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BASIC COMMANDS
A note for beginning skijorers:
It is not necessary for you and your dog to know all
of the following commands before skijoring for the
first time! If you've read our SAFETY TIPS and
TEACHING YOUR DOG TO PULL sections, you are ready to
start. The commands below make skijoring more
enjoyable, but can be learned gradually over a season
or two.
Remember to keep your training sessions positive and
short (10 to 15 minutes), and never lose your
temper....the most important mushing virtue is
patience. If your dog isn't learning a command or
performing up to expectations, assume it's your fault,
assess the situation from your dog's perspective, and
try again next training session.
A Few More Notes On Training and Commands:
Make sure you understand the commands before teaching
them to your dog. Almost everyone confuses Gee (turn
right) and Haw (turn left) at least once during their
first season skijoring.
Speak clearly with adequate volume so your dog
understands the command. Use inflection to throw your
voice, and deliver "Good Dog" reinforcements with
abundant enthusiasm.
Use commands (and words in general) very sparingly
while skijoring with your dog. The less you talk, the
higher the probability your dog will respond when
given a command. For example, if your dog is out
front pulling like Balto delivering serum to Nome, say
"Good Dog" once and then let her focus on running.
Be consistent with your training. Encourage family
members to use the same commands, and always follow
through on any commands that are given. For example,
if you ask your dog to avoid stopping at a favorite
tree by saying "On By," then do not allow your dog to
stop at the tree. If you do, even once, your dog will
likely question your leadership and test your resolve
in the future, similar to the way a child pushes the
envelope of acceptable behavior with his or her
parents. Dogs are pack animals and understand
hierarchy - you must be a consistent and firm team
leader to earn their respect and response.
Give your dog a treat at the conclusion of your
training session or skijoring outing for a job well
done. We understand there are two schools of thought
concerning treating or snacking, and recommend you
continue with what has worked for you in the past. We
prefer treating at the conclusion of a session for
several reasons:
It is best to have your dog respond to your
commands based on your relationship of trust and
respect rather than anticipation of a treat.
If treated regularly your dog will expect treats
regularly, and will be disappointed if your pocket is
empty.
To simulate race conditions, it's necessary
to treat after the session is completed.
Always have adequate fresh water on hand for
your canine companion.
Set your dog up for success and failure. Dog
training is most effective when variables are
controlled by the trainer. For example, if you're
teaching your dog to Gee (turn right), choose a trail
which only has 90 degree right turns; If you're having
a problem with your dog stopping to visit other dogs
while skijoring, have your neighbor and his dog meet
you on the trail at a designated place so you can make
a correction.
Click on each command below for detailed training
instructions.
Copyright © 2000-2011 Skijor Now. All rights reserved.
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