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Working Dog Excellent Program

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.

  1. Administration

    1. The Working Dog Excellent Program (WDX) shall be a continuation of the Alaskan Malamute Club of America's Working Dog Certification rules and unless otherwise stated those rules and definitions apply.
    2. The WDX committee shall be made up of three AMCA members from different geographical regions. 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 aspect of the program.
    3. Rule 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.

  2. Fields of Certification

    Dogs may earn certification in the following fields:


  3. Certification Requirements

    1. General Rules
      1. Competitive events must be open events. Open events are those which are not restricted to certain breeds or club 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 excusions shall be an event official or organizer.
        2. Witnesses for non-competitive sledding and pack excursions shall be impartial, which excludes family members, residents of the same household such 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 msut 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, nonaggressive workers and not posing a threat to other dogs or people.
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