Unique Winter Activities For Dogs By Jan Reisen
I f you and your canine companion are getting a little weary of winter, there are still plenty of seasonal activities, both indoors and outdoors, to liven up your days. After all, your dog needs activity and stimulation, regardless of the weather, and it’s good for you, too! Outdoor Winter Fun With Your Dog Skijoring Skijoring, a popular Scandinavian sport, has caught on in the U.S. It translates to “ski-driving” and combines cross-country skiing with some of the same skills as dog mushing. It requires one or two dogs that weigh over 35 pounds and enjoy pulling, cross-country skis and poles, a pulling harness for your dog, skijoring belt, and a towline. Basically, you’re cross-country skiing with your dog leading the way. Although you might think it’s a sport meant only for northern dog breeds like Siberian Huskies, almost any dog that loves running, Caucasian Shepherd Dog © Ricant Images 2017 - stock.adobe.com
weighs enough, and is tall enough to negotiate snow makes a great skijoring partner. Skijoring is becoming so popular that there are even competitions, with regional and national championships. So whether you’re longing for some winter competition or just love the quiet and exhilaration of skiing a fresh trail through snow, skijoring is wonderful
If you and your dog are not quite ready for the Iditarod but love the idea of mushing, try kicksledding. Developed in Scandinavia as a way to navigate icy streets, kicksledding requires a sled, harness for your dog, and towline. It’s not meant for deep snow and works best on flat, slick surfaces or packed snow. It also requires that your dog learn some kicksledding cues since they must respond to your voice commands. While
exercise and a great bonding opportunity for both of you.
not quite as complicated or taxing as mushing, be
prepared for a pretty vigorous workout.
Snowshoeing For a gentler winter workout, try snowshoeing with your dog. All you need are snowshoes, belt, harness, and
Australian Shepherd skijoring with a couple in the mountains. JMichl/E+ via Getty Images
Kicksledding
Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 48
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