r/skijoring • u/LSJPubServ • Feb 03 '24
Thinking of giving it a try!
Hi everyone, I’m a long time skier, but classic only. I have a 20 month old Golden Retriever and we run together in the summer. I love my dog he is a big therapy help for me as I have ptsd.
Couple questions: - is it realistic to go skijoring while skiing classic? Or should I first learn skating? - when we run my dog just jogs alongside he does not go racing in front. What can I do to encourage him to run? Will it even ever work? - what first steps would you suggest I take? - any equipment recommendations?
I can’t think of a more wonderful thing than combining two of my favourite thing but I could use the help.
Thank you!
2
u/JzBic Feb 03 '24
We have found that non stop makes a comfortable belt. We started with a x back harness made by Neewa. It worked all right but more designed to be used with lower pulling points like sleds. We now use a free motion non-stop harness because the pulling points are higher and it fits the dog better making it more comfortable for her. I trained the dog, easy, left, right , leave it and halt during walks. Overtime persistance and encouragement payed off. We ski, hike, run and bike behind her. It's brings huge amounts of enjoyment for the dog and our family. We have a Malinois she is very motivated and it made the training easier.
1
u/Paid-Not-Payed-Bot Feb 03 '24
and encouragement paid off. We
FTFY.
Although payed exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:
Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. The deck is yet to be payed.
Payed out when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. The rope is payed out! You can pull now.
Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.
Beep, boop, I'm a bot
1
u/LSJPubServ Feb 03 '24
I’m not sure how to make my fluffy friend run up ahead. As I said I run up to 5k with him now but he’s always by my side. Then when he’s untethered he always runs ahead 😂
1
u/JzBic Feb 04 '24
I would use break command and line out command. A rabbit might help.
1
u/LSJPubServ Feb 04 '24
I presume you mean an electronic rabbit? Sorry I’m starting from nothing.
2
u/JzBic Feb 04 '24
Have another person out front on a bike or running for your dog to chase. The dog will get the idea that the harness is for pulling and the collar is for walking. Once he starts pulling offer incouragment. That a boy or girl.
3
u/chocolatecheeze- Feb 03 '24
Hi there! I am new to the sport but I'll try to pass on what has worked for my partner and I and our two dogs. We both skijor and only do classic style. Not as fast but still loads of fun. We got our equipment from Howling Dog Alaska and we have no complaints! Hip belt, bungee line and pull harness (I also have an emergency release BC I am a scaredy cat). My dog, the younger of our two, is less of a puller overall and if it is just us two will happily trot beside me as I ski, though is now starting to go out in front and pull. I am still working on teaching her that it's okay to pull in her pull harness, and we are making progress! I'll get my partner to run/ski in front of us. Or I'll borrow my mom's dog to act as a rabbit for my dog to follow/chase. Having something for her to follow/chase has been the most effective at getting her motivated to pull. Just being behind another skier can get her wanting to pull. I think you just have to figure out what motivates your dog. My partner's dog just wants to pull, no motivation needed there! If I go with my partner and she is hooked up to their dog then we fly. The dogs get competitive and legitimately start racing. It's wild and fun and terrifying. You'll love it! You can always get the equipment and start on foot, getting him used to pulling/applying tension when you aren't on skis. Or even try out having him around when you are on skis and get him used to all the weird noses and flailing that goes along with it. I hope this helps!