Skijoring: go to the dogs this winter

Skijoring

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

The 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. you skijor with friends, the dogs like socializing as well.

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

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

that your skis have no metal edges, which could injure a passing dog if you accidentally clipped it.

You’ll need three items of specialized gear. Skijor belts come in different styles. One variety includes loops to prevent it from riding up. Your dog needs a properly-fitting harness. A skijoring tow line attaches you to your dog. Made with elastic bungee material, it absorbs the shock from starting and any bumps you encounter on the trail. If you plan to run two dogs side-by-side, purchase a Y-shaped tow line.

You’ll also need water containers for you and Rover. We recommend no more than 125 mL of warm water per hour for your pup. Keep the water next to your body to maintain its temperature.

Choose your terrain carefully. You’ll enjoy trails cleared of rocks, brush and trees. Find out where skijoring is permitted near you.

Photo by Wanda Purton.

Ask first! Some agricultural land owners will gladly grant access to skijorers wishing to cross their land. The NCC currently does not allow skijoring on any of its lands, so get out your pen and write your Member of Parliament. Stay off trails where dogs are not allowed and make sure to abide by all municipal animal ordinances.

While you could outfit yourself and your dog and simply hit the trails, a beginners’ course makes a sound investment. The safety tips alone are worth the outlay of roughly $65.

“How do I teach my dog to pull?” That’s the first step a course should address. Our research led us to Liz Macfie. She provides a four-hour course including such topics as: • Preparing your dog for skijoring • Safety tips for people and pooches • Trail etiquette – for those impromptu meetings with snow-mobiles, dogsledders and other skijorers.

Located just north of North Gower, Liz also organizes skijoring outings – informal gatherings that include great fun and camaraderie as well as opportunities to hone your skill. E-mail Liz at awarenesspet@sympatico.ca or call her for information at (613) 489-4086.

Assuming you already own crosscountry skis and a dog, plan to invest about $75 for special equipment and $65 for lessons.

TAKING THE PLUNGE

On a snowy Tuesday in December, we harnessed Cathy’s dog, Immer, for our first lesson. We started with gradual steps, well-paced and planned to prepare Immer (and us) to skijor successfully. Immer loved it and so did we. By the lesson’s end, indefatigable, ever-rambunctious Immer passed-out snoring. We gloried in the rare triumph of having actually tired him out.

Fresh air and beautiful trails await you and your dog. Beat cabin fever this winter: experience the quiet swishing of skis as you glide, working in tandem with your dog. Happy trails! —Cathy Brown and Wanda Purton are professional dog trainers and the owners of K-9 Common Scents, a division of S.L.R. (Search, Locate, Recover). They can be contacted at 613-760-5060.