Skijoring
Photo by Wanda Purton.
Go to the dogs this winter By Cathy Brown and Wanda Purton
BARRICADING YOURSELF against Ottawa’s chilly winter results in one thing: a good dose of cabin fever. It’s true for humans and for our four-legged friends. After reaping mental and physical benefits of daily exercise in the region’s trails, parks and green spaces, it’s frustrating to become housebound for four long
T
he right kind of diversion turns frightful into delightful winter weather. Our solution to cabin fever is among the fastest-growing winter sports. It provides an entertaining alternative to “a quick walk around the block until Rover does his business.” The name of the game is skijoring. It’s guaranteed to give you rosy cheeks after a jaunt in Ottawa’s winter wonderland.
SKIWHAT?
A Scandinavian sport, skijoring is Norwegian for ski-driving. So many Scandinavian women appear stunningly gorgeous that we figured, “Maybe their secret is in the skijoring.” We decided to give it a go, and we love it! Skijoring moves both you and your dog outside to enjoy fresh air and get great exercise. It combines aspects of cross-country skiing, dogsledding and simply walking your dog. Take one cross-country skier with basic ability and equipment. Strap a skijoring belt around the hips. Add one dog that loves to run and weighs at least 12 kilograms. Dress the dog in a skijoring harness, and connect a tow rope between dog and skier. Pooch takes the lead and the pair works together, as skier glides along the trails. (Sorry, Rover doesn’t do all the work.) Most dogs enjoy the sport; they love exercise in the great outdoors, and bonding time with their owners. If www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
you skijor with friends, the dogs like socializing as well.
BEFORE YOU SAY “MUSH”
Any breed of dog weighing 12 kilos or more can learn to skijor. A vet’s clean bill of health is always a good starting point for new
activities. If your dog feels the cold, consider providing a doggie-coat. Our dogs’ paws are fine in the snow, but some owners make or purchase dog booties to keep those tender tootsies free of ice and snow. Check your ski equipment. Ensure
