Mary Allen
Do you like physical activities with the dog? Then maybe skiing with the dog is something for you. It’s a fun way to hang out with your dog buddy and it gives you both exercise. Get a harness, a drawstring, and maybe a waist belt for yourself, then just get started!
Most dogs can learn to pull, you do not need to have a polar dog. But it is an advantage if you have a medium-sized or a larger breed. It’s just a matter of how heavy, how long, and that the harness is properly adjusted. The dog also does not have to pull you all the time, if you have a towline strapped between you and the dog, you can have your arms free and then you can ski or maybe kick yourself forward.
Start like this:
1. Exercise yourself first on skis if you are above.
2. Ideally, you should have your dog have functioning basic obedience. It is good if it can, for example, stop, stand still and come.
Let the dog get used to the harness before tightening it.
Start by walking at a brisk pace behind the dog. Train in short sessions. Have a short line in the beginning, then you will find it easier to both steer and praise.
5. Then start with a light pull on flat ground, preferably on a small uphill slope
6. When the dog pulls and wants to move forward, start with a short distance and increase the length gradually.
7. Stop while the dog still thinks it’s fun.
8. Relax the rope and harness immediately after the workout.
Remember when pulling!
- Always anchor yourself in the dog, preferably in a waist belt. It is important if, for example, you have children in a sled or sled. Then you do not risk losing your dog.
- Warm-up before to avoid injuries.
- Use a drawstring that is partially elastic (look online or at the pet store). Without that shock absorber, it will be dumb and jerky. It should be about 2.5 meters long.
- Always wear a sling on the dog.
- Never confuse the towline with the leash. The dog should be allowed to pull on the leash when you give it permission, but not on the leash.
- If your dog is untrained, take it easy. Slowly build up the dog’s physique.
- Give the dog water before you go out and bring fresh drinking water on the excursion.
- Young dogs should not pull heavy or long. The body must have grown fully, otherwise, there is a risk of injury.
- Check if it is allowed with a dog in the electric light trails where you live. Otherwise, you may be able to ride in an open field or on a forest road.
- Unwind after the ride with a leisurely walk and put on your dog a blanket if it is cold.
How Far Can the Dog Go?
Use your common sense. You notice when your dog starts to get tired. Vary with shorter distances sometimes. Visit the dog after the ride, especially pads and legs.
After a ski trip, the dog is worth a cozy massage.