Skijoring GSDs

[Rott-n-GSDs]

I'm in the process of training my dogs for Skijoring. There isn't a lot of information out there, so I've sort of had to make things up as I go along.

I have a skijoring book.. but it basically discusses equipment. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to anyone, though... everything in it can be found on the 'net for free. It also discusses things like nutrition, making doghouses with chains to keep your dogs outside, etc. and has a joke of a training section. Lots of misinformation in there about dog care.

Much of the training information contained in "mushing" type books seems to be not the sort of training I like to do (mostly PR, particularly with new things).

So, it's basically been trial and error.

Error #1: Don't let the Rottie help you hitch up


Error #2: Dogs should both face the same direction


Error #3: Do NOT, I repeat, NOT, throw a tennis ball in order to teach your dogs, "let's go!"


Starting to move forward now... Nervous Nova still checking to make sure mommy's coming:


MUCH better (life is better all around if you have a tennis ball in your mouth, according to Nova):


Learning "Line out" (dogs learn to keep the line taut):


A few other basic important commands are "let's go," (or "mush"), right & left (or gee & haw - I chose right and left so I'd use the same commands as agility), and "on by" (ignoring a distraction and continuing on down the trail).

I'm definitely learning why it's a good idea to train canicross (hiking/jogging with lines) before adding skis! I'd have taken plenty of spills by now!!!!

Thanks for looking.

Skijoring training is fun!