Let Your Dog Pull You On Cross-Country Trails

Dreams of traveling through the winter back country with dogs are not only for those who can afford a pack of canines and live in a county that permits large kennels.

With only one dog, a set of cross-country skis and a few other inexpensive pieces of equipment, dog owners can traverse wilderness trails as long as snow conditions permit. It’s called skijoring.

Skijoring is the sport of one or more dogs pulling a cross-country skier. (In some places, the sport also includes a horse pulling a cross-country skier.)

The dog wears a sled-dog harness. The skier wears a skijoring belt, which is cushioned, wide enough to offer back support and includes either a metal hook or snap in the front. A line of nylon webbing about 7 feet long with a metal snap on each end connects the dog to the skier. Some skijorers use ski poles, others hold on to the line for balance.

Although theories vary on just where and when skijoring began, many north-country historians surmise it started in Scandinavian countries about the time of the Alaska gold rush.

When Norwegian and Swedish explorers returned home from the gold fields, they brought with them the sport of dog mushing. It was natural, historians say, for Scandinavians to combine mushing with their historic winter pastime - cross-country skiing.

Today, skijorers are found in nearly every state and country where winter brings snow. Some skijorers tour quietly on favorite trails. Others enter skijoring competitions, usually in conjunction with a local sled-dog race.

Most any dog weighing at least 30 pounds can pull a cross-country skier. The breed does not matter. What counts is that the dog is physically fit and likes to pull.

With most dogs, pulling is a natural instinct. Witness the considerable expense and time most dog owners put into teaching their dogs not to pull on a leash. While skijoring, dogs indulge the freedom to pull and run.

With practice, one dog running at a full lope can pull a skier four miles in less than 20 minutes. Just touring, one dog and one skier can cover up to 30 miles a day.

And for the daring, three dogs pulling a skier at a full lope can easily reach speeds of 20 mph, which is comparable to a six-dog team pulling a dog sled and musher.

The keys to skijoring success are training and proper equipment.

For the skier, Olympic-level athletic ability is not required, but a basic comfort level with cross-country skiing is. For the dog, a quick trip to the veterinarian to make sure it’s up for the sport is wise.

Training a dog to pull is usually easy. Get the dog used to wearing a harness. Then, attach a rope connected to a small object to the loop on the back of the dog’s harness. Make a game of having the dog run ahead while pulling the object. Offer lots of praise. Gradually increase the weight of the object.

It’s also a good idea to teach the dog to stop, turn left, turn right, turn around and not chase deer, cats or stray dogs.

The most important piece of skijoring equipment is the dog’s harness. Make sure it fits correctly. A correct fit is dependent on measuring the dog’s neck, plus points between the neck and breast bone and rib cage and tail.

Occasionally, local dog stores sell sled-dog harnesses. If the clerk does not know how to properly measure a dog for a harness, don’t buy it there. Order one from a sled-dog supply catalog (listed below), where workers guide customers over the phone in properly measuring a dog and choosing the correct harness. Quality harnesses usually cost between $12 and $20.

It’s also a good idea to carry one set of four booties for each dog. These protect dogs prone to developing snow balls between their pads and on their feet. Some kind of fleece material is best for snow and ice. Booties are available from sled-dog supply catalogs, and usually cost between $5 and $10 for four.

Almost all sled-dog supply catalogs carry skijoring belts and line. Prices vary, but are usually in the $25 to $45 range for a package including both belt and line.

Remember, the smart winter traveler carries survival basics in a small back or fanny pack.

Skijoring is an excellent way for dogs and their owners to stay in shape, explore the outdoors and spend fun time together. And when the snow melts, skijoring equipment can be used to jog or power walk with a dog.

For more detail on the sport of skijoring, check out the book “Skijoring, An Introduction to the Sport” by Carol Kaynor and Mari Hoe-Raitto, published by Dragon Press in Delta, Alaska. It’s available through most catalogs that sell sleddog supplies.

Some of the many sled dog supply catalogs are: Alpine Outfitters, P.O. Box 245, Roy, WA 98580; (253) 843-2767.

Adanac, 4108 Highway 93 North, Kalispel, MT 59901; (406) 752-2929.

Nordkyn Outfitters, P.O. Box 1023, Graham, WA 98338; (800) 326-4128.

Rae’s Harness Shop, 1545 E. Dowling Road, Anchorage, AK 99507; (800) 770-1177.

New option for small dog teams

Ski Sleds of the North, a company in Kalispel, Mont., has announced a new dog sled for teams of one or two dogs. Called the Ski Sled, it weighs only 17 pounds and looks like a small chair on runners. For a free brochure and more information, call (888) 753-7533.

Horn-tooting time

For the second consecutive year, About Dogs is one of three finalists for the national Best Dog Column Award given by the Dog Writers Association of America. Winners will be announced in mid-February in Manhattan. I’ll let you know the results in the March column.

, DataTimes MEMO: About Dogs appears the first Sunday of each month. Mary Sagal is a member of the Dog Writers Association of America.