There are so many great ways to get out and work with our dogs – but one of my very favourites, is backpacking. For 12 years now we have been using it as a great way to work one-on one with the dogs, build up fitness, strengthen bonds and working dynamics and have amazing adventures!
Backpacking is the activity of choice here at Flint Sky Alaskan Malamutes in both autumn and spring every year. It’s the best way to begin each working season by getting some slow and steady miles out with the dogs, getting their fitness back up after the summer by slowly adding weight and miles as they build good core strength. It’s also a fantastic way to round off the season as the days become a little too warm for sled dogs like Alaskan Malamutes to race or run long distance on the rig or the sled. Backpacking longer miles whilst fully fit from a long winter of working is an excellent way to wind down the season at each individual dog’s pace.
Of course – it’s also a great pass time to do completely on it’s own with your dog! With just a little care about the correct way to proceed it can offer endless hours of adventure and enjoyment for you and your dog. Making your way together through long miles on difficult trails will build bonds you didn’t know you could have together! We love to start the season this way because of how intimate the working relationship is when you are backpacking and we find it really helps build that rapport you need so desperately when working on a team.
For the month of April, Flint Sky will be working alongside Snowpaw Store to highlight the sport of backpacking - why we do it, what the benefits are as well as how to’s, some kit reviews and discussion about kit options. As with all dog sport – having the correct kit is key!
In the past 12 years I’ve been able to test out a number of different packs on different dogs over various miles and all different kinds of terrain in everything from five mile hikes on nature trails to multi-day hikes and camp outs in the wild. This month we will be reviewing some of the packs available currently at Snowpaw for anyone looking to begin, or to try a new type of pack. There are a number of different facets to consider in a pack - and how you plan to use it, as well as the dog you are using it on will effect what pack works best for you. Getting out into the wilderness with a weighted pack that isn’t quite right for your dog is never fun, so hopefully I can shed some light on all the pros and cons of the packs currently on the market.
The focus will primarily be on the value and experience of backpacking with freighting dogs – as these dogs were bred for precisely this type of work – but the overall guidance will be applicable to most breeds who are fit, can safely carry a pack and who are happy to do so! The specifics will simply need to be adapted to each breed, which I will talk about some in the articles to come, but you may want to follow up with your breed club for more details.
This season I have four malamutes I will be backpacking with – ranging from ages 13 to 2. The oldest will be given an extremely light back and taken on short miles just to remind her of her glory days and make her feel like she’s still part of the team. The youngest will be stretching his legs and learning how all of this works and getting a handle on what working as part of team is all about. This is going to be invaluable next year when he stops running on the rig on his own and is integrated in with older dogs.
And the dogs aren’t the only ones who’s fitness is important! Newly recovering from having my first baby, I will be using these backpacking trips to rebuild my own strength and getting back to the mountains and trails that I so love.
So follow along over the next few weeks for tips and stories about our backpacking experiences, guidance on getting started and pack reviews! Anyone looking to get started immediately there is a wealth of information on the AMWA website (www.amwa.org.uk) and the AMCA website (www.alaskanmalamute.org) and as always Snowpaw are always happy to help with any kit or sizing queries.
Happy Hiking!
Red Anderton-Tyers
Flint Sky Alaskan Malamutes
