Sounds like fun, doesn’t it? If you want to try your hand, there are a few things you need to know first: “You should be using the skate-ski technique,” explains Devil’s Thumb’s Igor Guziur, “not the traditional cross-country skiing with the longer skis. It’s recommended that you take some skate-ski lessons before you take the skijoring lesson.”
And be aware of your dog’s limitations: “Some dogs, older dogs and overweight dogs, they just don’t feel like doing this exercise,” Guziur says. “The more active dogs usually have a great time, but you need to make the call and decide if your dog is a good dog for pulling.”
If you (and your pooch) pass those preliminary tests, then the skijoring world is your oyster: “People come back from these lessons with a big smile,” notes Guziur. Head to the ranch, 3530 County Road 83 in Tabernash, at 10 a.m. today for the clinic. Bring your dog; the charge is $50 to $60, depending on the type of equipment you might need to rent. Call 1-970-726-8231 or visit www.devilsthumbranch.com; additional clinics will be held on January 31 and March 1.
Sun., Jan. 4, 10 a.m.; Sat., Jan. 31, 10 a.m.; Sun., March 1, 10 a.m., 2009
