Snow is falling in the mountains around here and in many parts of the country. There is something truly special about bundling up and playing in the white, fluffy stuff. Winter time can be so peaceful and the crisp air can revitalize the senses. I don’t know about you but I’m itchy to get out.
It can be fun to do something simple like throw hot chocolate in a thermos and head out to build a snowman or snow doggie. My favorite winter activity to do with Chester and Gretel though is snowshoeing. Have you tried it? Maybe this is the year that you should. It’s a lot of fun.
The Top 5 Reasons You Should Try Snowshoeing with Your Dog
#5 It extends your hiking season. You don’t have to stop exploring the wildnerness just because there is a little snow covering the trails.
#4 It’s an excellent way to stay in shape through the winter. Because you are walking on an uneven surface, and have to lift your legs higher so your snowshoes don’t catch on the snow, you may burn up to 50% more calories. (click here to see how many calories you can burn snowshoeing)
#3 It provides a new perspective on your favorite summer trails. A blanket of snow changes everything. It brings out the jagged relief of the mountains and makes them sparkle in the sun. I often find the winter view of peaks more awe-inspiring than in summer. The popular trails are usually less crowded in the winter too, which allows for a more peace and quiet.
#2 It provides a new sensory experience for your dog. The snow is like a blank canvas that highlights certain smells and blocks out the others. In the snow, your dog can REALLY experience the smells of rabbits, mice, and other wild animals that have crossed their path.
And the #1 reason?
It’s FUN! It’s almost as easy as walking and it’s a good way to make special memories with your friends – both furry and not-so-furry.
So be a little adventurous this year and give it a try. Before you go, be sure to check out the 7 Essential Rules for Snowshoeing with Your Dog
Earl Lover says
November 20, 2015 at 10:27 AMThis is something a little different!
Slimdoggy says
November 20, 2015 at 11:22 AMGreat fun…but don’t the wiener’s bellies get cold?
Jessica Rhae says
November 20, 2015 at 4:25 PMTheir legs get a little cold when we stop but we bring a dog bed and puffy blanket for that 🙂
Emma says
November 20, 2015 at 11:40 AMNow that they make snow shoes almost the size of shoes, it might be an option for those days right after it snows before trails are plowed. We love bounding through the snow!
Jessica Rhae says
November 20, 2015 at 4:26 PMYour trails are plowed? Do you mean paved trails?
Tenacious Little Terrier says
November 20, 2015 at 3:07 PMDo they wear boots? Mr. N would probably love it but he’d need a snowsuit or something!
Jessica Rhae says
November 20, 2015 at 4:29 PMNo. They never have. I do put Musher’s Secret balm on their feed to keep snow and ice from sticking to them. And trimming the hair is important if it grows between their foot pads. Since dogs sweat through their feet, I keep their body on the warm side on the trail (I am constantly checking by sticking my hand under their coats and have been known to stick a hand warmer in between two light jackets) and we’ve never had an issue.
Talent Hounds says
November 20, 2015 at 4:19 PMGorgeous photo and some great reasons. My hubby loves snowshoeing. Our lab and mix loved running beside and around him. They never seemed to need shoes or jackets. Kilo is lower to the ground and might feel the cold more, plus not sure about his stamina. I will have to check out the post on what your dogs wear and how to prepare as Kilo hates booties and jackets so I would worry about him. I have not been able to do it as I can barely walk my knees are so bad. I am starting in a trial in January that I hope will reduce inflammation and pain, so maybe after that.
Jessica Rhae says
November 20, 2015 at 4:30 PMKnee pain is horrible. I am sorry you are having trouble. Hopefully the trial works.
The post I liked to has some good tips about snowshoeing but I also plan to write some more about the details of how we do it.
Dachshund Nola says
November 20, 2015 at 6:15 PMIf we ever go somewhere snowy, I’d love to try it with Nola!
Jessica Rhae says
November 21, 2015 at 6:50 AMCome visit sometime… in winter of course 🙂
Beth says
November 20, 2015 at 6:35 PMBarley loves bounding through the snow. I’m not quite as crazy about it, but I’m definitely intrigued by snowshoes. Maybe this winter will be the winter we test them out!
Jessica Rhae says
November 21, 2015 at 6:52 AMYou should. I would love to see some pics and hear how it goes. Where we are, there are places where you can rent them. You could do that to try it and make sure you like it before you buy.
Laika says
November 22, 2015 at 6:27 AMAnd Vaks need an overcoat when it is snowing LOL 🙂
lexy says
November 23, 2015 at 8:55 AMI’d also add that it’s a lot easier to come to a stop quickly when snowshoeing than cross-country skiing when your pooch decides to stop right in front of you on a downhill 🙂
Jessica Rhae says
November 23, 2015 at 10:41 AMThat is very true 🙂
Scott says
November 28, 2015 at 10:39 PMI’ve never even considered snow shoeing but it something that’s right up my alley. Winters here in CT can be gorgeous and we do try our best to get out in them. Thanks for the idea.
Jan K says
November 29, 2015 at 9:32 AMI don’t really love winter, but snowshoeing is the one thing that makes it enjoyable for me! We’ve had a warm and dry fall though, and I hope that doesn’t mean we’ll have a dry winter.
There is nothing like getting out in that fresh crisp air, especially right after a snowstorm when everything is covered.