Working Programs: Working Pack Dog Program

The newest performance program of SHCA recognizes the achievements of Siberian Huskies participating in verifiable hiking trips as an active member of the hiking party. Dogs in this program may compete for two titles: Working Pack Dog (W.P.D.) and Working Pack Dog Excellent (W.P.D.X.)

• The Working Pack Dog Program is open to all purebred Siberian Huskies registered with the American Kennel Club. ILP dogs are eligible.
• The dog must carry a canine pack, anatomically tested for safety and protection.
• The dog must carry an initial weight equal to 25% of body weight. The pack may be lightened during the course of travel due to consumption of food, water, and other supplies the ending load cannot be less than 10% of body weight.
• All pack trips must be completed on natural terrain such as cross country excursions, hiking trails, or back country hikes.
• Elevation gain may be substituted for mileage: each 1000 feet of elevation gain may be counted as equivalent to one mile of flat terrain. Elevation gain may be calculated to the nearest 0.1 mile based on the lowest and highest elevation of each trip (1300 feet gain equals 1.3 miles).
• A minimum of two trips is required to complete requirements for each degree.

• A dog must travel a minimum of 40 total miles. At least two of the trips must cover a minimum of ten miles per day and no trip may cover less than five miles per day. As an option, one 2-day trip may be included. This trip may be accomplished by packing a minimum of five miles into a campsite and completing the trip with a minimum of 5 mile return trip the next day.
• Total pack weight must be recorded at the start of the pack trip, and include an itemized list of pack contents and the weights of individual items. The weight of the dog should be recorded on the day prior to the trip. If this is not possible, a veterinarian's certificate attesting to the dog's weight may be provided.
• An impartial observer must witness your progress and sign a WPD form as proof of completion. Signatures attesting to your progress may be obtained from rangers, other hikers, or any person you meet along the trail. At least one witness must provide an address and telephone number for verification. Photographs may also be submitted for proof providing they include a suitable visual reference or landmark accurately defining the location of the photo.
• Marked, initialed, and dated copies of topographic maps must be submitted with the WPD trip form as proof of mileage and elevation gain. Topographic map scale should be as detailed as possible (i.e. 1:24,000 is preferable to 1:25,000).
• Completed forms will be verified by the WPD Regional Representative prior to awarding certification. Once a degree has been completed and approved by the Working Committee the appropriate title initials denominating the degree may be used after the dog's name.

• A dog must previously have been awarded the Working Pack Dog Title. The added travel requirement is a minimum of 120 miles. At least two of the trips must cover a minimum of 40 miles, and no trip may cover less than 10 miles per day. All pack trips must be back country trips. Back country is defined as a remote area, inaccessible and unsuited to vehicular traffic at the time of the trip, where support and aid is generally not available.
• Total pack weight must be recorded at the start of the pack trip, and include an itemized list of pack contents and the weights of individual items. The weight of the dog should also be recorded on the day prior to the trip. If this is not possible a veterinarian's certificate attesting to the dog's weight may be provided.
• An impartial observer must witness your progress and sign a WPD trip form as proof of completion. Signatures attesting to your progress may be obtained from rangers, other hikers, or others met along the trail. At least one witness must provide an address and telephone number for verification. Photographs may also be submitted for proof, providing they include a suitable visual reference or landmark accurately defining the location of the photograph.
• Marked ,initialed, and dated copies of topographic maps must be submitted with the WPD trip form as in the WPD rules listed above.

Completed forms will be verified by the WPD Regional Representative and the Working Committee prior to awarding certification. Once a degree has been completed and approved by the Committee the appropriate initials denominating the degree may be used after the dog's name.

Rules Revised April 1996

Click here to visit SHCA's page about the title.