WHOA

At this point you may be wondering why the command "Whoa" is in the skijoring vernacular. If you've had a successful first outing or two with your dog, you probably can't imagine why you'd want to stop - you simply were having too much fun. On the other hand, if you've had difficulty teaching your dog to pull, you're more than likely questioning the logic behind giving your dog yet another reason to stop!

Teaching your dog to stop on command is important for reasons of safety and convenience. Sled drivers use a brake as well as verbal commands to stop their teams on the trail. In addition, they can employ a snow hook to hold their sled in place while they tend to their team. Although skijorers cannot use these pieces of equipment, it is possible to effectively control a skijor team with voice commands and ski braking technique alone. If a skijorer is experienced, up to three dogs can be run at once, assuming the dogs are well trained and the trail is safe. New skijorers should always begin with one dog.

Command Uses For Whoa

• To end your skijoring run.

• To avoid dangerous situations like motor vehicle crossings, unsafe ice or steep descents.

• To stop for a tangled line or check your dog's feet.

• To stop for trail hazards that could damage your dog's feet or your skis.

• To stop to give your dog a snack or water.

Training Recommendations: Off Skis

Incorporate "Whoa" into your daily routine with your dog. For example, when you stop at an intersection during a walk, give a crisp, backward tug on your dog's leash and say "Whoa." When she stops in her tracks, say "Good Dog!" If she doesn't stop, or if she continues to pull against the leash, say "No" firmly, repeat the command and procedure, then give her positive reinforcement when she does. You might try having her sit as well. Doing so will increase your control of the situation when you don skis for the first time. In sum, do not allow any forward movement to occur after you've given the command.

Notes:

• If you have been using "Stop" or some other command for halting your dog, continue using the command unless it's phonetically similar to the other skijoring commands.

• After stopping your dog, use the "Let's Go" or "Hike" command to start.

Training Recommendations: On Skis

Teaching your dog "Whoa" on skis is more challenging. Unless you are a proficient skier, we recommend starting training while walking instead. Assuming you are comfortable on your skis, apply the same training procedure as outlined previously, using the snow plow or hockey stop (sideways stop using both skis) to halt your dog's forward motion. It's important that the stop is quick, so practice the command while skijoring on a trail that is firm but not hard packed or icy. Remember that "Whoa" is the command for stopping, not slowing down ("Easy").

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