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Trail Etiquette
General Training Tips
Beginning Training Tips
Advanced Training Tips
Summer Training Tips
Basic Dog Care and Skijoring Tips

Displaying good manners with a well trained dog(s) makes
skijoring one of the most enjoyable winter activities in the Fairbanks
area. Proper skijoring etiquette conveys a positve impression to other
trail users.
Trail Etiquette and Safety with Dogs
The following tips apply to the Fairbanks
area’s multi-use trail systems. Other trail rules may apply in different
regions, so ask before traveling.
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Do not skijor on trails maintained for only nordic
skiing. In the Fairbanks vicinity, the University, Birch Hill,
Chena Lakes River Park, Salcha and other similarly well maintained ski trails are not
open to dogs.
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Do skijor on trails maintained for dog teams and
other users. In the Fairbanks vicinity, the Jeff Studdert, Creamers'
Field, Chena Lakes (Lake Park Mike Agbaba Trail), and White Mountains Trails are a few examples.
Note, there are many more kilometers of trails on which dogs can
be used than dogs are excluded from. Click here
to visit ASPA's compilation of maps and trail descriptions of Fairbanks
area skijor trails.
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Skijor in the normal direction of travel. Most
trails open to skijoring are also open to dog teams, skiers, mountain
bikers, snowmachiners, etc. Also be on the alert for moose.
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Stay alert and plan ahead for any trail obstructions
or hazards such as road crossings or driveways, turns, skiers, mushers,
wild animals or motorized vehicles.
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During poor light periods, be sure to turn your
headlamp on and wear reflective material on your gear and clothing
so that other trail users may see you.
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Control is extremely important. Remember that the
person with the most dogs has the right-of-way. Keep maximum control.
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Stay on the same side of the trail as your dog(s).
Do not ski on the opposite side, as this is unsafe for you, your
dog(s) and others.
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When approaching or overtaking another trail user,
give them plenty of warning by yelling "Trail!" before
you pass. Be polite and kindly announce to the person your intentions.
Remember, not everyone has seen skijorers before and they may not
know what to do. Be patient and in control.
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After being passed by someone, wait awhile to allow
some distance between you and the team that passed you.
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Bring a helper/handler to events at which you may
need assistance. Coordinators and volunteers may not be able to
attend to your specific needs while also conducting the event.
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Do not turn your dogs loose, no matter how well
behaved they may be.
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Take extra precautions if your dog has a tendency
to growl, bite or attack other dogs or people. "Alligator"
dogs may cause endless grief for you and others if not properly
attended to. Many times it is suggested that these dogs attend some
form of obedience training and guidance prior to participating in
events with others.
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Be courteous to others, and leave the trails and
parking area as nice as you found them. A plastic grocery store
bag works well for this chore if you don't want to carry a shovel.
Keep some bags handy and use them.
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Pay the daily trail use fee and write a thank-you
note to the organization that made the trails available to you and
your dog(s).
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