HIKE OR LET'S GO

How many times have you heard the shout of "Mush" in a sled dog movie as a fur-clad musher sets off down a blustery trail? According to the film industry, "Mush" is the command of choice for sled dog drivers and is used to start a dog team running or press to climatic victory at the finish line. Interestingly, "Mush" is not used in either sled driving or skijoring; instead, both skijorers and mushers use "Hike" or "Let's Go" to command their teams forward.

You're probably wondering why there are two options for this command. Although we can't shed light on their exact origins, we can say that both are currently popular and either one will suffice. At Skijor Now we prefer "Let's Go" because the command alternates well for calling your dog to action for a variety of activities, for example, to begin a walk or run. Saying "Hike" in these situations may scare your neighbors.

The command "Hike" also has its ardent supporters. Because it's only one syllable, it's faster to say and probably simpler for a dog to learn and remember. Additionally, "Hike" is easier to call out when your lips are cold in winter. Of course if you're a football fan, the word is already in your vocabulary.

Good luck with your choice, but remember you can only choose one. To simplify, we'll use "Let's Go" in the discussion below:

Command Uses For Let's Go

• To start your dog moving forward on the trail.

• To encourage your dog to pick up the pace towards the end of a fun run or race.

• To encourage your dog to speed up after a pass.

Training Recommendations: Off Skis

First, we recommend reading our TEACHING YOUR DOG TO PULL section. Start training by giving your dog the "Let's Go" command whenever you move forward with your dog, whether it's walking, running, inline skating, etc. As soon as your dog responds appropriately, say "Good Dog!" If your dog does not move forward, say "No," then move forward yourself while simultaneously giving your dog a forward tug on the collar. As soon as your dog starts moving forward, say "Let's Go" again and then "Good Dog!" By integrating "Let's Go" into your daily routine your dog will quickly learn the command.

Training Recommendations: On Skis

As every dog owner is aware, dogs instinctively love to chase practically everything that moves, including other dogs, game, people, etc. On skis you can take advantage of this instinct by having another skijorer head down the trail ahead of you while you hold your dog back by snowplowing. (Plant your poles forward for extra stopping power.)

After the skijorer is about 50 yards down the trail and when your dog has reached a fevered pitch anticipating the chase, straighten your skis out, pull your poles up and give the command "Let's Go!" As soon as your dog begins pulling, give her an enthusiastic "Good Dog" and help her attain some speed by skiing smoothly behind her. (Keep the towline taught so she can become accustomed to the feel of pulling in the harness.) You can then repeat this procedure another time or two. You'll find that having another skijor team up the trail works best, but a skier will suffice if a team isn't available, especially if your dog recognizes the skier.

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