at the dogs behind him when he was being pushed or frustrated, then I knew he was feeling stressed so we would pull over for a good long rest.

Rajah has also been on some mountain bike pulls through the mountains along some fire roads for fun, exercise, and training. It was before i had a springer for the bike(an instrument for bicycle pulling), so i literally had him bunjied(Mntn. bike tire tube doubled into 2 circles, for the suspension) around the neck and to a threaded D ring which coupled that to 6ft. of thick dog leash webbing to a swivel (the obvious weak link in the rig), then to a 6ft. Rock Climbing runner, with a locking caribiner at the power end. Crazy, yes, however, it worked pretty well, and you have to get real good at braking fast so you don't slack the line too much because it will and does get caught in tire frequently if your not quick. Besides you have to be careful of your pal that's working in directly front of you. I would use a 12-15 foot lead, including the suspension, if attempting this method, and try to keep him off to the inside as much as possible instead of directly in front of you. Keeping the speed DOWN, and an eye on the foot pads is absolutely crucial. A dog can be greatly injured if great care isn't taking when biking with them.

Tip; DO not use a pack on a dog when you run it. Packs are made for hiking on foot, or walking.

Tip; Do not use these types of dogs to pull you on skates or a skateboard, it is extremely dangerous. They are too strong, and will not stop. Unless you have something bigger and heavier with brakes, you will not be able to get them to slow down. I personally have had a hospital visit due this.

Most of these dogs in these images, all but two of the pups behind the fence, have experienced many activities. Those activities include trail sledding, backpacking, winter mountaineering including overnight storms, multiple summits, some basic weight-pulling, all for fun.

View the activities page to learn more about the activities you can do with your dog.

Thanks for coming, be sure to check out the other sections!