What is Skijoring

Many persons who like out-of-door adventures and would like to share it with their canine companions can do so by engaging in the sport of Skijoring.  Skijoring has all the outside qualities of the good old-fashioned dog mush however is a much more streamlined version. 

By definition, skijoring takes place when anyone on skis is pulled by their dog.  The sport provides plenty of exhilaration for the dog and its owner and is a very fast growing winter sport.  You receive the benefits of cross-country skiing and again, you are led by your dog.

Skijoring originated in the land of Scandinavia.  The name means ski driving in Norwegian.  Further there is not a great deal of equipment needed in order to engage in the sport of skijoring.  The following is what is required in order that you and your dog may begin enjoying the sport:

1. Basic cross-country ski gear;
2. A harness for your dog or dogs;
3. A skijoring belt for your waist; and
4. A towline to connect you to your dog.

You and your dog can use the same equipment again when you both wish to participate in sports such as roller skating and in-line skating.   Most breeds of dogs can learn the fundamentals of skijoring.  It is preferable, however, that your dog is at least thirty pounds or over and is a breed that enjoys running.  Breeds such as Malamutes and Siberian Huskies do well skijoring.  Your dog will enjoy skijoring because he or she will enjoy exercising with you; and it affords your dog the opportunity to meet new canine friends.

There are five categories of skijoring which include the following:

1. Recreational skijoring;
2. Sprint racing;
3. Distance racing;
4. Backwoods skijoring; and,
5. Nordic-style dog mushing

Recreational participants make up the sport's largest segment.  The recreational athlete generally owns one dog. They'll participate in the sport with their dog once or twice per week.  The sprint racing performer reaches speeds of up to thirty miles per hour. Top sprinters can average speeds over twenty miles per hour during a five mile race.  They race on ultra-light skis made for racing, and may harness up to three dogs to run with them.  The dogs are all bred for racing.

Long distance participants race distances of twenty miles or more.  Many of the long-distance races are held in Alaska.  Distance racing requires the person understand his or her dog's nutritional requirements and has knowledge of how to survive in the great outdoors.  Backwoods skijoring is ideal for the person who enjoys camping

Nordic-style dog mushing involves incorporating a small sled between the owner and dog.  The sled is used for carrying provisions. 

In summary, skijoring allows the owner and his or her dog to enjoy the great out-of-doors and attain optimum levels of health.

Skijoring is a sport that allows your dog to pull you about while you are on skis; it’s a great way of bonding with your dog.  You need to have cross-country ski gear, a belt, a harness for your dog or dogs and a tow line. 

Individuals like the idea of skijoring because it is a way for them and their dog to stay physically fit together.  Plus dogs enjoy the time spent in the great outdoors.  However newcomers to the sport may well want to know how to teach their dogs to pull. There is a very specific method and this article will address it.

1. First you must realize, since your dog is related to the wolf he or she uses his or her instincts when engaged in any kind of sport.  Like his ancestor the dog enjoys chasing after things.  The wolf will chase deer, squirrel and all sorts of prey.  This is why your dog likes chasing after the ball you throw.

2. Secondly, dogs love to run.  The wolf will follow the path offering the least resistance in order to conserve his or her energy.  Your dog will often follow his or her instincts and enjoy running a trail.

3. Third, wolves like running in packs.  Your dog will do best if he can pull you with the camaraderie of other dogs.  You can have your dog pull you alone, or you can obtain a companion for your dog.

Now that you are aware of your dog's basic instincts you'll want to use those instincts in order to teach him or her how to pull.  The following offers instructions how to teach your dog to pull.

1. First you will need another person to help you.  This is another skier who can ski ahead or run ahead during off-season and encourage your dog to come after him or her.

2. You'll want to place your dog in his or her harness.  Make sure you only place the harness on your dog when you are skijoring.  Never place the harness on him when taking a walk around the neighborhood.  You'll want him to recognize the placement of the harness means the two of you are going skijoring, and nothing else.You do not want to confuse your dog.

3. Tell your dog you're going skijoring and talk in an encouraging tone.  Hold the harness out and as you do so, your dog will associate the harness with the sport of skijoring and fun.

4. It is very critical you select the right trail.  Dogs naturally like trails that are full of turns and so forth; however this is not the kind of trail you'll want to use in training him or her how to pull. You'll want to find a straight, flat trail preferably of dirt or grass although sand or stone may be used.  Never choose an asphalt trail. This will not allow your dog to run as fast as is necessary. 

5. If it is the off-season and warm, first assess the trail for sharp objects and remove them so your dog does not hurt its paws.  You may wish to place dog booties on your dog's paws to guard against injury.

6. Have your friend run or ski ahead depending on the season.  Have the other person call your dog's name.  If your dog starts to run ahead and pulls you it should be given praise and encouragement.  If you have no friend to help you can try throwing a stick for the dog to chase after first harnessing it to you.

7. You'll want to hold the lead taut however not tight so you can maintain control of your canine companion.

8. Lastly, after your dog runs ahead and pulls you along, treat him or her to a dog biscuit. 

Keep the first two training sessions brief.  If it is uncommonly hot keep your dog cool by using the air-conditioner in your car while you are driving to the trail.  Bring plenty of cool, fresh water to keep your dog properly hydrated.