How to Start Skijoring: Tips for Beginners

Skijoring is a winter sport in which a person on skis is pulled by a dog, a horse or a motor vehicle. This guide covers skijoring with dogs. If you’re looking to try skijoring for the first time, you’re in for a treat.

Here’s how to start skijoring:

To start skijoring, first learn to cross-country ski and stop without a dog. Ask a veterinarian whether your dog is fully grown, healthy and big enough to pull. Then get a pulling harness, a hip belt and a bungee line with a quick release, teach the basic commands on foot, and begin with short runs on flat trails where dogs are allowed.

Here are 17 tips for beginners.

1. Choose the Right Dog

The first step is deciding whether your dog suits the sport. Breed matters less than size, health and a love of running and pulling.

Breeds often seen skijoring include:

• Siberian Huskies
• Alaskan Malamutes
• Samoyeds
• Border Collies
• Labrador Retrievers

Many other dogs can do it too, as long as they are healthy and enjoy running and pulling. Size matters: the American Kennel Club says skijoring organizations recommend dogs over 35 pounds for the dog’s safety.

Just be sure to consult your veterinarian before starting skijoring to ensure your dog is up for the challenge.

Do not start pulling work with a puppy. The AKC advises that puppies should not do strenuous exercise until their joints have finished growing, which for most breeds is at about one and a half years old. International sled dog race rules also require dogs to be at least 18 months old.

2. Invest in Quality Skijoring Gear

To ensure both your and your dog’s safety and comfort, it’s essential to invest in quality skijoring gear.

This includes:

• A comfortable dog harness: Choose a harness designed specifically for skijoring or dog sledding. It should distribute the pulling force evenly across your dog’s chest and shoulders and let your dog move and breathe freely. Use only a harness made for pulling.
• A towline with a bungee section: The elastic section absorbs the shock of starting, stopping and rough terrain for both you and your dog. For length, race rules are a useful guide: the IFSS requires a line of 2 to 3 meters (6.6 to 9.8 feet). You must be able to release the line fast, so use a belt with an open hook or a quick-release snap.
• A skijoring belt: A proper skijoring belt will distribute the pulling force across your hips and provide a secure attachment point for the towline. The Alaska Skijoring and Pulk Association recommends a belt at least three inches wide.

3. Build Up Your Dog’s Endurance

Before hitting the snow, it’s essential to build up your dog’s endurance gradually.

Start with regular walks and build up the distance and pace gradually.

Keep these ideas in mind:

• Introduce pulling gradually: Once your dog is fully grown, let it get used to pulling in harness on foot before you add skis. Keep early sessions short and easy, and never push a dog to go farther or faster than it is able to.
• Monitor your dog’s progress: Pay close attention to your dog’s energy levels, breathing, and overall demeanor. If they show signs of fatigue or discomfort, take a break and adjust the intensity of their training accordingly.

4. Master Basic Cross-Country Skiing Skills

As the human half of the skijoring team, you’ll need to be a competent cross-country skier.

Before attempting skijoring, ensure you’re comfortable with:

• Basic cross-country skiing techniques: This includes diagonal stride, double poling, and herringbone. Skate skiing also works well on groomed trails or with fast dogs.
• Stopping and turning: Learn how to snowplow and step-turn to maintain control on the trail.
• Balance and stability: Improve your balance and core strength through exercises such as yoga, Pilates, or balance board training.

5. Train Your Dog to Follow Commands

Teaching your dog to follow basic commands is crucial for successful skijoring.

Start with these essential skijoring commands:

• “Hike” to start moving forward
• “Whoa” to stop
• “Easy” to slow down
• “Gee” for a right turn
• “Haw” for a left turn
• “On by” to ignore distractions and continue forward

Begin training your dog on a leash and gradually progress to using the harness and towline. Consistent practice and positive reinforcement will help your dog master these commands.

6. Start Skijoring on Flat Terrain

When you’re ready to hit the snow, choose a flat, open area with minimal distractions for your first few skijoring sessions.

This will allow both you and your dog to become comfortable with the sport before tackling more challenging terrain.

• Select the perfect location: Look for trails or open areas where skijoring with dogs is allowed. Check the local rules first, including whether dogs must be leashed. Some park systems have designated skijoring trails. Use private land such as a golf course only with the owner’s permission, and stay away from frozen ponds and lakes. Ensure the area has ample space for you and your dog to move freely and safely. Avoid areas with steep slopes, sharp turns, or obstacles that could cause injury to you or your dog.
• Gradually introduce more challenging terrain: As you and your dog gain confidence, begin exploring gentle slopes and slightly more difficult trails. Pay close attention to your dog’s body language and energy levels, adjusting your speed and route accordingly.

7. Use a Buddy System

Skijoring with a friend or experienced skijorer can be invaluable for beginners.

They can offer guidance, support, and help you troubleshoot any issues that arise during your initial sessions.

Benefits of the buddy system:

• Learning from others’ experiences and techniques
• Additional support in case of emergencies or injuries
• Motivation and encouragement to push your limits
• Sharing the fun and excitement of skijoring

Connect with local skijoring clubs, online forums, or social media groups to find like-minded individuals interested in skijoring together.

Make sure you and your buddy are compatible in terms of skill level, goals, and availability.

8. Keep Your Dog’s Well-being in Mind

Always prioritize your dog’s well-being during skijoring sessions.

Monitor their energy levels, provide regular water breaks, and watch for signs of injury or discomfort. Adjust your session length and intensity based on your dog’s needs and capabilities.

Signs of fatigue or discomfort:

• Excessive panting or drooling
• Slowing down or stopping frequently
• Limping or favoring one leg
• Reluctance to move forward
• Wobbly legs, a change in gait or vomiting, which can be signs of heat stress
• Shivering, whining, or seeming anxious or weak, which can be signs of hypothermia

Preventing injuries and health issues:

• Warm up your dog with light exercise before skijoring sessions
• Regularly check your dog’s paws for cuts, abrasions, or ice buildup
• Consider using protective booties to prevent paw injuries
• Avoid extreme cold and icy trails, and watch for overheating too. A dog that is working hard can overheat even in winter

9. Practice Skijoring Etiquette

When sharing trails with other skijorers or winter sports enthusiasts, always follow proper skijoring etiquette:

• Yield the right-of-way to other trail users
• Call “Trail” before you pass, and pass only when it is safe
• Maintain a safe distance from other skijorers and their dogs
• Keep your dog under control at all times
• Clean up after your dog

Communicating with other trail users: Clear communication is essential for maintaining safety and harmony on shared trails. Call out clearly before you pass so others know you are coming.

Respecting trail rules and regulations: Always adhere to the posted rules and regulations for the area in which you’re skijoring. This may include leash laws, designated skijoring areas, or specific hours of operation.

10. Dress Appropriately for the Weather

Invest in high-quality winter clothing that will keep you warm and dry during your skijoring adventures.

This includes moisture-wicking base layers, insulated outer layers, waterproof gloves, and warm socks.

Dressing in Layers

Layering allows you to easily adjust your clothing to match your activity level and the changing weather conditions.

Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin, followed by an insulating middle layer for warmth, and finish with an outer shell layer to protect against wind and snow.

Protecting Your Extremities

Cold fingers and toes can quickly ruin a skijoring outing.

Invest in high-quality gloves or mittens, warm socks, and insulated boots to keep your extremities warm and dry.

A hat or headband will help protect your ears from the cold and wind, while a neck gaiter or balaclava can provide additional warmth and coverage.

11. Gradually Increase the Challenge

As you and your dog become more comfortable with skijoring, gradually introduce more challenging terrain and longer distances.

This will help you both build strength, endurance, and confidence in the sport.

Additional helpful guidelines:

• Setting realistic goals: Develop a training plan that outlines progressive goals for you and your dog. Consider factors such as your current fitness levels, experience, and available time for training. Regularly reassess your progress and adjust your goals as needed.
• Tracking your progress: Keep a training log or use a fitness tracking app to monitor your skijoring sessions. This can help you identify areas for improvement and celebrate milestones and achievements.

12. Cross-Train for Improved Performance

Incorporating cross-training activities into your fitness routine can help improve your overall skijoring performance.

Focus on exercises that build strength, endurance, balance, and agility:

• Strength training: Include exercises that target the major muscle groups used in skijoring, such as your legs, core, and upper body. Examples include squats, lunges, planks, and push-ups.
• Endurance training: Cardiovascular activities like running, cycling, or swimming can help improve your aerobic fitness, making it easier to maintain a steady pace during skijoring sessions.
• Balance and agility training: Incorporate balance and agility drills, such as single-leg exercises, ladder drills, or plyometrics, to improve your stability and reaction time on the snow.

13. Learn from the Experts

Seek out opportunities to learn from experienced skijorers, trainers, or coaches.

They can provide invaluable advice, tips, and techniques that can help you progress more quickly in the sport.

Here’s how to learn from the experts:

• Attending skijoring clinics and workshops: A local skijoring club is a good place to learn. The American Kennel Club suggests practicing at home or with the help of a local club before entering a race. These events can provide hands-on learning opportunities and personalized feedback to help you refine your skills.
• Watching online tutorials and videos: There are numerous online resources, such as YouTube tutorials and blog articles, that can help you learn more about skijoring techniques, gear, and training. Study these resources and apply what you’ve learned to your own skijoring practice.

14. Stay Motivated and Enjoy the Journey

Like any sport, skijoring has its challenges and learning curve.

Stay focused on your goals, celebrate your achievements, and enjoy the unique bonding experience with your dog.

Examples of how to do it:

• Set personal milestones: Identify specific milestones that you’d like to achieve in your skijoring journey, such as completing a particular trail, participating in a race, or mastering a new technique. Celebrate these milestones and use them as motivation to continue improving.
• Share your experiences: Connect with fellow skijorers through clubs, online forums, or social media to share your experiences, ask questions, and offer encouragement. This sense of community can help keep you motivated and excited about your skijoring adventures.
• Embrace the learning process: Accept that there will be challenges and setbacks along the way, and use them as opportunities to grow and learn. Stay patient, practice regularly, and maintain a positive attitude to make the most of your skijoring experience.

15. Prioritize Safety

As with any outdoor sport, safety should always be a top priority when skijoring.

Taking the necessary precautions can help you avoid accidents and injuries for both you and your dog.

Here’s how to prioritize safety:

• Check equipment regularly: Before each skijoring session, inspect your gear for signs of wear or damage, including frayed towlines, loose buckles, or damaged harnesses. Replace or repair any damaged equipment to ensure your safety on the trails. Test the quick release as well. It should open while the line is under tension.
• Know your limits: Be realistic about your abilities and those of your dog. Avoid taking on terrain or distances that are beyond your current skill level, and always listen to your body and your dog’s signals to prevent overexertion or injury.
• Carry essential safety items: Pack a small safety kit that includes items such as water for you and your dog, a whistle, a small first-aid kit, a spare towline, a multi-tool, and a headlamp or flashlight. These items can help you respond to emergencies or unexpected situations on the trail.

16. Be Prepared for the Elements

Weather conditions can change rapidly during winter, so it’s essential to be prepared for a variety of situations when skijoring.

Proper planning and preparation can help you stay safe and comfortable on the trails.

Prepare yourself like this:

• Check the weather forecast: Before heading out, always check the local weather forecast for your skijoring location. Be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary, and avoid venturing out during extremely cold weather, heavy snowfall, or high winds. Cold tolerance varies from dog to dog with coat, body fat, activity level and health, so shorten outings in very cold weather.
• Adapt to different snow conditions: Different snow conditions, such as fresh powder, packed snow, or icy surfaces, can impact your skijoring experience. Learn how to adapt your skiing techniques and equipment to match the conditions and ensure a more enjoyable outing.

17. Encourage a Positive Skijoring Experience for Your Dog

A positive experience for your dog is key to successful skijoring.

By reinforcing good behavior and making skijoring sessions enjoyable, your dog will be more likely to embrace the sport and perform well.

Here’s how to encourage a positive experience:

• Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats, praise, or affection when they follow commands or exhibit desirable behavior during skijoring sessions. This will help them associate skijoring with positive experiences and encourage them to continue participating.
• Provide regular breaks and rest: Allow your dog to rest and recover during skijoring sessions, especially during long outings or when they are first learning. Regular breaks give your dog a chance to catch their breath, drink water, and maintain their enthusiasm for the activity.

Here is a great video about how to start skijoring with your dog:

Skijoring Getting Started Plan

Here is a sample 12-week plan. It is a suggestion, not an official program, so go at your dog’s pace. Do not begin pulling work until your dog is fully grown.

Feel free to adjust the plan to suit your individual needs, schedule, and progress.

Top Mistakes Beginners Make in Skijoring

When starting out in skijoring, it’s common to make some mistakes.

Being aware of these common pitfalls can help you avoid them and progress more smoothly in your skijoring journey.

• Overestimating fitness levels: Beginners often overestimate their own or their dog’s fitness levels, leading to overexertion and potential injury. Start with shorter distances and slower speeds, and gradually increase the intensity as you both become more comfortable and fit.
• Starting with a dog that is too young or too small: Wait until your dog is fully grown, and check with a veterinarian if you are unsure whether your dog is big and fit enough to pull.
• Skipping proper training: It’s essential to invest time in training your dog to follow commands and work as a team. Skipping this step may result in confusion, frustration, and a less enjoyable skijoring experience for both you and your dog.
• Not using appropriate gear: Using ill-fitting or inappropriate gear can cause discomfort, injury, or decreased performance. Invest in high-quality, skijoring-specific equipment to ensure your safety and your dog’s comfort.
• Ignoring weather conditions: Venturing out in very cold or windy weather is dangerous for both you and your dog. Always check the weather forecast before heading out and adjust your plans if necessary.
• Not respecting trail etiquette: Failing to follow proper trail etiquette can lead to conflicts with other skijorers or trail users. Always yield the right-of-way, maintain a safe distance, and keep your dog under control.
• Neglecting your dog’s well-being: It’s crucial to monitor your dog’s health and well-being during skijoring sessions. Ignoring signs of fatigue, injury, or discomfort can lead to more severe issues and a negative experience for your dog.
• Focusing too much on speed or distance: While it’s natural to want to improve and challenge yourself, focusing solely on speed or distance can detract from the overall enjoyment of skijoring. Prioritize fun, bonding with your dog, and skill development over merely trying to break records.

By being mindful of these common beginner mistakes, you can set yourself up for success in your skijoring journey, creating a positive and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.

Essential Skijoring Equipment for Beginners

To get started with skijoring, you’ll need some specific equipment for both you and your dog.

Investing in high-quality gear will ensure safety, comfort, and better performance on the trails. Don’t gloss over this important factor in successful skijoring.

For Your Dog

• Skijoring Harness: A well-fitted, padded harness designed for pulling sports is crucial. This will distribute the pulling force evenly across your dog’s chest and shoulders, preventing discomfort or injury.
• Towline: A strong, elastic towline is used to connect your dog’s harness to your belt. It should be long enough to maintain a safe distance between you and your dog but not too long to cause tangling or tripping hazards. IFSS race rules use a range of 2 to 3 meters (6.6 to 9.8 feet).
• Booties (optional): Some dogs may benefit from wearing protective booties to prevent snow buildup between their paw pads or protect them from sharp ice and rough terrain.

For You

• Skijoring Belt: A comfortable, well-fitted waist belt designed for skijoring will help distribute the pulling force and provide stability. Make sure the belt or line has a quick release that you can open while the line is under tension.
• Cross-Country Skis: Almost any cross-country skis will work, and skate skis work well on groomed trails or with fast dogs. Do not use skis with metal edges or sharp tips, because they can injure your dog. Choose a pair appropriate for your skill level and the type of terrain you’ll be skiing on.
• Ski Poles: Ski poles help you maintain balance, control, and momentum while skijoring. Choose poles with comfortable grips and the correct length for your height.
• Winter Apparel: Dress in layers to stay warm and dry during skijoring sessions. This includes moisture-wicking base layers, insulating middle layers, and wind and weather resistant outer layers. Don’t forget accessories like gloves, hats, and neck gaiters for added protection.

Having the proper equipment is essential for a safe and enjoyable skijoring experience.

Take the time to research and invest in high-quality gear that will last and provide the necessary comfort and performance for you and your dog.

Final Thoughts: How to Start Skijoring

This guide covers the basics of getting started with dog skijoring.

The articles below go into more detail.

Read more:

• Skijoring Dog: 17 Things You Need To Know
• What Is a Ski Out?
• Can I Adjust My Own Ski Bindings?

Sources

American Kennel Club (skijoring)
American Kennel Club (canicross and puppy exercise)
American Kennel Club (winter activities for dogs)
Alaska Skijoring and Pulk Association (getting started)
International Federation of Sleddog Sports (race rules 2026-2028)
Three Rivers Park District (skijoring with your dog)
Three Rivers Park District (skijor race rules)
AVMA (cold weather animal safety)
AVMA (walking or running with your dog)
Mush with P.R.I.D.E. (sled dog care guidelines)
Non-stop dogwear (dog skijoring guide)

Reviewed October 2026. We added the missing limits on dog age and size, corrected the gear advice on lines, quick releases and skis, replaced a weight-pulling tip, and added heat, cold and trail safety guidance from the American Kennel Club, the Alaska Skijoring and Pulk Association, the International Federation of Sleddog Sports and the AVMA.