Cani-snowshoeing: a winter sport to share with your dog
Today I present to you Denis, sports coach at Dahu Ariegeois , he tells us about his experience through mountain activities to do with a dog, in the natural park of Ariège and in the Pyrenees. A real canine sports enthusiast! Cani-trail, cani-rando on foot and on snowshoes, he gives us lots of advice for spending holidays too W'ouf à la snow with his dog!
Denis: a sports coach passionate about cani-sport
I have a wonderful job! In my work I have to work with 36 huskies, a real pack of wolves. I invite people to come and hike and snowshoe with my little darlings or with their own dog. It's a great activity to share with your dog in winter. Contact with the mountains, snow-covered hikes, winter… That's what I like the most!
I first met a musher, Patrice, a real enthusiast! I discovered his pack of dogs and then we started doing very interesting activities: snowshoeing with dogs, sleigh rides… We decided to work together. Working with huskies is magic!
There is a real hierarchy, Patrice is a musher (driver of sled dogs). He establishes the rules but as in any group there is a dominator. The latter must constantly watch his place in front of the little youngsters of 2 and 3 years old (it's like teenagers, the hormones arrive and they all want the place of the chief!) but each in his place! There is also the one who sets the mood, who is there to calm things down, it's a real canine society. Patrice intervenes according to the characters, so he knows what combination to make for the hitch for the characters of each other and agree well. So we give the rules but the hierarchy is made by the dominant.
As for me, I take care of dog walks and dog trails. The hike or mountain run with a dog it's very intense and the bond developed with his dog is very strong!
From a physical point of view: it brings real relief, especially on the climbs because the dog accompanies you with his strength using the harness and leash. It's like a small engine.
Cani-snowshoeing: precautions before starting?
Completely ! I must always be ready for action. I can't allow myself to be “picked up” because I also have to guide people who come with their own dog. I must be in good physical condition to remain credible in my job. A sports coach who does not follow the rhythm, it is not done!!
For dogs it's the same, it takes a minimum of preparation!
The cani hike is physical for him too! If the dog has more of the profile of a cushy apartment dog and is not a good sportsman, you can't put him in the snow like that...
The courses we offer are personalized according to the level of the master and the dog and the desires of the pair. For example, we will not let someone who has never done cani hike with someone who is used to doing it... We will soon be offering initiation days for people who would like to try dog walks in winter with their own dog (we have a lot of requests!). We will be attentive to the physical condition of the master but also to that of the doggie as well as his state of health, it needs to be more framed. And for those who don't have a dog and who would like to try the experience, we give them the opportunity to live a real moment of complicity with our huskies!
The essential equipment for cani-snowshoeing
Simply the snowshoes for us and harnesses for dogs. The dog is connected to its partner by an elastic lanyard et a harness that the latter puts on, exactly as in cani cross. We also put guards to protect dog pads, like the small socks ou boots. I recommend to people who would like to try the cani hike in winter with their dog to put a pair on their fur ball!
Sophie : I totally agree with Denis! I myself pay close attention to Musher's feet, so she has her own protective shoes. For dogs with fragile pads or who are simply not used to snow, it can prevent many injuries. The snow can cling to the hairs between the pads and form small icicles which at each step can scratch your loulou's pads and create painful lesions...
Dogs and cani-rando in winter: how do you feel?
LI-BÉ-RA-TION is the word that immediately comes to mind when you ask me this question! It's a real homecoming, you can see it quickly, there are unmistakable signs, the wagging tail, the eyes that shine, they turn, they come, they leave...
The masters take the leash off them, they don't escape, the dog sees his master in a different way, he creates a real connection through physical effort.
Dennis' story
One day, in the middle of a snowshoe outing with customers, we were on a climb with the dogs… (The dogs are very quiet during the effort, so almost inaudible…)
We were walking in the snow then suddenly a small deer appeared...
One of the dogs saw him and started running after him… but as he was attached to his master: BOOM! Snowshoes in the air, buttocks on the ground, he got dragged through the snow… No need to worry: everyone is fine 🙂 But on the spot: what fun!
Cani-snowshoeing: an activity accessible to all dogs?
Any sporty dog can go cani-rando in the snow, but it is obvious that some dogs are even more predisposed to this activity… Dogs with short legs, for example, will encounter more difficulties, especially if the snow is fresh or soft. . They will sink into the snow, have to jump to move forward and they tire much faster and are therefore out of breath. And once again I insist on the physical condition of the dog… walking in the snow is an activity that requires a minimum of sport.
Thank you Denis for all these valuable tips! I hope they will want you to try it. cani hike in the snow on foot or on snowshoes. For my part, I often practice this activity with Musher. Our favorite playground is Aubrac. For those who have the right equipment (cani-cross type) and who have a sporty dog, if you want to start in total autonomy, there are a few rules to follow…. You have to find the right playground: not all snowshoe or pedestrian trails are dog-friendly (grrr): so be sure to check with your ski resort. And then, remember to take water with you for you and your pooch. Above all, don't let him eat snow to quench his thirst: it's guaranteed spray poo and great abdominal pain guaranteed... If you already practice cani-hiking in the snow or that you are testing soon: share your photos with us on the page Facebook TakeYourDog