For the cross country skier who owns one or two Malamautes and prefers not to invest in a team and all the associated equipment, skijoring or pulk sledding may be just the ticket to winter fun. The pulk is a small Scandinavian sled suitable for hauling a child or your camping gear. The dog pulls between shafts, not pulling off a line as with traditional Alaskan style sledding. Rather than riding the sled, the driver skis, either ahead to help break trail, or towed behind if the trail is good. Skijoring requires no sled, and only requires a pair of skiis, one or two dogs and a tow line with a quick release snap.
Some mushers do their lead dog or puppy training while skijoring.
Brave skiers who enjoy a fast ride will enjoy skiing behind their Mals. Carting For fall training or running dogs in warmer climates, many people enjoy carting. A variety of carts are available and some clubs host short cart races. When carting, people must be aware that warmer weather can be hard on the northern dogs and even dirt roads are harder on dogs' feet and joints than running in the snow. Some informative books are listed at AMCA's Bookstore .