If someone asked you if you wanted to try skijoring, would you know what it was? Last week I posted an article about the 3 bear sled dog races and unfortunately it was cancelled. I also mentioned SKIJORING was one of the events that took place during the sled dog races and was asked about this sport.

Skijoring is basically a combination between cross country skiing and dog sled racing that originated in Norway. The person is on cross country skies and is pulled by a dog or dogs and/or a horse. I talked to a woman a few years ago at the 3 BEAR SLED DOG RACES that is involved in this sport on an amateur level to find out more about SKIJORING.

One would think the dog would be a Husky or Malamute, but I learned otherwise. Any dog that is over 35 pounds, loves snow, running, will listen and doesn’t mind wearing boots can be used. She used 2 dogs that she trained and both were mutts.  One lab mix and a shepherd mix that she rescued, that love Skijoring with her.

This is how skijoring works. There is a harness that loops around the skier’s waist and leg and a harness that attaches to the dog/dogs. The skijoring line (rope) that attaches the person and dog/dogs together. This line/rope is equipped with a bungee cord section to absorb starts and stops, that also has a special quick release.

The training involves the dog/dogs learning and acting on cue words. To pull the slack out of the rope/line is LINE OUT. Start pulling is HIKE. To slow the dog down the command is EASY. WHOA is to stop., keep going is ON BY, Right is GEE and Left is HAW.

Once the dogs start pulling the skier uses their legs and ski poles like they would when cross country skiing for added dog power.  I was also told, people with short hair dogs, should put some kind of sweater or coat on the dogs. And don’t forget the booties or musher paste for your best friends’ paws. Also, know when your dog/dogs need a WHOA for water or a break.

Now that you know what SKIJORING is, do you think you and your pooches would try it?