(In Part 1 of this series, we learned about the history of skijoring and how it can help alleviate Seasonal Affective Disorder. In this article, we look into getting started with skijoring and the training needed to do it well.)
GETTING STARTED WITH SKIJORING
Getting started with skijoring is simpler than you might think. All you need is a desire to be outdoors in winter, a dog of any size and breed that loves to run and pull and a few gear items for yourself and your dog.
Be warned: if your dog has no instinct to pull, they may not be the best skijoring partner. Pulling is arduous work. Some dogs, like some people, do not enjoy being cold, occasionally wet or physically demanding work.
SKIJORING ESSENTIAL TRAINING
To start skijoring, begin with a dog with basic obedience skills like sit, down, stay, come and stop. Reading a couple of books on basic dog training and dog psychology and behavior would benefit anyone, even if you are an experienced dog owner.
From there, you can efficiently train your dog to respond to the commands used in skijoring. Skijor with Your Dog, Second edition, by Mari Hoe-Raitto and Carol Kaynor, is an excellent resource on teaching your dog how to pull and yourself how to skijor with your dog.
According to Hoe-Raitto and Kaynor, there are seven essential dog-driving commands that you will need to teach your dog:
- “Gee” pronounced with a soft g to turn right
- “Haw” to turn left
- “Ahead” straight ahead or on by to continue straight, ignore distractions or go past a turn
- “Line out” to keep the tug line tight
- “Whoa” to stop
- “Get up” or hike to speed up
- “Easy” to slow down
SKIJORING ESSENTIAL GEAR
Next, you must gain confidence and competency as a cross-country skier before tethering yourself to your dog. Then, you will need an X-back-styled harness and winter dog booties if your dog will spend more than an hour outdoors in winter.
When outfitting the skier in this team, begin by talking with a knowledgeable person at your local sporting goods store or someone within your skijoring community about ski selection. The type of skiing you plan to do most often (backcountry touring, short trips or racing) and the kind of trails you will ski most often (groomed, ungroomed, icy, flat, hilly, wide or narrow) will impact your ski choice significantly.
Your skiing style will determine the ideal ski pole length. Skijorers need more insulated boots than traditional cross-country skiers, which must be compatible with your ski binding system.
The type of skiing you plan to do most often and the kind of trails you will ski most often will impact your ski choice significantly.
Buying a ski package that includes boots, ski poles, and skis is economical for beginners. Ski packages range from about $350 in the United States. You will need a skijoring belt with a quick-release snap and a towline connecting your belt to your dog’s harness.
Hoe-Raitto and Kaynor also recommend a warm hat, gloves, an insulated and water-resistant jacket and leggings. Be sure to dress in layers you can easily add, subtract and stow away around your waist or in a small backpack. If you are slightly cold when you begin skijoring, you have an adequate number of layers to avoid overheating and excessive sweating when you begin moving.
WHERE TO LEARN SKIJORING
You can learn from friends or family or join a local skijoring club. Learn to skijor through online videos. Hire a cross-country skiing or a skijoring instructor. Alternatively, learn how to skijor from books.
In summary, hope and a solution exist for those Third Culture Kids (TCKs) struggling with the winter blues. Setting a goal to learn how to skijor, taking the time and effort to learn and getting outside for an adventure could solve your winter sadness.
