Hands-Free Leash Solution

If you’ve never tried snowshoeing, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is, at least on level terrain. But you’ll also be left wondering how your dog can come with you, given the strict leash laws in many areas and the fact that snowshoeing requires holding a pole in each hand. A hands-free solution lies in equipment intended for skijoring, a Scandinavian-inspired sport long popular in northern climes but just now gaining traction at Tahoe. In skijoring, a cross-country skier is pulled across snow by one or more dogs attached to the skier’s waist by a towline. You and your furry friend may not be up to that, but a skijoring belt for you, a harness for the dog and a bungee towline to minimize jerking is nevertheless a worthwhile, all-season investment. Having your dog attached to your waist lets you hike, run, snowshoe or walk around the block hands-free while still complying with leash laws. We’re surprised that ‘joring equipment has yet to hit mainline pet stores. For the time being, you’ll have to order online from sled-dog specialists such as Kondos Outdoors or Nooksack Racing Supply.