Skijor

Skijor is dog-assisted cross-country skiing, or in other words, where you are on cross-country skis and tethered to your dog.


Before you start skijoring, it is best to at least be comfortable on cross-country skis. Your dog should be healthy and in reasonably good shape. You will need a properly fitted skijoring harness for your dog, a skijoring lead, and a skijoring belt for you.

Teaching your dog the basic commands is helpful before putting on skis. It is suggested that you practice the commands with your dog for 10 minutes at a time with a regular leash or on the skijoring lead.

The commands include: Hike which means go; Whoa, meaning stop; Gee, meaning turn right; Haw, meaning turn left; and On By, meaning keep going or pass.

The easiest way to learn is to take a class. Search online to find local skijoring clubs. Also, be sure to check if the cross-country trail is open to dogs.


Skijor USA promotes the sport.