Working Pack Dog Program

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

Overall Rules and Eligibility:

The Working Pack Dog Program is open to all purebred Siberian Huskies registered with the American Kennel Club. ILP dogs are eligible. A copy of the dog's registration papers submitted with the completed application form to validate they are a Siberian. Dogs are a minimum of one year old at the time of all of the hikes.
The dog must carry a canine pack, anatomically tested for safety and protection.
The dog must carry an initial weight equal to 25% of the dog's body weight at the start of the hike whether a single or the initial day of a continuous multiple day hike. The pack may be lightened during the course of travel due to consumption of food, water, and other supplies. Throughout the hike the dog transports a minimum of 10% of body weight. The pack itself is also included in the weight listing. The ending load cannot be less than 10% of dog's body weight.
All pack trips must be completed on natural terrain such as cross country excursions, hiking trails, or back country hikes. "Lapping" (repeating a trail several times) to accumulate mileage is not allowed. This allows you and your pack dog to experience multiple trails and conditions.
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). Elevation gain is defined as the difference between the overall highest elevation and the overall lowest elevation. During multiple day hikes the elevation gain can be calculated for each day's hike and not just for the complete trip, but each day's section should be indicated on the map.
A minimum of two trips is required to complete requirements for each degree.
Overnight camping is encouaged utilizing only gear carried by the hiker and the Siberian Husky. A pack trip of several days is possible.
Total pack weight must be recorded a tthe start of the pack trip, and include an itemized list of the contents and weight of individual items. Total pack weight equals the weight of the empty pack plus pack contents. The weight of the Siberian Husky should be recorded on the day prior to each trip. If this is not possible, a veterinarian's certificate attesting to the dog's weight may be provided dated within 2 weeks of the hike.
An impartial observer must witness your progress and sign a WPD form as proof of completion. Witness forms must be complete with dog's name, date, trail name, etc., in order to be accepted. 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. Witness forms are provided with the WPD application.
There should be one map for each different hike.
Topographic maps are submitted with the WPD application form as proof of mileage and elevation gain. Each map is marked with trip number, initialed, and dated. Copies of Topographic map scale should be as detailed as possible (i.e. 1:24,000 is preferable to 1:25,000) and of good quality with clear contour lines and legible printing. Maps should include mileage scale (e.g., 1 inch = 1 mile). Topographic maps are available on the internet and available at bookstores, camping stores, and as computer programs such as Topo! and Delorme TopoUSA. Contact a regional WPD reviewer should you need assistance in locating a map. Topozone.come is an excellent site.
If submitting multiple applications for several dogs there should be one map for each hike for each dog. Maps may be shared with other applications submitted at the same time but if this is done the maps should be labeled as such and the applications will be considered as one unit so if there is an error or omission the entire unit will be returned for clarification.
Trail route should be marked with colored pencil or highlighter, NOT pencil or pen, for ease of reading. If trail route extends onto several pages the pages should be pieced together and taped so that the route is continuous. Down and back hikes should be so labeled on the map and trip application.
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. The dog's name will be published in the SHCA Annual Directory and in the SHCA Newsletter. A certificate worthy of framing will be awarded.

Working Pack Dog (W.P.D.)

The Siberian Husky travels 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. Only one repeat hike of a trail is allowed.

Working Pack Dog Excellent (W.P.D.X.)

The Siberian Husky has previously been awarded the Working Pack Dog Title. A minimum of 120 miles additional pack miles are required to earn the Working Pack Dog Title. Multiple day pack trips and overnight camping are necessary. At least two of the trips must cover a minimum of 40 miles, and no more than one leg may cover less than 10 miles. The remaining trips must cover a minimum of 10 miles.
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.
No repeat trips are allowed.

Completed forms will be verified by the WPD Regional Representative and the Working Committee prior to awarding certification. Supporting documents and photos are considered part of the application and will NOT be returned. 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 October 2004

Download "PDF" format copies of the SHCA Working Pack Dog Forms. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read, view, and print these forms. Reader is available free of charge from the Adobe website.
Click here to download WPD Forms.
Click here to download WPD Group Hike Forms.
Click here to download WPD Checklist

Contact the chariman for the name of the WPD Regional Reviewer best able to process your application when you submit it. Contact any of us with questions.

Debra Fitzgerald, SHCA Working Programs
5579 Catholic Church Road
Jefferson, MD 21755-8415
Or, you can e-mail her at: amorok@aol.com

Regional reviewers are:
Sheila Blanker, Massachusetts: StarNewf@aol.com
465 Mt Hermon Station Road
Northfield, MA 01360-9507

Colleen Marzluff, Washington: Onby@excite.com
19426 75th Avenue SE
Snohomish, WA 98296
360/668-2195

Last update of this page: 06/2009.