Alaskan Malamutes are considered by the AKC to be a working breed. With that in mind, we are constantly working. Some of the things we do include conformation, weight pulling, and Fast Cat (Speed Competition). We are currently in training for Rally and Obedience competitions and we are going to start training for nose work soon. When we are not participating in an AKC or UKC event, we hit the trails. We love hiking, biking and sledding. During our less event filled days, we just play with toys and chase each other around the yard. Throughout all of these activities, we always continue to work on obedience. Even though malamutes are a working breed, it is important to remember that they are still a member of the family and should be treated as such. I love my Alaskan Malamute and I spent a long time researching the breed before I even signed up to buy one. They are not a dog for everyone and they are a lot of work and dedication. I strongly believe in thinking long and hard about what kind of pet you want and then do some research on the pet to make sure you know what you are signing up for and if you can commit to that pet's needs for its whole life. Personally, I spend a minimum of 3 hours each day during the week and most of the time on the weekends caring for and working with my malamute. It’s not as simple as just hooking the dog up and go sledding. There are hours of work and training that need to be put in to start doing some of these activities.