Articles about American Pit Bull Terrier
4. HARNESS & GEAR: x-back harnesses aren't great for skijoring, since the angle is too steep up to the skijorers belt. And pits don't really fit the x-back harnesses all that well. Most skijorers are known to use something called a "Distance harness" Again, since this sport is about running rather than weight, the harness requirements are a bit different than for weight-pulling. Their trekking belt is inexpensive, but if you're doing much skijoring, the more expensive belts really do take a lot of the pressure off your lower back, so they're worth the extra $15 or so. 5. Training: a. start with groundwork, of course, training your dog to happily pull a light weight (5 lbs) behind her. You start out with her leashed to you, trotting along in front, offering lots of praise and treats. Then ease back behind her, until she is trotting with the weight in front of you. It is very helpful to go out with other skiers and snowshoers to encourage ur dog to skijor. It's also helpful for an owner to ski beside your dog (with a leash connected to its harness), while it pulls someone else, or a sled with a child or weight in it. c. as always, keep the sessions SHORT and fun, and stop before the dog wants to stop. Always keep a little pressure on the line, so your dog learns to expect the pressure. This means a lot of snowplowing when you go down hills. And never, ever, run into your dog with your skis. While you're learning, it's helpful to hold the line in your hand so you can drop it instantly and ski to the side if you feel you're losing control d. basic commands to teach: LINE OUT--walk 10 steps or so forward in harness, to take up the slack, then wait for the next command: HIKE--means start to run (or trot for some dogs) WHOA--stop! EASY--slow down ON BY--don't stop to sniff that deer pee; keep on going past the distraction GEE: turn right (or just use "go right") HAW: turn left Oops-it is necessary to add that a skijor tug line MUST have bungie in it, so neither the dog nor the person gets hurt from sudden pressure on the line. You can make a temporary line by incorporating a 2 ft bungie into your regular line. Stick with a mushing company for your gear--the prices are much better than pet gear companies, and the gear is probably better. For skis--serious skijor racers all use skate skis, since they're faster. But while you're learning, classic skis are easier for balance and stability. Trails: stay off groomed ski trails, of course. Forest Service roads are great; multi-use snowmobile trails are fine, if allowed. Wear a blaze orange or road safety vest so the snowmobilers can see you....to read the other interesting article please click on here...
