MINNEAPOLIS -- If you are wondering what skijoring is, get your answer by seeing it firsthand at the 4th annual Chuck & Don's Pet Food Outlet Skijoring Loppet.
Skijoring combines dog sledding with cross-country skiing. A dog, of nearly any breed and size, is outfitted with a pulling harness and is attached to a skier with a specialized belt and towline.
If you want to get in on the action, here is some information that might get you and your dog skijoring.
What equipment do you use?
--Standard cross country skis and poles. The skier wears a skijoring harness, the dog wears a sled dog harness, and a length of rope connects the two. Tip: look for a brand of harness with a quick release that releases the dog from the skier's harness in case of a fall or emergency.
--The skijoring belt worn by the skier is a wide waistband that is clipped around the skier's waist, and which may include leg loops to keep it in position.
--Snow boots for your dog. Tip: let your dog become acclimated to the boots by wearing them around the house or on walks. Tip: bring your pet to the store to test the size boots o Jacket for your dog. If temperatures are predicted to be low or your pet has a short coat, consider a light jacket. Tip: bring your pet into the store to try it on before buying.
-- Musher's secret is an all-natural wax that keeps snow from forming in pets paws and also protects them from chemicals in the snow.
What kinds of breeds are best suited for skijoring?
--Many breeds of dog participate in skijoring. Small dogs (less than 35 pounds) are rarely seen skijoring, because they do not greatly assist the skier.
--Common breeds: Pointers, Setters and herding breeds. Also, the northern breeds, such as Siberian and Alaskan Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds, and Inuit dogs.
--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.
The Chuck & Don's Pet Food Outlet Skijoring Loppet consists of four races. Two of which make up the National Skijoring Championship in which skijorers compete for cash prizes. Novice racers and their pups are welcome to participate in the Saturday races which are 2.5K, 4.5K, and 7K. The 7K race is part of the National Skijoring Championship along with the 14K race on Sunday with National Skijoring Championships awarded after.
Races on Saturday make up the largest skijoring event in the world bringing in 200 to 250 participants annually including teams from as far as Alaska and Canada.
For more information, visit www.cityoflakesloppet.com.
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