The big show: Hurry up and wait.

So you’ve been skijoring for a while and find out about some fun event you just have to be part of.  Going out on your own or with a small group is often simple, relaxed and within your control.  Parking close to the trailhead allows for getting your skis and poles placed near the trail head, your skijor belt on, poop bags at the ready, your tugline connected to your belt and slung over your shoulder, a water bowl setout spiked with your pup’s favorite flavor setting the stage for the star of the show, your dog; cozy in your vehicle and anxious to rock and roll.  Easy, peasy, right?

Having such a training routine is essential to making your dog’s experience easy and fun.  Let’s back up a minute and run thru a preflight plan.

Where the heck is that skijoring stuff?  Maybe keep the harness, belt and tugline in a cloth bag so it doesn’t retain moisture.  Water for your dog, not frozen in the garage but fresh in an easy to carry container set in your dog’s bowl. Your dog likes tuna you say?  Have a stock of easy to open what-ever in your bag of tricks.  Crack one partially open squeeze the magic juice into the water bowl, making the job of hydrating your dog before your run a bit easier.  When was the last time were those skis were waxed?  Ever?  Wax can profoundly make your dogs effort easier.  This doesn’t have to be complicated.  Since you’re not likely a top 100 Birkie skier, you’re not in need of that budget-busting wax they have sitting the glass case at your local ski shop.  There are many good wipe-on waxes that are easy and affordable.  Pick up a couple options to cover the temperature ranges you are likely to be out in. 

How’s that training going? Hike, gee, haw, whoa, and that all important on-bye/leave it. Train your dog to poop and pee on command, seriously? Yeppers. Why suffer slamming on the brakes for a dump on the trail when business could have been taken care of before hand. They say diamonds are forever but so is training. Use every opportunity for your dog to learn. Line-out like a pro. Look ma, no hands on my pup, raring to go, just waiting for the word. Pass those other teams with hardly a glance? Advanced for sure, but really important on the trail.

How old is your gear?  Has anything important been chewed on?  Any busted plastic?  What’s your plan for your outing?  Have you built up your dog’s endurance over time to know you are not going to exceed your dog’s capability?  Dog spent by the time you are just turning back? Bad news Fido. Many skijors have gone all this effort just to take their dog out for a short run to help build that endurance base.  Patience is essential for building the foundation. Does your dog get excited when you get get that skijor stuff ready or does your dog go look for a place to hide? 

Don’t even get me started on dog harnesses. Got one from a cousin that had a malamute and wonder if it’ll fit on your Lab? Is it wresting match to get the harness on or off? Are you sure you know how it goes on? Is it made for pulling? is it upside down? Chose fit over all every time.

So back to the big deal.  Every event has logistics that need to be understood.  When can I pick up my bib?  What is the start time?  When should I be on site? What are the transportation options?  What is the forecast for the event? This is a winter event, right? It could be 45 degrees, it could be -15. You must be prepared.

Understand the race rules. They are there for good reason, to ensure fairness, safety and good conduct. We are all ambassadors for the sport and these events intentionally held in plain sight of the public.

Everything you’ve done is critical in preparing to join others in a skijor event. Skijoring events are fun, exciting and stressful for any dog.  Is your dog comfortable with other dogs in close proximity?  Does your dog have a thin-coat and need a jacket before and after the event?  If you have thin-coat dog, why wouldn’t you have a jacket?  Does your dog have a heavy coat and may overheat so hydration is critical before and after?  Do your dog’s paws pick up snow and should be running with booties?  What is the plan for the inevitable wait time?  Sunny and 25 may be doable but what about temps and windchill near or even below zero?  Can you manage all this on your own or should you bring help?  Experienced skijorers have a plan for these circumstances.   Prep like a pro.

Need help?  K9 Powered Sports is here for you.