Introduction: How to Ski Jour With Your Dog

By Betsy Hinze: Artist
About: Currently in my second year at Alberta College of Art and Design in Calgary, planning to become a glass major. I love to learn, make, and experience life. Cheers!

Have some fun while giving your dog some exercise-have him/her pull you on skis! This instructable will show you how.

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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!

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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.

Pets Month

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