What to do with your dog in the snow?
Is your dog going with you this winter? He accompanies you for the holidays? It's time to try new activities with him: cani-rando in snowshoes, skijoëring, canipatinette... In this article, discover several disciplines to try with your dog and funny little games to do together at the foot of the slopes when the lifts lifts are closed and skiers have deserted the slopes. And of course some advice so that everything goes well.
Before you start ...
Before starting a new activity with your dog, in the mountains or elsewhere, you must always be sure that your dog is in good shape. If he's more of a homebody, don't force him to hike 10 km in soft, fresh snow…: it will be much too hard for him. Your dog can follow you in all your activities in the mountains provided that he is at least athletic. As for you, it will take time to adapt to these new conditions: cold, altitude, new terrain.
First of all, know that your dog will exert himself a lot in this new environment: a lot of excitement and a higher heat production than usual. Be sure to compensate for this large energy expenditure by increasing its daily food ration by 20 to 30%.
Before embarking on an activity, I advise you to read or reread the article “Winter sports holidays with your dog – some precautions to take“? You will find all the information there on how to protect your dog from the cold, how to take care of his paws, what are the dangers of snow,… You can also read or reread the article devoted to dog coat tests: “Should you dress your dog in winter?"
You are planning to go skiing this winter but you have not yet found a rental with animals accepted for your stay? I advise you to take a closer look at our list ofdog-friendly accommodation on the site.
Cani-rando on snowshoes
What is it about? It works on the same principle as cani-rando: your dog is connected to you and helps you (a little, a lot depending on your dog). Musher didn't really understand the principle and doesn't help me much except when a bug crosses in the distance… there it is better to be attentive because the pace is accelerating quickly.
The equipment is the same as for the canirando: harness for the dog, elastic lanyard, harness for the master. Those who already practice cani-rando or cani-cross will love this winter version of their sport.
For beginners, start with a short course to see if the activity appeals to your dog. If the snow is fresh, it will force your companion to deploy a lot of energy to walk in it because it will sink; especially if it is small. Watch his state of fatigue…
Cani-scooter
Would you like to test dog sledding with your dog? Harnessing a dog in front of a sled and what's more with a pack of dogs, it can't be improvised… You would be able to run alongside top athletes, would you? On the other hand, you can test the cani-scooter with your dog. It's a great compromise to discover great sliding sensations together. Hitched to a scooter (scooter on skates), you slide behind your dog. No question of being dragged, it’s a demanding sport. As with the scooter, you stand and skate. You can find equipment rental companies in certain winter sports resorts. This activity is practiced on groomed trails: ask at your resort to check if your dog is welcome in the cross-country ski area (rarely the case) or on the trails designed for carriages (in the Vercors or at La Pesse). For example).
Skijoring with dog
Imported from Scandinavia, this activity is often practiced with a horse or pony. For this activity, I recommend that you have good cross-country skiing skills. The concept is simple: the cross-country skier is connected to his dog by an elastic lanyard and the dog runs ahead. You can quickly pick up a lot of speed, so your dog must be tough and you know cross-country skiing well so as not to hurt your dog with your skis. As for the cani-scooter, it will be easier to practice this activity on a groomed track. Ask at your resort where you and your dog can have fun together.
Great classics
None of these activities appealed to you? Here are some ideas for simpler activities to do with your dog:
- throw snowballs: he will love to run behind these funny balls which burst on arrival and which melt in the mouth
- dig holes in the snow: not on the slopes of course!
- slide up a slope. Musher slides on her stomach, she loves it!
- hide candies under small piles of snow so that he looks for them: the opportunity to work on his flair a little
After sport, comfort !
When you return from your outing in the snow, remember to inspect your dog's paws and check his pads. If it gets wet, dry it well with a microfiber towel, so that he doesn't get cold. If he has been cold, be sure to warm him up and bring him all the necessary comfort, well deserved after having spent yourself vigorously in the snow.