Did you know that Alberta has the highest rate of pet ownership of all provinces in Canada?
We bet you didn’t know that Calgary, Canmore and Banff have the highest per capita rates of cross-country skiing in Canada.
Put those two together, and no wonder the sport of Skijoring with dogs has taken off across the province!
Skijoring, or “ski driving” as it translates from Norwegian, is essentially cross-country skiing with a delightful twist – your dog is your engine.
The sport, which originated in Norway, isn’t just limited to dogs; horses and motorized vehicles can also take the lead.
We’ve already featured the cowboy sport of horse skijoring in Alberta.
However, dog skijoring steals the spotlight because it’s more accessible. Lots of Albertans own dogs, but fewer of us own horses, even if we have the highest amount of horse ownership in Canada.
Skijoring, a unique blend of skiing and dog sledding, promises an avalanche of fun for both you and your pooch.
Imagine strapping on your skis, harnessing your dog, and gliding across the snow, powered by the sheer joy and energy of your four-legged friend.
That’s the essence of skijoring, a sport where the cold never bothers you, and your dog gets a great workout!
A Passion for Pulling?
The beauty of skijoring lies in its simplicity and the raw, enthusiastic participation of your canine companion.
Unlike its cousin, dog sledding, there are no sleds, no reins, nor the complications of a team of 8 to 12 dogs!
The sport thrives on the mutual excitement and energy shared between you and your dog, making it a perfect winter activity for those looking to dip their toes (and paws) into something new and thrilling.
Wondering if your dog might be the next skijoring sensation?
If your furry friend is of medium to large size, has an athletic build, and shows an unbridled zest for pulling and running, you might have a skijoring prodigy on your hands.
Don’t worry too much about the breed – while traditional sled dogs like huskies and malamutes have a natural inclination towards the sport, the critical ingredient is enthusiasm.
If your dog pulls on the leash, then rather than fight and be yanked around, put that power into play in skijoring!
Before you dash out into the snow, let’s talk gear.
What You Need
The skijoring kit is simple: a harness for your dog, a belt or harness for you, and a shock-corded tug line to keep you connected.
Cross-country skis are a given, and of course, don’t forget the poop bags to keep the trails clean.
And all the standard rules apply for dressing for winter weather… but you know how to do that already.
For those looking to take the sport a notch higher, specialized skijoring harnesses and high-quality skis might be worth considering.
However, for many, skijoring remains a joyful and casual winter pastime, requiring minimal investment to start.
Training Your Canine Athlete
Training your dog for skijoring is a journey filled with patience, encouragement, and many treats.
Begin with basic commands and gradually introduce your dog to the harness and the sensation of pulling.
Keeping the experience positive and rewarding for your dog is crucial.
Remember, the goal is to have fun together, so adjust your pace and expectations to match your dog’s comfort and enthusiasm level.
For a detailed step-by-step guide on training your dog for skijoring, be sure to visit Non-Stop Dogwear.
After all, you want to be able to start and stop your dog on command or risk being bashed against trees while your dog chases a squirrel in the forest.
No Snow?
With the ongoing drought and record temperatures in much of Alberta, snow is in short supply.
No snow; no problem.
Skatejoring could literally be ‘up your alley,’ allowing you to enjoy a similar experience on wheels.
Try getting your dog to pull you on rollerblades, skateboards, or bikes.
Safety, as always, is paramount, so start slow and choose safe environments for your urban mushing adventures.
We always recommend a helmet for any skijoring adventure, and if you’re keen to record the rush of skijoring, a small helmet cam can show off your skills to the world!
To get a taste of skijoring, watch as this couple test out Skijoring for the first time:
