How to Begin Skijoring

Originating in Scandinavia, and literally meaning "ski-driving," skijoring combines cross-country skiing with dog mushing. A thrilling sport for sure, skijoring allows you and your dog to get a great workout together while enjoying the winter.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A back-country ski package
• A hardy cross country ski boot
• Skijor gear: dog harness, belt, bungee lead

1. Buy a good back-country ski package and skijor gear. Go for shorter, wider skis with metal edges and a sturdy boot. Skijor gear consists of a good dog harness that is fleece lined and padded as well as a padded belt for the skier with a bungee extension to which a bungee leash attaches. Good booties are important if your dog is tender footed.

2. Before you get going test your skiing skills first. Make sure you can negotiate hills and turns well, can slow down and stop with ease before adding your dog.

3. Start training, working with "gee" (turn right) and "haw" (turn left) commands, using well-defined trails that only go in the direction you wish your dog to go.

4. Learn how to bail. If you come screaming around a corner and spook wildlife that then begin running down the trail, your dogs may take off in hot pursuit with you attached. Be prepared to use the human break. You can ride that speed train for only so long before the trail becomes unmanageable at mock ten. Fall for safety, but fall strategically.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you head out, make sure dogs are welcome in the area you choose to go
• Bring food and water for both you and your canine companion
• Add heat packs, extra matches and an emergency blanket to your first-aid kid.
• Use caution when recreating around frozen creeks, rivers and lakes; ice often seems more stable than it actually is
• Watch for frostbite on your dog, especially vulnerable areas such as ears, paw pads, tail and groin. Signs include flushed and reddened tissues, white or grayish tissues, evidence of shock and scaliness of skin and possible shedding of dead skin.
• You and your dog are susceptible to hypothermia. Hypothermic animals, like people, should be warmed slowly.