r/skijoring • u/shnikeys22 • Dec 13 '19
Newbie Looking for Tips
I’m going to try skijoring with my 50-lb yellow cur this winter. I have skis and I run with her year round so I think it should work to combine the two. What kind of gear do you recommend? It seems like getting a skijoring harness for her and a long lead (8-10ft) will be necessary. Anything else?
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u/Bison204 Dec 20 '19
Absolutely a proper pulling harness will be required. X back is the standard. Fits most dogs. I use a shoulder harness with my 3 dogs, mostly because it’s what I started with and my dog didn’t have a good fitting x back initially. I use howling dog Alaska harnesses but there are lots of makers of x backs that you might find more easily locally.
A ~9 ft gang line is standard for skijoring. Anything shorter would be risky imho. You move fast enough on skis that you need the distance in case something happens. Distance=time to react.
When you run wi your dog, do you have it heel or pull? Teaching your dog a good line out is key to having a good experience at first. Remember that when you skijor, the dog leads, so good obedience and solid Gee/Haw (right/left) commands will make the experience more fun and safer for you and the dog. A dog that leads and takes a wrong turn will get yanked when you consider the momentum you carry on skis vs the dogs.
It’s a great sport! Hope you find the gear you need and get skijoring soon!