Winter is here and you and your pet are getting excited about the endless adventures and fun you’re going to experience in the snow. You probably thought about skijoring with dogs as a winter sport to try with your dog, however, you don’t know much about it or where to start. Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’ll guide you and teach you everything you need to know about skijoring with your dogs. Buckle up, get your winter suit, and follow along!
WHAT IS SKIJORING WITH DOGS?
Skijoring is derived from the Norwegian term skikjøring, which translates to “ski driving.” This practice began in Norway during the 18th century when people primarily used reindeer and later horses for transportation rather than dogs. By the 19th century, military units adopted horse-pulled skis. As transportation methods adapted for traversing extensive snowy terrains, dogsleds were combined with skis, leading to a unique blend of cross-country skiing and dog sledding.
How Skijoring with Dogs Started?
As it was previously mentioned, skijoring with dogs started off as an effective way of transportation in Norway. However, over the years, it has become a popular winter sport. Skijoring was later introduced in other countries including America in the late 19th century.
This finally leads us to answer the question – what is skijoring? Skijoring with dogs is a snow sport where you and your dog are harnessed up and with its weight, your dog pulls the skis you’re riding on. In other words, skijoring (you may have heard the term dog skiing) is an activity where a human is on the skis and the dog, running over the snowy plains, tows the human that’s on the skis. The best way to describe skijoring with dogs is by comparing it to cross-country skiing accompanied by the help of a dog.
More Dogs, Bigger the Fun!
When skijoring, you can have one dog or many dogs to share the fun activity with. The more dogs, the less the weight they have to pull hence faster you’ll go. You have to factor in your weight and based on that choose how many dogs to include in this snowy activity.
It’s important to note that skijoring with dogs and sledding are different kinds of activities. Skijoring is similar to sledding, but instead of sleds, there are skis involved. Skijoring is a sport that’s very easy for dogs and humans to learn. It’s a great way to exercise with your dog and, at the same time, a fun activity for both. Skijoring with dogs is an easier activity to learn and practice than dog sledding.
Nowadays, skiing has grown in popularity in the Scandinavian countries. Scandinavians practice it both recreationally and competitively. Competitive skijoring is not limited only to Scandinavian countries, it also takes place worldwide.
If you want to learn more about how to start with this activity and how to practice it, then keep reading!
HOW DO YOU START DOGS WITH SKIJORING?
Before you start, you should be comfortable with trying something new and adventurous. It would be best to have some level of comfort with similar activity and have good control over your dog.
Skijoring with Dogs Without a Snow
You might be ready to start but are discouraged by the fact that there’s no snow outside. Well, don’t fret, you can still train your dog and practice with them how to skijor. Practicing on the ground free of snow makes it easier for the dogs to get familiar with skijoring before transitioning to the snowy ground.
If your dog never participated in skijoring activity, gradually introduce them to the necessary equipment so they get used to it. The way to do it is to first let them inspect the equipment by looking at it and sniffing it. Then you can ski, and have your dog run by your side, before you attach them for the first time.
Things to keep in mind are to always have a proper warm-up before the activity and cool down afterward. Dogs need to mentally and physically prepare for the activity. Cool-down after exercise is important for your dog’s well-being and to prevent any injury.
How To: Skijoring With Dogs
Here’s a how-to breakdown of skijoring with your furry friend:
- Dog Pulling: Firstly, you should teach your pet how to pull.
- Standing By: Then, teach them how to stand still and line out while you’re preparing.
- Skijoring Commands: Teach them a list of commands like when they should turn left or right, or when they should slow down or speed up (“gee” means right turn, “haw” means left, and “whoa” to slow them down or make them stop; ‘’leave it’’ is also important to help your dog keep his focus when distracted).
- Passing Obstacles or Other People: Practice with your dog how to efficiently pass any obstacle or other people before taking on the trail.
- Pole for Correcting Your Dog’s Behaviour: Using a pole, you’re not going to hurt your dog, you could use it to correct them and guide them in the right direction.
EQUIPMENT TO GET YOU STARTED WITH SKIJORING
If you’re just starting and trying it out as a hobby, you don’t need to invest too much. Everything you need you can rent out or borrow as a beginner. Firstly, try skijoring with your dog and then decide if you plan to pursue that hobby for longer. If you and your dog enjoy it and want to continue, then you can think about investing and purchasing everything that you need.
Ski Equipment You Need For Your Dog
- Dog Harness: Based on your dog’s size and the characteristics of the trail you plan to take, pick the harness you believe would best fit.
- Waist Belt: To connect yourself with your dog while skijoring, use a dog skijoring waist belt. It allows you to be dragged down the trail by your dog. Pick the waist belt that you will feel most comfortable in, especially if you plan to ski for long periods.
- Tug Line: The tug line is attached to you and your dog and keeps you connected. On one end it’s attached to your belt or waist harness, and on the other is to your dog’s harness.
- Protection- Boots, Jacket & Goggles: Using protection for their paws and/or a jacket is optional. However, if it’s cold and trail roads are harsh, consider giving your dog ‘dog shoes’ to protect their paws and give them a waterproof jacket to keep them warm and dry. To protect their eyes and keep their vision clear, you might want to consider using goggles.
Ski Equipment You Need For You
Your dog isn’t the only one that needs to be both protected and stylish.
Here is a list of the equipment you’ll be needing:
- Skis: Provide yourself with a pair of cross-country skis or snowshoes. Avoid using skis that have metal edges since it might be dangerous as you can hurt your dog if you collide with them.
- Harness and Tug Line: Same as your dog, you need a harness, and for both, you need a tug line that keeps you connected.
- Protection: Gear up with comfortable and warm clothing, like wool socks, scarf, gloves, and beanie.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SKIJORING?
You can’t help but wonder: Is skijoring good for dogs? If your dog is young and energetic- absolutely! Skijoring with dogs is a winter activity where you and your dog can try to get rid of any excess energy, explore new wintery sights, and build a strong bond.
Incredible Winter Activity
Skijoring is an incredible winter activity or a dog sport to satisfy your dog’s needs for physical and mental stimulation. Any form of dog training can be beneficial for keeping their weight optimal and helping them with overall health. It’s natural for dogs to want to be active and through this activity, you’re not only helping them achieve it, but it’s fun and you’re doing it together, thus enriching your relationship.
What Breeds Are Best For Skijoring?
Some breeds of dogs have natural tendencies towards taking the lead, thus commonly known as sled dogs. Those breeds are Siberian Husky, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Shepherd. But, even though those dogs are thought of when talking about sledding and skijoring, any dog can be trained to skijor.
Dogs of any size can be taught to skijor, from Beagles to Border Collies. The size of your dog is not of much importance, but they should be healthy and up for the challenge. Nonetheless, adjust the pace and distance to your dog’s needs and abilities. The size is not important, but when talking about adult dogs- don’t take your puppy or young dog to skijor, as they’re not ready until they’re fully grown.
The Pro Ski Dogs
Usually, the dogs that perform well in skijor are medium-to-large dogs. When thinking about sled dogs, some breeds naturally come first due to their predisposed advantages and those breeds are usually “professional” skiing dogs like huskies or malamutes. Regardless, dogs’ energy and enthusiasm for the activity still matter more than breed.
The need to be active and pull is instinctual for most dogs and those are the two most crucial prerequisites for skijoring with dogs. If you want to try skijoring with your dogs, think about what your dog may want and then decide if such an activity is something you can enjoy together. The most important thing is to have fun and build a stronger bond with your pet.
Wrap-Up
To conclude today’s topic, if you and your dog want to try something new and exciting to do over the winter, then skijoring with dogs is a great activity for you to try! No matter what breed your dog is, you can enjoy this winter sport. Don’t forget to keep in mind all the necessary equipment and how to start if you’re a beginner. And, make sure that you choose the best suitable equipment for your dog’s size and needs. We hope you’ve learned everything that you needed to know.
