Dog Owners Train Pets, Strengthen Bonds Through Sport of Skijoring

by Danny Davids⁽³⁹⁾

You've got a bigger dog and want a unique way to provide it some exercise. If you live in a climate where you can ski during the winter months, why not check out skijoring?

Skijoring is a winter sport where a person hitches himself to either an animal (usually a horse or a dog or two) or a motor vehicle and is pulled across the snowy terrain. Skijoring with dogs is becoming more popular, combining cross-country skiing with dogsledding. Pet owners are discovering it's a great method of exercise for both animal and human, and promotes a stronger bond between pet and owner.

The only specialized equipment required is a harness for both pet and owner, and a connecting lead between the two harnesses. No steering mechanisms are required; the dog takes its signals for going, turning, and stopping from the owner's vocal commands. The pet owner can then strap on her skis, or hop onto his snowboard, and take off.

For folks who live in warmer climates, don't think you can't have this type of interaction with your dog. Modifications of the sport include " grassjoring " , which involves skiing on grass rather than snow; " bikejoring " , where the dogs pull a human on a bicycle; and " canicross " , cross-country running while attached to a dog.

As the sports gain in popularity, clubs are forming all over the country for pet owners who want to share their love of the sport, as well as obtain tips on how to improve equipment, time, and pet training. There are even groups who compete at a professional level.

For more information about skijoring, do a search on " skijoring " in your Internet browser.

Article submitted Monday, November 02, 2009 & read 1346 times.

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