Going on vacation in the Jura massif with your dog
What activities to do in the Jura massif with your dog? What equipment to take for winter activities with your dog? Discover all this through the adventures of Aline and her two dogs Lover and Iskan!
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Even though the winter season has been kicking off for a few months now, I'm sure a few latecomers haven't planned their snow vacations yet. I am wrong? If you are one of them or if you simply want to discover a new destination, this new article will please you.
And if you go for a few days of vacation in the Jura massif with your dog? This is an opportunity to be able to recharge your batteries in contact with an omnipresent nature and to treat yourself to the various activities offered by this rich territory. And since I haven't had the chance to get to know this superb dog-friendly destination yet, Musher and I went to meet Lover and Aline, who had just returned from a few days of vacation in the Jura...
Lover, Aline's dog
Lover is an adorable 3-year-old Dalmatian who has been deaf in his left ear since birth. He was born to a private breeder whose contact information was given to Aline by a friend. When it came time to choose a male puppy, Aline had to choose between two adorable balls of fluff. She fell head over heels for Lover. Since it was the year of the letter L, and she didn't have any name ideas, she ultimately kept his. Sometimes a little stubborn, Lover is a dog who needs constant exercise. He has a truly wonderful personality, as he's friends with everyone! The older he gets, the more Aline thinks she should have named him Duracell, given how much he loves hiking, both in winter and summer. He also loves learning tricks.
Did you think the beautiful story ended there? Well, no, Lover isn't alone. In fact, Aline's companion is the proud owner of Iskan, the little Dalmatian's brother. He's a 5-year-old Alaskan Malamute who is much calmer. When they go for walks, he follows at his own pace and isn't really a fan of pulling... Although a bit lazy, he enjoys being with them. All that matters to them is that their dogs are happy and well-adjusted!
QUALIDOG-certified accommodation in the Jura
Are you looking for QUALIDOG-certified accommodation for a Trop W'ouf holiday with your dog? Is the Jura your dream destination for your next vacation with your dog? If you wanted to find accommodation where your dog will be welcome, don't hesitate to take a look at our selection of QUALIDOG-certified accommodation!
Our 2 days in the mountains in the Jura massif
For the past two years, Aline and her dogs have been going to the same refuge in the Mont Tendre region of the Vaud Jura Park. This refuge is called La Cabane du Rocher (The Rock Hut) , and it's open to all hikers, provided they respect it. There's no reservation system. They know the area like the back of their hand and love admiring the views! They have many favorite trails to share with you. First, there's a loop or out-and-back hike they particularly enjoy: the summit of Mont Sâla . The wildlife is magnificent, but be aware that it's a wildlife reserve, so your dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Mont de la Dôle is also splendid, but it's best visited in spring or autumn when you'll encounter fewer hikers.
In the warmer months, if you want to avoid the spring snow, you can explore the Givrins, Bassin, and Arzier trails. In the summer, head to Mont Zinal where you'll find numerous cabins for a relaxing break. Here's a link to a website that lists all the hikes in the Jura Mountains . And for those with a sweet tooth, you'll be delighted to buy some raclette cheese in the village of Saint-Georges!
In short, Aline and her troupe have so many magical memories in this region that they don't even know which one to tell you about! On the other hand, Aline and her dogs have a funny little anecdote that will make you smile: the first year, it was necessary to install the battery and the solar panels at the refuge to equip the place because, before, there was no electricity and the occupants had to use candles for light. This method was not safe and the table burned several times… These two dogs also, in their own way, helped his companion by towing all the necessary equipment vigorously to the top…
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Dog food, supplies, grooming, vacations… the cost of a dog can quickly add up. So, with Musher, we created the Advantage Card : the very first card that brings together useful discounts to save you money all year round, on everyday expenses or vacations. 💸 See the 34 available discounts
Cani-snowshoeing, an activity that dogs love
In general, Aline and her companion love cani-snowshoeing with their dogs, just as much as cani-rando for that matter! Even though some people prefer to let their dog loose, they haven't made that choice. Indeed, their two dogs have the instinct of hunters so they prefer to keep them attached for the respect of other animals around! Aline really thinks that these cani-rando and cani-snowshoeing activities are suitable for all breeds of dogs, you just have to move at their own pace! Soon, weather permitting, they will try out cross-country skiing and cani-mountain biking with their two dogs… To be continued.
Musher and Sophie : “To go snowshoeing with your dog, you need to equip your dog with a pulling harness adapted to its build, and then choose an elastic leash with a harness or a pulling belt for yourself. Don't forget the snowshoes! For the dog, this activity is quite strenuous, so remember to take breaks and give it water throughout the outing. Anticipate its water needs, otherwise it will be tempted to eat snow to hydrate, and watch out for stomach problems on the way back in the car or upon arrival at the chalet or mountain hut… There are a few precautions to take when going to the snow with your dog.” If you would like more advice, see the article: Winter Sports Holidays with a Dog: Precautions to Take.
Equipment recommended by Lover and Aline for their winter activities
Lover is a short-haired dog with no undercoat, so Aline decided to buy him a coat . In her opinion, the Power Hound model from Ruffwear has all the necessary qualities; it's the most suitable for our mountain activities.
For everyday use or short hikes, Lover is perfectly happy with the Ruffwear Front Range harness . However, when they go on longer adventures, Aline's dog prefers the Manmat X-Back Classic pulling harness and his Ruffwear Approach Pack backpack. Since her dog has sensitive paw pads, he undergoes Solipat treatment from autumn to spring. This treatment is actually a paw pad tanner that strengthens the weakened area. For outings in the snow, Aline usually equips her dog with Ruffwear Polar Trex booties, always worn with socks . This model holds up very well, even in deep snow. Lover has been wearing them for two winters and they haven't budged. In addition to all this sporty gear, their dog sleeps in a Ruffwear sleeping bag. The model is the Highland Sleeping Bag, which they pair with an insulating mattress, the Highland Pad. Iskan, for his part, is equipped with rubber socks to avoid snowballs. All their gear comes from the Ruffwear brand because, according to Aline, it's the only one that meets the required quality standards for dogs going hiking.
Feedback on the shelter experience
Their refuge is quite comfortable. Indeed, they manage to heat it to 20 degrees above the outside temperatures. When the temperature inside the shelter drops below 10 degrees, they equip their little chilly with his coat and sleeping bag. For the croquettes and the mash, they are lucky to have positive temperatures inside, so nothing freezes.
If Aline had to share one last message about her mountain experience, it would be this: “I can only encourage all owners to embark on such an adventure with their dog! This experience allows you to discover your dog's adaptability and even your own personal abilities. There are many wonderful moments to share, and I love seeing other people enjoying activities with their dogs; I think it's really great.”
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After hearing this story, Musher and I are suddenly itching for a holiday in the Jura Mountains… I hope this wonderfully fresh, dog-like tale has given you the same longing for fresh air! If you'd like to contact Aline or discover this lovely little family, here's Lover's Facebook page . While you're planning your potential holiday in this region, many other destinations await you in the magazine: This winter, head to the Pyrenees with your dog!, They share their dog-friendly tips in the Alps , Traveling to Norway with your dog.
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Where can I go for a walk for the day with my dog in Franche Comté to introduce him to the snow. I live in the south of Côte d'Or.
Hello Véronique, to discover Franche Comté with your dog, I advise you to read this article 😉
https://emmenetonchien.com/destinations-voyage-avec-un-chien/vacances-franche-comte-avec-chien/ and you will find lots of great addresses for accommodation, activities and restaurants here: https://emmenetonchien.com/region/bourgogne-franche-comte/