Introduction: How to Ski Jour With Your Dog
Have some fun while giving your dog some exercise-have him/her pull you on skis! This instructable will show you how.
Step 1: Prepare Yourself
You will need:
1 dog harness
1 bungee cord
1 dog leash
1 fanny pack or belt
1 pair of nordic skis and boots
1 pair of poles
1 dog that's ready to pull!
Prepare yourself physically: dress warm and, depending on your skiing ability, balance, and obediance of chosen dog, you may consider wearing a helmet or other safety gear. ;)Put on skis, boots, poles, and the belt or fanny pack (a good opportunity to show off your inner geekiness)
Prepare yourself mentally: Get ready for an adventure!
Pick your location:I went out on our frozen, snow-covered lake because the conditions there are amazing, but it may be easier to find cross-country trails at a ski resort. Just make sure dogs are allowed on the trails.
Step 2: Prepare Your Dog
Put the harness on the dog (The dog I used was an Australian Shepherd mix who loves to pull), then attach one end of the bungee cord to the harness. To the other end of the bungee cord attach the leash. Unbuckle your belt/fanny pack and slip the handle of the leash around one side. Buckle up again. You may consider bringing treats to reward your dog and make him/her know that jouring is FUN-after all, he/she gets to pull on the leash and get treats!
Step 3: Get Ready, Get Set, GO!!!
You're ready to start your adventure!
To teach your dog steering commands, say the command as the dog performs it at first (for example, when the dog turns right, say "Gee" as they are turning and after a while he/she will associate "Gee" with turning right and you can use it as a command.)
The steering commands are:
"Let's Go!" means start pulling
"Gee" means go right
"Ha" means go left
"Ho" means stop
Be sure to reward your dog and tell him/her how great he/she is!
Step 4: Tips
*Do not stand still for too long if you have a hyper-active dog or you will be completely tied up as shown in the picture!*
I hope you enjoyed my instructable! Now stop looking at it and go have some fun with your dog!
Also, I'm sorry if the videos didn't work. I took them with my digital camera and they didn't want to upload right.
Second Prize in the
Pets Month
12 Comments
11 years ago on Introduction
awesome idea
14 years ago on Step 2
Our dog is also a Aussie mix (but he has a smooth coat and Doberman markings-- i think i just added his picture) who loves to pull. I tried skis, but he hated the harness we had at the time. So we got into scooting (www.dogpoweredscooter.com) and took off the very first time-- he's fearless and smart. Can't wait till winter (not really, but i'll try it.)
15 years ago on Introduction
yeah i had this big german shephard (see my instructable's video) who would pull me along in a sled when i was little.
15 years ago on Introduction
nice aussie..... my family has an aussie puppy.
15 years ago on Introduction
Great Job! I started skijouring this winter with my golden retriever, Louie. I also built a kick sled for Louie to pull the little kids in the neighborhood around...they all love it. It's a great way to exercise your dog too. Now I'm working on making a lightweight summer dog buggy for Louie to pull.
15 years ago on Introduction
Great pictures! Great Instructable as well! Amazing job. And by the way, just hit the orange REPLY button to reply to comments. Your dog is cute! +1 rating.
Reply 15 years ago on Introduction
Yes i do know how to reply to comments...but thanks for telling me anyways! ;) Thanks for the compliments...that's one thing i love about this site is the "be nice" policy. it's so positive! :D and i'll be sure to tell my dog that someone thinks he's cute.
15 years ago on Introduction
Nice Job.
If you want to find the proper gear to Skijor then check out Nordkyn.
The equipment is well made and very well priced.
They provide instruction on how to measure your dawg and then ship
you custom collars, harnesses and backpacks, everything you need.
They even rebuild anything that wears out if you send them the old hardware.
http://www.nordkyn.com/
15 years ago on Introduction
Hey thank for all the positive! I just got my dog in November or December, and we have snow where I live then, so I haven't tried it in summer. I did get pulled on roller blades by a dog once... and our old dog used to pull my little sister and me in a sled all the time when we were little kids!
15 years ago on Introduction
Nice job on your first instructable; great choice of subject matter! Have you ever tried this in summer with roller skis?
15 years ago on Introduction
This is great!! When I was alot younger, I would tie strings to my dog, and have her pull me in a sled.
15 years ago on Step 4
Great stuff! I'd like to give it a try next winter...