towline. Depending on how adventurous you’re feeling and how much exercise your dog can handle, a snowshoe outing can be as leisurely as gliding through familiar trails and parks or as rigorous as making your way through deep powder. Canicross You don’t need snow to enjoy winter activities with your dog. Canicross is cross-country running, but as a team, with your dog in the lead. Canicross requires minimal equipment. Your dog will need a well-fitting harness in which they have the freedom of movement to run. You’ll need a waist belt and a bungee line. As in kicksledding and mushing, the human is the driver, issuing voice commands, so your dog should know and respond to commands. Your choice of locale is virtually unlimited, from forest trails to local parks to the beach or the mountains. It’s best to vary terrain between harder and softer ground since that will be easier on muscles for both of you. Although working breeds tend to be most popular for Canicross, any dog that likes to run and is in good shape can make a great Canicross teammate. Scavenger Hunts Who says you have to venture away from home to have outdoor adventures with your dog? How about a scavenger hunt in your own backyard? Make little snow mounds or dig out shallow holes in the snow to hide treats and toys. Then have your dog use their nose (and eyes) to find them. Not only will they get
health. If in doubt, check with your veterinarian. Once you’re confident that you’re both up for it, get out there and have some fun! This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you
are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from
qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death. Article gathered from https://www. akc.org/expert-advice/health/ unique-winter-activities-dogs/
exercise, but they’ll also have to use tracking and problem-solving skills to find the prizes. Indoor Winter Fun With Your Dog Even on frigid, wet winter days, your dog will benefit from mental and physical activity. With a little ingenuity, you can both have some indoor fun. Whether it’s playing hide-and-seek, learning new tricks, practicing Obedience training, setting up a DIY obstacle course, or treat puzzles for your dog, don’t let being stuck indoors keep you both from having fun. Here are some indoor winter activities to get you started, as well as DIY cognitive toys. German Shepherd Dog puppy walking in the snow. Metanna/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
Finally, and most importantly, before you embark on any
adventures with your canine pal, assess whether it’s appropriate for their age, size, abilities, and general
Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 49
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