Let’s face it. As the days get short, the weather gets cold, and conditions get snowy and icy, it is sometimes difficult to find the motivation to get up from that cozy spot by the fire and hit the trails. You and your dog can both experience negative pent up energy from a lack of fresh air and changes in routine during the holidays. We’ve put together a list of tips to help you and your dog make the most of the cold, dark days this season!
- Try something new. Winter is full of snow-specific sports and activities that will help you maintain enthusiasm and motivation with your dog. Snowshoeing is a sport that requires minimal gear or skill, and can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. Hit up the same hiking trails you love in the summer, but bring along snowshoes to see them in a whole new way. Already snowboard or backcountry ski? You may enjoy taking your dog to some of the safer slopes on a laid-back rest day. Sometimes, Pat takes Bella backcountry snowboarding with him in areas with the least danger of avalanches. We are also trying skijoring this season, a sport that involves a pulling-specific harness for the dog and cross-country skis for the human. Instead of dreading that next winter storm warning, you may actually find yourself welcoming it.
- Invest in the right clothing. Winter is only fun if you dress appropriately; what you wear can make or break your trip. There is nothing worse than being miserably cold or wet for hours, and in the
winter being cold and wet can be just plain dangerous. It is better to layer with lots of thin, wicking and insulating layers rather than one big, bulky layer, so you can adjust accordingly when going uphill or downhill, or for changing weather conditions. Out for awhile? Bring extra gloves and socks. I get colder a lot easier than Pat, so I always bring more warmer layers than he does. He gives me a hard time sometimes, but I hate being cold! I sometimes bring a lighter pair of gloves for hiking uphill, then warmer gloves for the colder trip down. Bella has a jacket to keep her warm in cold weather, and to help prevent her from straining muscles when active in cold temperatures. We suggest checking out Sierra Trading Post for human gear, and Backcountry-K9 for dog gear. These are our favorite retailers with the best gear and the most affordable deals. Looking for something specific? Shop around and wait for sales, you should rarely have to pay full price for something you need. 
- Be prepared. Extra dry clothing, hand warmers, and a small first aid kit are a good idea. Bring a headlamp, even if you think you have plenty of daylight. Darkness can creep up, especially after one wrong
turn! If you plan to spend time on a summit or stop for lunch, you will need to bring extra-warm layers and maybe something insulated to sit on. A thermos of a warm drink can help lift spirits in the cold. Bring some booties for your dog, in case of paw injury or sensitivity to the cold. Musher’s Secret is a great product if your dog has cracked paws, long hair that causes snow to ball up, or if your dog will be exposed to salt or other irritants. Bella wears booties in very very cold conditions, as snow sticks more aggressively to paws in colder temperatures. Tell someone where you are going! Be safe! - Know the conditions. It’s a bummer to start out on a hike, only to realize half a mile later that you can’t continue on without snowshoes or traction devices, such as Microspikes or Yak Tracks.
- Know your dog. Dogs love the snow, but be aware of her needs during cold temperatures. Notice if she is shaking, falling behind, or showing signs of discomfort. Bella eats a ton of snow, and oftentimes won’t drink water. However, snow doesn’t properly hydrate a dog. If this sounds like your dog, be sure to give her plenty of water when you get back inside, you might be surprised by how much she drinks! An active dog will also need more calories during an active day in the cold, as she will burn calories like a furnace.
- Light it up. Don’t have time after work to get out for a trek or a run during daylight hours? If possible, set up weekly time to get out in the dark with a buddy or running group in a safe area. Make sure you and your dog are very well-lit and visible to bikers, motorists, and other pedestrians. Really pressed for time? Invest in a glowing ball or toy to throw to your dog in the backyard or local park.
- Don’t push it. Feet and hands are freezing and you can’t warm them up? The wind suddenly picks up or the temperature drops? Unsure of which fork in the trail to take? In a backcountry area with avalanche danger, but don’t know what to look for or don’t have a beacon and shovel? Notice that you, a friend, or your dog are showing signs of frostbite (very white, waxy looking skin)? Then head back, it’s not worth it today! If you are feeling particularly unmotivated and aren’t sure you are up for a major challenge, change up your typical winter activity, and keep it fun. Perhaps, go sledding or finally go check out that beautiful, yet shorter trail you never go to. Sometimes, taking along my Nikon and attempting to capture the winter scenery can help motivate me to get out the door.
- Notice the beauty around you. Some of our best winter memories are from those extra cold or snowy days when we didn’t feel like going outside. While others may opt to stay in front of the television, you’ll have the privilege of seeing the outdoor areas around you from a brand new perspective. You will feel invigorated and the bond between you and your dog will be stronger than ever.
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Worth it. Trust us.
Lightweight, compressible and packable (we stored it in a small dry sack in Bella’s pack)
Colorado Canine 