Respecting all trail users
Make sure you are heard and seen
- Wear a bell, on yourself or your dogs harness. It’s jolly and other users will hear you coming.
- Before passing an other user, make eye or voice contact. A polite hello assures everyone is aware of each other.
- If possible, inform the other user of the side you you intend to pass on.
Dogs are very quiet when they are running and a good dog driver should also be quiet. No one likes being startled, much less by fast moving dogs. By being heard and seen you won’t be “sneaking” on other users and allow them some reaction time.
Reduce your speed when approaching other users.
Along with being seen and heard it is most courteous to limit your speed when approaching other users. Some dogs can run impressively fast. Give time for other users to notice you and react.
Dogs do better at passing if they are moving at a fair pace so you may want to practice slowing down ahead of a pass (giving time to be noticed and for other user to leave way) and pick up the pace while you are passing. This is the best way to balance out not startling other users while giving the best conditions for your dog to go by without the temptation to say hello.
Be in control of your dog
- Basic training
- Reel in your dog if necessary
- Assure your own abilities are sufficient to keep control of your dog.
We are sharing the trails and your dog should be trained to ignore other users, including other dogs. Ideally, your dog should learn some commands and directions. Off course, training takes time and practice. While your dog is still not fully reliable and still tempted to say hello, reel in your line, bring your dog close to you where you have best control of her movements. The first step to skijoring is learning to ski, make sure you are solid enough on your feet to handle your dog, or have a helper close by to assist you. The same applies to bikejoring and scootering.
Avoid the trails when the snow is soft
There is nothing as dreamy as the perfect snow conditions. Unfortunately, there are days when it’s just best to stay off the trails. When dog and people feet punch through the soft snow it’s time to call it a day and wait for colder weather. Punching through the soft surface will damage the trail which is unfortunate for everyone, users and groomers. Beyond that, running on a “punchy” soft surface increases your dogs risks of injury, and possibly of overheating from a tougher run in warmer temperatures.
Don’t poop on the trail, if it happens, clean it up.
This is an obvious one, right?
Be mindful of other users comfort level around dogs.
Not everyone is comfortable around dog. Being mindful of other users means you are respecting there wish to not interact with your dog. We can share the trail without imposing unwanted interaction.
Smile!!
We are having fun, aren’t we?
