The second of two Practice Clinics is scheduled for Saturday, February 4th at Creamers Field. NOTE THIS IS A CHANGE FROM THAT REPORTED IN THE JANUARY 2012 NEWSLETTER WHERE IT WAS TO BE ON SUNDAY. I’ve moved it forward one day because I really want to do the Trail Tour on Sunday. With this long cold snap, I am really missing skiing–badly. We will be slow and out of shape. Besides, the clinic
won’t interfere with any Superbowl Sunday activities of our ASPA members.
This clinic will emphasize the basics and is meant for novice skijorers. In my travels around town, at the dog park, Petco, etc. I’ve had folks who have tried skijoring, but are not good skiers and/or the dogs won’t pull, etc. Well, this is the clinic for you! In particular we are going to discuss and practice SKIING basics. I will have both my skate as well as classic skis on hand. The biggest thing I’ve noticed keeping owner and dog from being able to skijor is the owner’s inability to ski or stay upright. Having good balance and confidence in skiing is a very important first step to successful skijoring. It is important when starting your dog in skijoring to not be frustrated when you fall. The most important thing for your dog as well as for you is to have FUN!!
We will meet at 11:00 AM 1:00 PM (new time!) at the Creamer’s Field farmhouse and have a 30 minute question and answer session. Afterwards, we will practice skiing basics, using the skijor training trails at Creamer’s Field across from the Farmhouse. Afterwards, if there is still interest, we can attach our dogs and continue to practice. All participants must be members of ASPA due to liability concerns. Cost is free to all ASPA members.
The Practice Clinic will be cancelled if the temperature at 458-3745 extension 1113 at 9:30 AM on February 5th is colder than –15F . NWS states it is supposed to be warmer this weekend….
So come and practice skiing and skijoring and most importantly, HAVE FUN!! If you would like to help out with handling, advice, and/or show up with behaved dog(s) who will act as “rabbits” for novice dogs to chase later in the clinic please contact Lisa Stuby at 458-7657, or e-mail at las@acsalaska.net.
