Skijoring - have you done it/what do you think

[bruiser]

Bruiser will be a year old in November and winter is on the way. I love to xc ski and snowshoe in the winter but I can't let Bruiser off leash yet. I was thinking of learning to skijoring with him. That way he would still be tethered to me and we could go out and get lots of exercise this winter. We could start by hiking now...he already goes hiking with me on leash and minds very well except when he sees other dogs and some people.

Does anyone do this activity with their dog(s). Is it easy to learn? Where and what equipment did you get?

[AbbyK9]

I am absolutely useless on skis, so this is not an activity I pursue. However, I have a friend in Vermont who skijors with her retired racing Greyhound, Gunner. You can see a video of her skijoring with Gunner here --

Skijoring With Retired greyhound Race Dog - YouTube

Skijoring With Retired greyhound Race Dog - YouTube

She uses the RuffWear WebMaster harness on her dog, but with some modifications. She has added padding to the chest straps, for example. To hold on to him, she is using two Flexi leads. This is because Gunner will slow down or stop if there's much pressure on his shoulders, and the Flexi lead system allows her to ease up on his shoulders.

If you're interested, RuffWear just came out with a skijoring setup that you can buy. It's called the Omnijore and is available here -- Omnijore? Joring System It's kind of a cross between their WebMaster harness and a sled dog harness in style/design and then hooks to a harness on the person.

[Rott-n-GSDs]

I am in the process of training my two dogs to skijor. I would be happy to put up a "how to" post. I have done so on other forums.

[wildo]

Originally Posted by Rott-n-GSDs

I am in the process of training my two dogs to skijor. I would be happy to put up a "how to" post. I have done so on other forums.

Please do!
[EDIT]- Oh, I see you've already started. Awesome! Skijoring Equipment

[Rott-n-GSDs]

Yup, and I'll do a post about training in a moment.

[Rott-n-GSDs]

Here's my training post: Skijoring Training

[bruiser]

You all are so wonderful!!! I'm really hoping to get in to this quickly with bruiser. It looks like so much fun!!!

[Rott-n-GSDs]

It's SO much fun, and the dogs really enjoy it, too!

[bruiser]

Originally Posted by wildo

Please do!
[EDIT]- Oh, I see you've already started. Awesome! Skijoring Equipment

This is wonderful also...I think I might be getting the beginners package. You are totally cool. Thanks so much!!!

Now if you were just here to teach...oh but you are through your threads

THANKS

[bruiser]

Originally Posted by AbbyK9

I am absolutely useless on skis, so this is not an activity I pursue. However, I have a friend in Vermont who skijors with her retired racing Greyhound, Gunner. You can see a video of her skijoring with Gunner here --

Skijoring With Retired greyhound Race Dog - YouTube

She uses the RuffWear WebMaster harness on her dog, but with some modifications. She has added padding to the chest straps, for example. To hold on to him, she is using two Flexi leads. This is because Gunner will slow down or stop if there's much pressure on his shoulders, and the Flexi lead system allows her to ease up on his shoulders.

If you're interested, RuffWear just came out with a skijoring setup that you can buy. It's called the Omnijore and is available here -- Omnijore? Joring System It's kind of a cross between their WebMaster harness and a sled dog harness in style/design and then hooks to a harness on the person.

I love the video...I think I will be falling a lot this winter...thanks for posting it!