Dog Skijoring
Skijoring with a dog is a sport in which a dog (or dogs), assist a cross-country skier. From one to three dogs are commonly used. The cross-country skier provides power with skis and poles, and the dog adds additional power by running and pulling. The skier wears a skijoring harness, the dog wears a sled dog harness, and the two are connected by a length of rope. There are no reins or other signaling devices to control the dog: The dog must be motivated by its own desire to run, and respond to the owner's voice for direction. Skijor races held in many countries where there is snow in winter. Most races are between 5 kilometers and 20 kilometers in length. In the United States and Canada, skijoring races are often held in conjunction with sled dog races, skijoring being just one category of race that occurs during the day's activities. The skijoring belt worn by the skier is a wide waistband which is clipped around the skier's waist, and which may include leg loops to keep it in position. Rock climbing harnesses are also commonly used as skijoring belts. The sled dog harness can be any of the several types of dog harness commonly used for dogsled racing. The skijoring line is usually at least 1.5 meters (8 feet) long. A longer line is used for a three-dog team. Special quick-release hitches or hooks are available, used so that the skijorer may unhook the dog's lead rapidly.
|
