Winter goes to the dogs

For winter enthusiasts, the thrill of outdoor activities with lots of snow can’t be beat. What better way to increase the enjoyment than taking your four-footed buddy along for the fun?

Equipment needs will vary, but for most dogs, the basics will be a warm coat and a good pair of snow booties. Yes. Snow booties for the dog. Most pet stores carry a variety of boots, and after a day in the snow, your dog with thank you for warm, dry paws.

Dogs will enjoy just about any activity us humans enjoy, in large part because they enjoy being with us. A walk or romp through the snowy fields, a hike on our beautiful mountain trails, cani (cross country trekking, running, hiking or snowshoeing) ski-joring and mushing are just a few activities to help keep you and your dog healthy, happy and enjoying the season.

When special equipment is needed, many outdoor enthusiasts recommend Nooksack Racing Supply in Maine (nooksackracing.com). All products are handmade, and phone support is available for sizing.

For cani activities, you’ll need a trekking belt, x-back harness and bungee and booties. You can walk cani-cross style, hands-free or snowshoe this way. Your dog pulls from your waist and gets a great workout.

He’ll expend extra energy boosting you up those hills, and you get an “eco-friendly motor.” Pulling commands can be used to train your dog for this and the other activities.

For ski-joring, you’ll need cross-country skis with no plastic edges (for you), a bungee/line system, x-back harness and a ski-jor belt. While the dog is attached to your waist, in this case you’ll work in tandem and both get a great workout.

Mushing can be great fun, and you don’t need an Alaskan Husky to enjoy the activity. Any larger dog can mush and it’s fun for all involved. You’ll need one dog for 50 pounds of sled and human, gangline, necklines, x-back harnesses and of course booties. Two or more dogs work together following the pulling commands to pull a sled and/or human on a sled. While this activity requires a good deal more training, many swear by the partnership between dogs and people and the good, clean fun to be had. Lessons are recommended for both canine and human partners, or start with cani-cross style activities, and incorporate pulling commands to get started.

The commands: “Hike, Hike” means let’s go. “Gee, Gee” means turn right; “Haw, Haw,” go left; “Whoa,” stop; and “On by,” ignore the tasty squirrel and keep focusing.

The next time you head out for some winter fun, consider taking your dog along. Even non-winter enthusiasts just might start to enjoy the chilly great outdoors with a furry friend as a companion.

Posted by Staff Reports on January 24, 2013. Filed under Arts and Entertainment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry