Dog-powered sports can effectively challenge – and tire – powerful sporting, or working dog breeds by taking exercise up a notch (or two!) and in Lake Tahoe, there are a variety of excellent choices! Let’s take a closer look below at dog-powered sports you can engage in with your dog to guarantee a happy and tired dog!

Canicross

If you like to run and your dog has lots of energy to burn, canicross may be the “paw-fect” dog-powered sport! Just add:

• A well-fitted and ergonomic fit pulling harness for your dog (with a Y-shaped neck opening for unencumbered movement and breathing).
• A lightweight, low-fitting hip/canicross belt (to avoid back pain) for yourself.
• An elastic canicross line or leash (to absorb shock) between you and your dog.

But, if running is not quite your speed (no judgment here!), try cani-hiking or trekking, the low-impact, hiking version of canicross.

Ultimate Outdoor Adventures with Fido!

Even if you’re not a weekend warrior, try experimenting with the following dog-powered sports that allow you to include your furry best friend! In all the sports listed below, your high-energy dog (or two) runs and pulls YOU for the ultimate outdoor adventure!

• BIKEJORING: One dog – or a team of dogs – runs and pulls a bicycle guided by a person. Imagine sled dog mushing, but with a bike, aka “dryland mushing.” (Learn more at NeewaDogs.com)
• CANI-SKATING: If you love roller skating, rollerblading, or skateboarding, invite your dog along to pull you or run by your side (choose carefully depending on your skill level!).

Meet Vegas Labrador, Benny, who loves to ice skate!

• SCOOTERING: Also known as “dog scootering.” Similar to bikejoring, this dog-powered sport involves pulling a person on a scooter (instead of a bike). (Learn more at SnowPawStore.com)
• SKIJORING: Dog skijoring is tailor-made for the Nevada Sierra in wintertime! Simply put, Skijoring involves a person being pulled by man’s best friend on skis. Warning: never use skis with metal edges to protect the dog. Warning: never use skis with metal edges to protect the dog. Typically, three ski types are used in K9 skijoring, including:
  • Classic skis.
  • Backcountry or touring skis.
  • Or skate skis (for competitive skijoring).
  • Depending on the skier, short downhill skis may also work. (Learn more at Mushlarose.ca)
• SLEDDING: This is probably one of the oldest and best-known dog sports, where typically a team of canines, such as Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, or Samoyeds, pulls a sled carrying a person (called a “musher”) over snow and ice. (Learn more at AlaskaMushingSchool.com)

Regardless of which dog-powered sport you choose to engage in, do your research and invest in the best equipment for you and your pup’s overall safety and comfort!

Benefits of Dog-Powered Sports

Dog-powered sports offer numerous benefits for both dogs and their owners. These valuable benefits include:

• Improved physical fitness.
• Improved mental health and stress reduction.
• Improved confidence, skills, and discipline.
• The proper release of energy.
• Enhanced communication, teamwork, and positive bonding!

But additionally and perhaps most importantly, the opportunity to enjoy Lake Tahoe’s extraordinary beauty with man’s best friend!

(Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune on Friday, November 7th on page 14.)