IF YOUR DOG WON'T PULL

Don't throw in the towel just yet! The probability is still good your dog can learn to pull. As we discussed in our TEACHING YOUR DOG TO PULL section, dogs are instinctively predisposed to behaviors that complement pulling. In addition, most dogs enjoy exercising outdoors with their owners. So don't give up hope - your dog simply may not understand that pulling is appropriate, encouraged, and most important, fun.

Trained Not To Pull?

Think about pulling from your dog's perspective. Since puppyhood your dog has been trained to heel at your side without pulling against her collar. Now at the drop of a hat you've changed your mind about heeling, and want her to pull in front of you with reckless abandon! For a well trained dog this can be very confusing. It may take a few outings before your dog understands that pulling in the harness is acceptable.

To help your dog differentiate between the harness and collar, use the harness exclusively for pulling related activities, i.e., skijoring, bikejoring, off-road roller skiing, etc., and never for walks. If you run with your dog, feel free to use the skijoring belt, towline and harness, but make sure your dog pulls out front (as opposed to running alongside). In sum, your dog should associate the harness strictly with pulling, and the harness should be removed promptly when the workout is finished. One last note: In the off-season we recommend that beginners run behind their dogs instead of bikejor, roller ski, etc., until they feel comfortable controlling their dog.

Dogs Are The Best Teachers

Below we've listed numerous approaches for teaching your dog to pull. The most effective techniques incorporate other dogs into the training session. This type of training is successfully used by mushers and arouses the chasing and pack running instincts in your dog. Because training with other dogs greatly increases the probability for success, we highly recommend attending a skijor clinic or fun run in your area. Mushing clubs also have seminars, beginners clinics, mentor programs, etc. Join a club and you'll find plenty of friendly people willing to help you get started.

Skijor Training Tenets

A quick review of basic training principles at this point is relevant:

• Always remain positive.

• Keep your training sessions short and fun for your dog. Take a treat and have plenty of water on hand.

• If your dog makes a mistake, assume it's your fault. Your dog wants to please you, but doesn't understand how.

• Enthusiastically reward your dog with praise when she starts pulling.

• In general, use words sparingly so your dog listens to you when you do speak.

• Control as many variables as possible during a run so you can set your dog up for success.

• Be consistent and remember that repetition in training is almost always effective, but takes time and patience.

• Do not run into your dog from behind, for example with your skis or bike.

Ideas For Training Your Dog To Pull

1. Attend a skijoring seminar or fun run as previously discussed. With dogs running down the trail, your dog is certain to chase.

2. Hook your dog up with a skijorer's (or musher's) small team. This is how mushers train their young dogs to pull.

3. Have a couple of your neighbors run ahead of you with their dogs on leashes. The objective here is to create an irresistible chase object for your dog. Use a well defined trail to ignite the trail running instinct.

4. Ask family members or friends to run or ski ahead of you and your dog. Have them occasionally call your dog forward by name. Enthusiasm will work wonders.

5. Have a family member skijor as YOU run or ski in front of your dog. Your dog should be excited to chase you. Reward her with praise when she does.

6. Connect a leash to your dog's collar and have a family member hold the leash while running alongside your dog as you skijor behind. When your dog begins pulling, the family member should begin slowing down, effectively moving your dog forward to a leading position. Reward your dog with praise for pulling and leading.

7. If you are accustomed to using treats in training, try placing one of your dog's favorite treats (liver, hamburger, etc.) about 50 yards up the trail. Show your dog where the treat is, then walk back to your skis with your dog and get ready. Your dog should be anxious to run towards the treat. If possible, have a family member hold the treat and call out your dog's name.

8. Connect a small log to your dog's harness with four feet of rope, then take your dog for a walk (with a leash attached to her collar) down a smooth path. Give your dog positive reinforcement for pulling. If your dog is reacting well, speed up to a jog for a block or two, then begin slowing. If your dog stays up front, say "Good Dog!" and let her continue for as long as you can run behind. Make sure you are fit before trying this approach!

Born To Pull?

Not all dogs are cut out for skijoring. A certain amount of confidence and drive is required from a dog to pull in the harness, which in large part is genetically determined. If you've tried our recommendations without success, especially those involving training with other dogs, we suggest you let your dog return to being a loving pet. When you're ready to purchase another dog, consider a breed with natural pulling inclinations and then do as much research as possible before making a purchase. In the meantime, join a club, watch some races and mingle with a fantastic group of people who enjoy dogs and the outdoors.

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