Malamutes are active and athletic dogs that require a lot of sports to stay healthy and happy. They thrive in activities that allow them to use their instincts and skills, such as hiking, backpacking, skijoring, and sledding.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the various activities and sports that Malamutes can participate in and provide tips for preparing them for these activities and their benefits.

Hiking and Backpacking

Malamutes love to explore the great outdoors, and hiking and backpacking are excellent ways to satisfy their need for adventure. These activities provide not only physical but also mental stimulation as Malamutes can explore new sights and smells.

Before taking your malamute on a hike or backpacking trip, preparing them for the journey is important. Gradually increase their distance and intensity of exercise to build up their endurance.

Additionally, ensure they are adequately equipped with a comfortable harness and leash, appropriate footwear, and plenty of water and food. Researching the area and ensuring that dogs are allowed on the trails is also essential.

Long distance walks

As very athletic and active breeds, malamutes require a lot of space and time to burn off their surplus energy. It is a practical way to get active and break from a boring routine. Your Mal can benefit greatly from extended strolls through a park, along the beach, or throughout the city. The fact that this activity is free and very simple to participate in is its best feature, more information you can find here.

However, you should first determine whether your malamute can manage walking for a few kilometers before going for a long walk. Start them with shorter walks around the block to build up their energy and ability to tolerate coming across other people and animals during the trek. This is necessary if you feel your malamute isn’t quite prepared to go on a long, half-hour stroll.

You can stroll through a peaceful park, along a respectable beach, or through the town for a few blocks. Since malamutes are a breed not particularly known for enjoying monotony, try to vary the places you take yours on walks.

Skijoring

Skijoring is an enjoyable winter activity that involves a malamute pulling a person on skis. It is the ultimate way to bond with your malamute while getting exercise in the snow.

Before starting this activity, ensuring your malamute is adequately trained and socialized is essential. You will also need the right equipment, such as a skijoring belt, a dog harness, and skis appropriate for your experience level. Start with short distances and gradually boost the length of your skijoring runs.

Sledding

Sledding is a popular activity for malamutes who are intuitive to pull. Sledding provides physical exercise and helps build your malamute’s confidence and teamwork skills. Before starting, it is essential to have the right equipment, such as a sled or cart appropriate for your dog’s size and strength, and a comfortable harness and leash.

Gradually introduce your malamute to the sled and start with short runs before increasing the distance. Alternatively, you and your dog can practice sledding on a dirt trail rather than in the snow with the help of a sledding harness and the bungee line.

Snow fetching

Snow fetching is one of the most tried-and-fun activities for a dog and its owner. Although you can do it as part of sledding, snow fetch can be a fun and engaging exercise in and of itself.

Once you and your dog have spent significant time learning the sport by practicing on a dirt trail, you will be prepared to try dog sledding in the snow. But before you do this sport, you and your malamute should be accustomed to cold weather.

Therefore, if you don’t already own a dog and live in a snowy place or don’t often take your dog out to snowy areas, you ought to try it. Make sure you and your dog become used to strolling in the snow, and you can even try playing a few rounds of snow fetch every time. Start with smaller, safer slopes in the beginning before attempting any of the heavy-duty, steep incline slopes.

Agility sports

Given their innate agility, malamute dogs will enjoy the chance to dart, dip, dive, duck, and dash through a trustworthy brand of obstacle courses.

Find a public park in your area with these amenities, or if you prefer to be more hands-on, consider building your DIY obstacle course. Let your dog use dog agility to express their fun side.

Toys and large breeds are welcome to participate in this rapidly expanding dog activity, which tests their ability to pay attention to you while navigating entertaining obstacles.

Benefits of Malamute Activities and Sports

Participating in activities and sports with your malamute provides physical exercise, mental stimulation, and bonding opportunities. These activities allow your malamute to use their instincts and skills, which helps them stay healthy and happy.

Additionally, participating in these activities can help reduce behavior issues such as destructiveness, barking, and digging that can arise when Malamutes are under-stimulated. Regular exercise and activity also help reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, and joint problems.

Finally, sweating together indicates that your relationship with your canine companion is getting stronger. If your malamute is shy or anxious, you can play a nose job to help it unwind and build self-confidence.

You can keep your dog’s mind and body active by playing nose work games like finding treats. It’s also an excellent method to deepen your bond with your dog because the activity requires both efforts.

The takeaway

Malamutes are active dogs that thrive in activities that allow them to use their instincts and skills. Hiking, backpacking, skijoring, and sledding are all excellent activities that provide physical exercise, mental stimulation, and bonding opportunities.

When preparing your malamute for these activities, it is important to gradually increase their distance and intensity, ensure they are adequately equipped, and research the area and regulations. Participating in these activities benefits your malamute’s physical health, mental well-being, and happiness.