1. The pulling area must be at least 10 feet wide and 20 feet long with an open end toward which the pull is made. If there is any perceptible slope to the chute, the direction of the pull shall be towards the higher end. There shall be a physical barrier separating the crowd from the pulling area.
1. The outdoor area shall be as level and hard packed as conditions permit.
2. Indoors, the area shall be of dirt, sod, carpet or runner.
3. The dog does not need to achieve traction on the same surface as that on which the vehicle rides.
2. Three officials will supervise the event. One will be designated Chief Judge. A majority ruling will be the deciding factor.
3. All entrants are responsible for the conduct of their dogs and handlers before, during, and after the contest. Unsportsmanlike conduct in the weight pull area or on the weight pull course will result in disqualification.
4. All dogs shall be kept in a designated holding area behind the starting line while they are waiting to pull. No dog shall be allowed in the general area ahead of the starting line except for the dog that is pulling.
5. All dogs must be under physical control, on lead, except when hooked to the weight pull vehicle.
6. No female in season may be used in a weight pull or brought into the weight pull area. Other unentered dogs and family pets are also excluded.
7. No pregnant females shall be allowed to compete in an AMCA weight pull.
8. No dogs shall be brought from a kennel where Parvo, Brucellosis, Hepatitis, Distemper, Leptospirosis, or any other contagious canine diseaseexists, nor shall any equipment be brought from said kennel. In addition, all dogs brought to the event shall be accompanied by proof of Rabies vaccination and shall be vaccinated for canine infectious disease as advised by their veterinarian.
9. All persons, or dogs, capable of baiting the dog that is pulling must be no further forward among the spectators than the starting line. Any violation of this rule will result in the disqualification of the involved dog.
10. No handling or bait is to be allowed once a dog enters the pull area (as defined in section 1-A) and is hooked to the load. Handling is to consist of anyone touching the dog, his harness, the pulling vehicle, or any part of the equipment or load except chute officials who hook up the dog, stop the load after completion of the pull, or aide in the event of a tangle. A handler may touch his dog to reset the dog in the event of a tangle. Baiting consists of the use of anything to influence the dog other than hand signals or voice command. Dogs may be rewarded once they have left the pulling area and have returned to their crate or vehicle.
11. During the pull, the use of whips, noisemakers, leashes, muzzles, any form of baiting is prohibited.
12. This event is open to any Alaskan Malamute that is at least one year old. Weight pulls held at an AKC event might be limited to Alaskan Malamutes or open to all breeds. Events not sanctioned by AKC may be open to all breeds.
13. Entries close no less than ½ hour before the pull starts.
14. No medication to stimulate the dog’s pulling ability shall be used.
15. The sponsoring club, or judge, may reject any entry for due cause.
16. Cruel or inhumane treatment of a dog is strictly prohibited and will be cause for disqualification.

1. There shall be four divisions in the contest.
1. Dogs weighing 80 pounds or less.
2. Dogs weighing 81 pounds up to and including 100 pounds
3. Dogs weighing 101 pounds up to and including 120 pounds
4. Dogs weighing 121 pounds and over

All weights shall be rounded down to the lowest whole pound.
Example a dog weighing 80 ¾ pounds would be recorded as 80 pounds
Divisions 3 and 4 may be combined, but each dog’s weight must be recorded on the final report

2. The dog that wins its weight class shall not be allowed to compete in the next weight class. However, the winning dog shall be allowed to continue pulling in order to compete for top percentage pulled or top weight pulled. These pulls shall be at the established increment or more.

1. The dog must be fitted with an adequate freighting or weight pull harness. The judge will determine whether or not the harness is safe for the dog. Dogs should wear a buckle or martingale type collar during competition. Prong/pinch collars or electric shock collars are not permitted. (slip collars are allowed). If any part of the harness or other equipment breaks, the contestant will have another chance at the same increment after repairs are made.
2. Carrying capacity of weight pull vehicles.
1. Sled should be capable of safely carrying a load of 2700 pounds
1. Sled should have runners 2 to 4 inches wide and 7 to 10 feet long, curving at the front end in a reasonable manner for a sled.
2. Report of the pull should indicate whether the runner’s were shod with steel or plastic.
2. A wheeled vehicle must be capable of safely carrying a load of 3,000 pounds.
1. Wheeled vehicles can be of a three or four wheel design, with wheels in a fixed position so they track in a straight line.
2. Report of the pull should indicate whether the vehicle was equipped with solid or pneumatic tires.
3. The use of a car as the pulling vehicle will result in invalidation of the contest.
3. Tug Line
1. Shall not exceed 6 feet in length when a sled is used, with minimum of 3 feet.
2. Shall not exceed 16 feet in length for a wheeled vehicle, with minimum of 6 feet.
3. No shock line is to be used as part of the tug line in weight pulling events.
4. An adequate supply of pre-weighed, inert material suitable for safe stable stacking shall be provided.
5. Provisions should be made for attachment of a 16-foot rope to the rear of the pulling vehicle for stopping the vehicle at the end of the pull and preventing injury to the pulling dog. The rope is then used to pull back the vehicle to the starting point, and can serve as an accurate measure of distance traveled by the vehicle.

1. All dogs shall be weighed prior to each AMCA weight pulling event (multiple or consecutive day pulls by the same organization require only one weigh-in unless the dog is within 2 pounds of a class division). All recorded dog weights shall be rounded to the lowest whole pound. Dog should be weighed with nothing on except a standard collar.
2. The starting weight in each division shall be at least 300 pounds, including the pulling vehicle. There shall be approximately 100-pound increments. This increment can be reduced or raised, if the majority of the handlers agree.
3. During each pulling effort, the handler must be in one of two positions:
1. No further forward than the front of the pulling vehicle when the dog is driven from the rear.
2. No closer than the dog'sfinish line if the dog isbeing called.
4. The finishing line is measured 16 feet from the front of the vehicle, and the pull is completed when the front of the vehicle reaches this line.
5. The timer starts the pull when the handler calls his dog or commands him to start.
6. The dog has 60 seconds to pull the weight 16 feet. If the weight is in motion when the time expires, the dog will be allowed to complete the pull without disqualification providing the weight has been in continuous motion. Unless the weight is pulled the full 16 feet the dog will not be credited for that pull.
7. The judges must make sure that the pulling vehicle is properly lined up before each pull and that the runners or wheels are not frozen or wedged.
8. If a dog becomes entangled in his harness or lines, the judges may declare a re-pull. The pulling vehicle will be returned to its original position and the clock reset. One re-pull only will be allowed at a particular weight.
9. Contestants may pass no more than two consecutive turns at a time. They may not request that the load be lightened at any time.
10. The judges may stop a pull at any time if it appears that the dog may injure itself.
11. The maximum load, including the vehicle’s weight, pulled by each dog the entire distance of 16 feet, together with the time required for the pull, will be recorded and reported. If two or more dogs pull the same maximum load, the fastest time determines the winner.
12. Weather conditions will be reported and should include the following:
1. Temperature a start and end of contest.
2. Snow conditions if applicable.
3. Rain, sleet, or freezing rain, if applicable.
13. Type of surface on which the pull is made should be recorded.
14. For any infraction of these rules, the judges will impose a warning or disqualification.
15. Any person wishing to protest any violation of these rules must do so immediately. The protest may be verbal, but must be followed by a written statement citing the circumstances, and particular rule or rules involved within 20 minutes of the end of the contest. The individual against whom the protest is lodged shall be entitled to notification and a hearing before a decision is rendered.
16. The judge’s decisions are final.

ALASKAN MALAMUTE CLUB OF AMERICA
WEIGHT PULL DOG CERTIFICATION RULES

1. A dog must qualify in 4 separate events. Dogs must be weighed before each event.
1. On natural surfaces such as snow or dirt the weight pulled must equal or exceed 8 times the dog’s weight.
2. On artificial surfaces such as concrete, carpet, etc., the weight pulled must equal or exceed 12 times the dog’s weight.
2. ISDRA, AMCA or IWPA rules must be used in qualifying for a weight pull certificate.

APPROVED; SEPTEMBER 1992 EFFECTIVE; OCTOBER 1992

AMCA WORKING DOG EXCELLENT RULES
WEIGHT PULL

PURPOSE

The purpose of the Working Dog Excellent (WDX) program shall be to test the Alaskan Malamutes’ working ability in as natural a situation as possible in order to ascertain his willingness to work in difficult situations over a period of time. These accomplishments should reflect endurance, attitude and training above and beyond that of the average working dog. The certification committee has the right to reject any applications, which do not reflect the spirit of the program. A dog need not have earned a WD certificate in order to apply for a WDX certificate.

3.1 General Rules

A. Competitive events must be open events. Open events are those not restricted to certain breeds or clubs and are sufficiently advertised so that the public has the opportunity to participate. Exceptions to this will be events sponsored in conjunction with an AMCA or AKC event and therefore limited to a given breed(s) of dog(s).

3.2 Working Weight Pull Dog Excellent

1. ISDRA, AMCA, IWPA or other previously approved nationally recognized rules shall be used.
2. All dogs must be weighed at each event.
3. Dogs must qualify in 5 competitions by:
1. Pulling 14 times his body weight on snow with a sled.
2. Pulling 16 times his body weight on any other natural surface with a wheeled cart.
3. Pulling the following weights by weight class, on a man made surface:
   80# and under class 23 times the dog’s weight
   81-100# class 21 times the dog’s weight
   101# and over class 19 times the dog’s weight
   (All weights are rounded down to the nearest whole #)
4. In addition to requirements 1,2 or 3 the dog must place in the top 1/3 of his weight class in each event. In the event the top 1/3 comes out as a fraction, that dog will qualify.
5. If at a competition over 75% of the dogs pull the required weight, that pull will be disallowed.

REVISED; JUNE 1996 EFFECTIVE; OCTOBER 1992

ALASKAN MALAMUTE CLUB OF WISCONSIN, INC.
WEIGHT PULL ENTRY AGREEMENT

No dog shall be brought from a kennel where parvo, brucellosis, hepatitis, distemper, leptospirosis, or any other contagious canine disease exists, nor shall any equipment be brought from such kennel.

The Weight Pull Committee of the AMCW, Inc. or the management of the hosting facility has the right at anytime before or during any event to terminate said event in cases of dangerous weather conditions or any other extenuating circumstances which could interfere with running a safe event. No refund of entry fees will be issued. Results will be official as of time of termination.

I agree not to hold the AMCW, Inc., its Members, Officers and Board, and the owner or lessor of these premises responsible for any claim or loss or injury caused directly or indirectly to any person or thing by the act of my dog(s) while here. I personally assume all responsibility and liability for any such claim. I further agree to hold the aforementioned parties harmless for any claim for loss of this dog (or any of my dogs) by disappearance, theft, death, or otherwise and from any claim for damage or injury of my dog(s).

I understand that any un-sportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated and could result in my disqualification and the withdrawal of any trophies and prizes I might have received for this event. I also understand that because of the conduct, the sponsoring club has the right to limit my future participation in any event held by them. I have read and understood the rules governing this event.

AMCW, Inc. CLUB POLICIES
Modified May, 2006

1. Dogs must be a minimum of 1 year of age to enter the pulls. No dog age 10 years or older may enter the pull, except in novice class. Dogs turning 10 years old during the season will be allowed to finish out the season.
2. Your dog must complete the first pull of the round to receive any prizes if offered.
3. AMCW, Inc. determines the winner as the dog who pulls the most weight the furthest distance in the allotted time. The only way time is a factor is: when there is a tie or the dogs do not move the next weight – then we revert to the previous round to determine the winner by time.
4. All dogs MUST be weighed once at each weight pull, except Novice dogs need not be weighed.
5. Class D will be created only when there are at least 4 dogs in that class.
6. Classes A & Open will be combined unless there are at least 3 dogs in each class.
7. NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR ANY REASON.
8. Only the weight provided by AMCW and the pull sponsor will be used at the weight pulls.
9. Once you have informed the score keepers to pass your dog for any round or rounds, you are NOT allowed to withdraw the pass.
10. All dogs NOT actively pulling must be in a crate or must be attended by a responsible handler.
11. A dog must be entered and place in a minimum of three (3) weight pulls to be eligible for the end of the year awards.

DEFINITION "ENTANGLEMENT"

1. If a dog gets foot, head, etc. caught in the barrier.
2. Dogs’ body goes past the line of the barrier.
3. Calling your dog – dogs’ entire body goes past the front of the cart.
4. Driving your dog – dogs’ head comes past the front of the cart.
5. If the cart rolls over the line attached to the dog.

SIGNED__________________________________________ DATE____________________________

RACE MARSHALL

is appointed by and reports to the race-giving club, but has complete and full charge and responsibility for the race from the time it starts through to its completion. All officials report directly to him and are responsible to him in all matters. He has the final word and the power to cancel or stop the race under extenuating circumstances, weather or trail conditions. Can disqualify or refuse teams at the start, at his discretion. He must be experienced, capable and a responsible expert in the sport of dog racing. He will chair the drivers meeting, officials meeting and protest committee.

TIME RECORDER

is responsible for the recording of the time made by all teams during the race. He may have an assistant known as a recorder. He is responsible to the race marshal. It is his responsibility to use proper and adequate chronographs for this purpose, and be completely familiar with their use. He shall act on the protest committee.

CHIEF JUDGE

shall report and be responsible to the race marshal. He shall be in charge of the Judges, the Dog Marker and his assistants. He shall deal directly with all drivers and will receive any protests or complaints. He shall be in charge of starting and finish line, and remain at this position during all heats of the race. He will examine teams at the start and finish, and has power to disqualify dogs unfit to run in his opinion.

TRAIL JUDGE

shall report directly to the race marshal and is responsible for laying out, preparation of, and marking the race trail. He should be familiar with the requirements of a race trail suitable for dog teams, and do his utmost to prepare a trail that will not have dangerous corners, road crossings, etc., that can be hazardous to dogs and driver. He is responsible for patrolling the race trail during the race, and placing the trail stewards at locations as may be required.

PROTEST COMMITTEE

shall consist of Race Marshall, Chief Judge, Trail Judge, and timekeeper to settle all disputes, complaints and protests. To levy all penalties and disqualification’s. Decisions of this committee are final and irrevocable.

SPOTTER OR TRAIL STEWARD

is a person located at corner or intersection of trail, responsible for directing teams in corrections and reporting any incorrect occupancy to Trail Judge.

RACER

is a person participating in a race or races.

TRAINER

is a person who trains sled dogs for racing, freighting, or weight pulling.

10.1 Sledding – snow or wheeled cart.

1. Vehicle may be snow sled or wheeled cart.
2. Team does not have to be all Malamutes.
3. Dog does not have to run on same team each time.
4. Certification may be achieved by any one of the following three methods.

11.1 Method 1 – Racing or Cross Country

1. Dog must qualify in three different races. The races may be any class. The dog may run in any combination of three races. Minimum number of teams competing is three. Races must be run under ISDRA rules or the Committee must have approved the rules. Each heat may count as a race as long as it fulfills the above requirements.

1. The team must complete the race in an acceptable speed as determined by the committee. Under normal conditions this will be 9 MPH for the sprint classes and 7-MPH for freight and cross-country races. Under conditions of extreme weather or terrain, the Committee may accept a slower average time.
2. Or the team must complete the race in the top 30% of the competition.

2. Required distances will be determined by the class in which the dog is running. Required distances will be 1 mile for each dog on the team with a minimum of 3 miles required. The freight class shall be a minimum of 5 miles with a minimum of 50 pounds per dog added to the weight of the sled.

11.2 Method 2 – Racing

1. Dog must accumulate a minimum of 25 race miles. The dog must have completed the course in all races considered. Races must be a minimum of 5 miles if a freight race. Distances of Method 1 apply.
2. The dog must complete all races in an acceptable amount of time as determined by the Committee.
3. All events must be certified by a race official or an impartial witness.

11.3 Method 3 – Excursion

1. Dog must accumulate a minimum of 40 sledding excursion miles. Dog or dogs must pull sled a minimum of 10 miles per excursion. An impartial witness must sign the form to be sent to the Committee verifying proof of distances and dog or dog competing.

11.4 Method 4 – Combination Racing and Excursion

1. One or two 10 mile or longer races may count towards the total of 40 excursion miles.

11.5 Addenda

1. Each heat shall be counted as a race for the following reasons.
2. Heats are occasionally run to establish the top teams in each heat. The top teams or team then run in a final heat.
3. Occasionally the first heat is completed, but musher, dogs or equipment may be too damaged to compete in the next heat or heats.
4. A change in weather or other conditions may cause heats to be canceled.
5. When certifying by accumulating 25 race miles, completing one race of 25 miles or more is qualifying.

WORKING LEAD DOG

1. DOGS MUST RUN SINGLE LEAD on a team consisting of 3 dog minimum.
2. Lead dog requirements are identical to those for working team dog.
3. Dog does not have to lead the same team each time to qualify.
4. Dog must run on the LEADING team if 2 or more teams are traveling together.

WEIGHT PULL DOG

1. A dog must qualify in 4 separate events. Dogs must be weighed before each event.
1. On natural surfaces such as snow or dirt the weight pulled must equal or exceed 8 times the dog’s weight.
2. On artificial surfaces such as concrete, carpet, etc., the weight pulled must equal or exceed 12 times the dog’s weight.
2. ISDRA, AMCA or IWPA rules must be used in qualifying for a weight pull certificate.

PACK DOG

1. Dog must carry a daily initial weight equal to a minimum of 30% of the dog’s weight. This weight shall not decrease except by normal consumption of items such as food and water.
2. Pack trips must be done on natural terrain such as hiking trails or cross-country.
3. Option 1

Dog must pack a minimum of 30 miles. Each trip must be a minimum of 10 miles per day or an overnight camp out with a minimum of 5 miles in and 5 miles out. A minimum of one trip must include an overnight camp out.

Option 2

Dog must pace a minimum of 40 miles. Each trip must be a minimum of 10 miles per day.

4. Elevation gain may be substituted for mileage in the following manner: 1000 feet of elevation is equivalent to 1 mile of flat terrain. Elevation gain will be figured as the difference between the highest and lowest points of the trip.
5. Packing requirements shall be spread out over a minimum of 2 trips.
6. An impartial witness must sign the form to be sent to the Committee verifying proof of distances and dog competing.

EFFECTIVE; OCTOBER 1992

AMCA WORKING DOG EXCELLENT RULES

PURPOSE
The purpose of the Working Dog Excellent (WDX) program shall be to test the Alaskan Malamutes’ working ability in as natural a situation as possible in order to ascertain his willingness to work in difficult situations over a period of time. These accomplishments should reflect endurance, attitude and training above and beyond that of the average working dog. The certification committee has the right to reject any applications, which do not reflect the spirit of the program. A dog need not have earned a WD certificate in order to apply for WDX certificate.

1.1 The Working Dog Excellent Program (WDX) shall be a continuation of the Alaskan Malamute Club of America’s Working Dog Certification rules unless otherwise stated those rules and definitions will apply.

1.2 The WDX committee shall be made up of three AMCA members from different geographical region. Recommendation for the chairperson of the WDX committee will be made to the Board of Directors by the Chairperson of the Working Dog Committees. The WDX chairperson shall then appoint two committee members of his or her choice from different geographical areas. It is recommended that all committee members have worked a dog to the WDX level and that the committee represents all aspects of the program.

1.3 Rules changes. The WDX rules may be modified, amended, corrected, changed or discontinued upon recommendation of a majority of the WDX committee and upon approval of the Board. If the Board deems it necessary, the change may go to the membership for a vote.

Dogs may earn certification in the following fields:

Working Weight Pull Dog Excellent (WWPDX)

Working Pack Dog Excellent (WPDX)

Working Team Dog Excellent (WTDX)

Working Lead Dog Excellent (WLDX)

Special working dog excellent certification for search and rescue, guide dog, skijoring or the like shall be considered by special application to the WDX committee on an individual basis.

3.1 General Rules

1. Competitive events must be open events. Open events are those not restricted to certain breeds or clubs and are sufficiently advertised so that the public has the opportunity to participate. Exceptions to this will be events sponsored in conjunction with an AMCA or AKC event and therefore limited to a given breed(s) or dog(s).
2. Witnesses
1. Witnesses for competitive events or club-organized excursions shall be an event official or organizer.
2. Witnesses for non-competitive sledding and packing excursions shall be impartial, which excludes family members, residents of the same household as the applicant, the dogs’ breeder and the like.
3. Documentation

Documentation for backcountry packing and sledding trips may be difficult to obtain in some situations, but the applicant must provide sufficient evidence that the trip has taken place as stated. Maps such as USGS topographic maps for Forest Service maps with the route designated on it must be included with the application. Other documentation must include the signature(s) of an impartial witness(es) encountered on the trail and a statement verifying that the applicant was at the stated location on a given date, OR verifiable photographs of the applicants’ team or pack dog at a specified location (for example at a trail sign).

4. Variations

Anyone planning a trip or race that they are not sure will qualify under the WDX rules should check with the committee prior to the event.

5. Sportsmanship

Common courtesy and good sportsmanship shall prevail during all events and trips. Any applicant who is abusive to his dogs or other people shall not be eligible for a WDX award for his dogs. Dogs must present a good example for the breed, being manageable, non-aggressive workers and not posing a threat to other dogs or people.

3.2 WORKING WEIGHT PULL DOG EXCELLENT

1. ISDRA, AMCA, IWPA or other previously approved nationally recognized rules shall be used.
2. All dogs must be weighed at each event.
3. Dogs must qualify in 5 competitions by:
1. Pulling 14 times his body weight on snow with a sled.
2. Pulling 16 times his body weight on any other natural surface with a wheeled cart.
3. Pulling the following weights by weight class, on a man made surface.
80# and under Class -23 times the dog’s weight
81-100# Class -21 times the dog’s weight
101# and over Class -19 times the dog’s weight
(All weights are rounded down to the nearest whole #)
4. In addition to requirements 1, 2 or 3 the dog must place in the top 1/3 of his weight class in each event. In the event the top 1/3 comes out as a fraction, that dog will qualify.
5. If at a competition over 75% of the dogs pull the required weight, the pull will be disallowed.

3.3 WORKING PACK DOG EXCELLENT

1. The dog’s weight and the weight of his pack must be verified by an impartial witness or trip official prior to the start of each trip. A dog shall carry a daily initial load of at least 30% of his body weight. The weight carried shall not decrease except by the normal consumption of items in the pack such as food and water.
2. Pack trips shall be backcountry trips with dogs carrying equipment and supplies necessary for the trip. Backcountry is a remote area, inaccessible and unsuited to vehicular traffic at the time of the trip and where support is not generally available. Campouts will be necessary due to the distance requirements. Campouts will take place in the backcountry, not at trailheads, roadside campgrounds and the like. Suitable locations for pack trips are National Forests, State Parks, hiking trails and undeveloped natural terrain.
3. A total of 120 miles shall be completed in 1 to 3 trips.
4. Each trip shall be a minimum of 40 miles with an average of 10 miles per day on traveling days under normal conditions such as maintained trails and normal weather conditions. Day trips from the base camp must adhere to the weight requirements unless the applicant does not wish to include those miles in the trip total.
5. Because some trips will take place in mountainous terrain, each 1,000 feet of elevation gain may be substituted for a mile of the total mileage requirement.

3.4 WORKING TEAM DOG EXCELLENT

1. Race rules shall be ISDRA, other nationally recognized rules, or rules previously approved by the WDX committee.
2. Dogs may run on any size team and need not run on the same team for each event. Sledding may be Alaskan style or Nordic style (single file team pulling a pulk).
3. Total mileage for all applicants shall be 180 miles.
1. Races must be a minimum of 60 continuous miles or two or more heats of at least 40 miles where the applicant has completed at least two consecutive heats.
2. Backcountry excursion trips shall be a minimum of 60 miles. They shall take place in remote areas inaccessible at that time of year to motor vehicles excepting snowmobiles. The team must travel as a self-sufficient unit hauling supplies necessary for the trip. Examples of suitable places are National Forests, parks or other areas where trail and roads are not maintained for winter use by vehicles excepting snowmobiles. If the trip takes place in a Wilderness type area where there are no defined trails and dogs may be expected to break trail, the trip must be a minimum of 40 miles

3.5 WORKING LEAD DOG EXCELLENT

1. The WLDX award shall be for dogs who have completed requirements for the WTDX, who have completed at least half those requirements running single lead in a team of at least three dogs, where that team is also the lead team for approximately 50% of the time, if several teams are traveling together.

REVISED; JUNE 1996

EFFECTIVE; OCTOBER 1992

Copyright 2002 by AMCW, Inc. All rights reserved. This page last update on August 31, 2004.

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