AMWA Working Pack Dog Titles

Introduction

The backpacking certificate scheme is a range of graded challenges aimed at inspiring you to go out and explore the UK countryside with your dog.
Whether it’s a gentle introduction to backpacking through AMWA’s family orientated weekends, or a demanding expedition through the wilderness, AMWA will support and actively encourage you to meet your goals.
Designed specifically for the UK’s terrain and campsites, the scheme offers awards for day, overnight and expedition level backpacking.
Backpacking isn’t just about how much weight your dog can carry over a set distance. We believe that it’s about you and your dogs working together as a team, to navigate a trail whilst enjoying the great countryside around you. It’s about supporting one another. Above all this is smart travelling. By this we mean properly equipped, light weight, enjoyable backpacking where all members of the team carry equipment.

How it works

The scheme is open to all KC & Welfare/AMWA Working No/Purebred registered Alaskan Malamutes, and all KC/FCI registered Purebred Sled-dogs aged 12 months and over on the first day of the leg/walk. –
For Gold & Platinum levels dogs should be 18 months or over on the first day of the leg/walk.
This is a members only scheme.
The award scheme is primarily based on self assessment. We ask that you provide evidence that you reached certain points en-route.
It is important that when completing the Entry Form you correctly annotate the full KC registered name of your dog for certification purposes.
Once you’ve completed the entire level, send in the proof and we will honour the award.
It’s as simple as that.

How will you know that I’ve actually done the trek?

The certificate is primarily self-assessment based, so it is down to you to record your progress and then afterwards report back to our assessors on how you actually progressed.
Each day you should take a few photos en-route that show you have reached key points or identifiable locations ie:- a monument, trig point, road sign or obvious topological feature. The location of these photos can then be marked on the map. When linked to a photo of say a daily newspaper (where possible), the electronic time/date stamp held against each photo will give a clear record of your progress. Whilst this may sound arduous, it’s not meant to be. We aren’t expecting participants to provide a step-by-step log of their every move. We just want to see reasonable evidence of your progress.

The Awards

Primarily this is the satisfaction of pushing yourself and your dogs to complete a challenge. All successful participants will receive a certificate, optional Rosette, optional Sew on Badge and optional picture on AMWA’s Working Legends Showcases.

Witnesses

An impartial witness must sign the form to be sent to the relevant Pack Dog Co-ordinator verifying proof of distances, pack weight and dog competing. The witness does not need to complete the distance unless willing. It is acceptable for a witness to verify the start and finish of your trip only.
However it is highly advisable and sensible to undertake the higher levels (those which include overnight campouts) with a travelling witness and/or fellow backpacker.
You will also need proof of your dog’s weight within 7 days of the first planned hike start time, this is then valid for 28 days from the day of weigh-in. We have devised a form for you to take along to your local Veterinary Practice, which can be signed by any member of staff who works there as long as they have been involved in weighing your dog.

Title Recognition

These titles like our AMCA counterparts are not currently recognized by the Kennel Club but can be used with your dog’s pedigree name, and can be abbreviated as follows:

AMWA Working Pack Dog Copper = AWPD’C

AMWA Working Pack Dog Bronze = AWPD’B

AMWA Working Pack Dog Silver = AWPD’S

AMWA Working Pack Dog Gold = AWPD’G

AMWA Working Pack Dog Platinum = AWPD’PL

Example: Weyekin’s Light My Fire within Arctictribe ‘AWPD’B’

And finally …

Any rule can be broken or ignored. Shortcuts can be taken. Knowledge can be skimped upon. But what will you actually gain from doing that, not to mention dishonouring your dog?
Follow the spirit of the rules, and you will find that the guidance and rules in all the information at the top of this page will support and encourage you to progress through the various levels and grades of award. Above all else, remember that the enjoyment in backpacking comes from working
together as a team with your dog/s. It’s about the countryside you traverse, the people you meet and the places you visit. Take your time and enjoy it.

For general queries please use the following email: backpacking@amwa.org.uk

Levels –

click on the relevant page:

AMWA Working Pack Dog Titles

Introduction

Dogs proof of weight form Guidance & Equipment Easy to Follow Table / All Levels

Backpacking Level Classification Chart Example Evidence

Progress Chart Non UK Participant Rules