Gear in Review
By: Carly Lodewyks
One of my
favorite parts of any activity is GEAR!
You don’t really need a ton of stuff to get started with skijoring, but
I have learned over the last year that there are definitely items that make it
better. In this post, I am going
to review my current favorite items in my skijoring toolkit.
1. Everyone needs a harness
When we
first started skijoring last winter, Ember was about 50lbs and still had her
skinny puppy body. The traditional X back harness was far too wide for her slim
waist so we went with an H back. It fit much better and allowed me to run a
short line under her belly just in case she decided to try and wiggle her way
out of it. This worked really well
until about late winter/early spring when she started to fill out.
Now Ember is
about 75lbs and quite a bit wider across the chest. She has also filled out a
bit more around the waist but still has a relatively long and lean body. I decided to order her a new harness
from Howling Dog Alaska. Ivana was
very helpful with sizing and we went with the Light weight X back harness. I
also purchased a new gangline to match.
I can’t say
enough about how awesome this new harness and line are!
The harness
is very light weight, and the padding is closed cell instead of fleece like the
H back. I find the closed cell dries much quicker and is not as hot as the
fleece when we are scootering in the fall.
The fit is
perfect. The loop on the end sits right about the base of her tail and it stays
remarkably well centered along her back when she is working.
The gangline
is very durable and easy on the hands. The bungee section is solid and the
knots surrounding are not too bulky. It is nice to have a snap on each end so
you can adjust your attachments at your belt/scooter as needed.
Also, how
can Ember not look sharp in the great red design
Ember sports her new Howling Dog Light
Weight Harness while out on a beautiful fall scooter.
2. Water and Energy
Everyone has
a different routine for watering and feeding their working dog. It is important
to make sure that dogs are well hydrated before, during and after a run.
Sometimes
you need to bait water to ensure your dog is drinking enough.
During
working season, I add water to Ember’s kibble and then feed her baited water a
couple hours before our run.
I have tried
many things for bait but Ember’s favorite by FAR is the K9 Restart Techmix.
She drinks a
whole bowl of the stuff without even stopping for a breath!
It is a
great mixture of protein, easily digestible carbohydrates, electrolytes and
vitamins. In warmer temps, I mix up a couple bottles of it to take out on the
trail as well and then also use it for rehydration following a run to help with
muscle recovery.
Also by K9 Restart- Energy
bars. When we are going on a long or fast run, I pack a couple in my pocket
for fuel on the trail. They are dense energy filled treats which help keep
Ember going.
Finally, at
the end of a run I make sure to reward my hardworking girl and bring a long a
little baggie of her favorite treats from home. When we turn around on the
trail to head back to the car, she knows what’s waiting for her and kicks it
into high gear!
3. These boots are made for running
One of the
best products for active dogs in my opinion is Pawz disposable rubber booties. I have tried trimming her
paw fur and putting on paw wax but it seems no matter what I do she still
accumulates snow balls. These boots are the best! They are easy to put on and
they stay on! Ember seems to tolerate them much better than the expensive
fleece lined boots. Maybe because she can feel the ground better? I’m not entirely
sure.
They also
keep her feet safe when we are out skiing in extremely cold weather (we Outlaws
don’t let -40 stop us!)
Generally a
set of four lasts a couple weeks, depending on how often we are running and the
conditions. It is important to keep her nails short or she pokes holes in them.
I also find if we are out chasing down the Oxford Dogs on the trail, she tends
to rip through the back ones because she pushes off with her hind legs so hard.
Ember stops for a quick bootie adjustment
4. Every good dog needs a good coat.
Howling Dog
does it again!
I have had a
tough time finding a good quality, warm winter coat for my 75lb dog. Most pet
stores cater to little pups and don’t always have coats made for frigid temps.
I ordered a
Duracoat from Howling Dog about a month ago and it is amazing.
It fits her
entire body and is cut almost like a horse blanket so the back comes down over
her rump and ends just above her tail. There is one big belly strap making it
super easy to put on. The fleece lining is nice and soft and the outer shell is
wind proof- so nice and warm. The
price is also affordable at $30 + shipping.
It is the
perfect coat for pre/post run or just a walk on a cold, cold day.
Ember looks spiffy in her new Howling Dog
Duracoat. Perfect for a chilly winter walk.
Notice how the coat covers all the way down her back to just above the
tail!
There you
have it! So much good stuff
out there, but right now these are our favorites.
Leave a
comment and tell us a few of your favorite things!
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