Top 5 Reasons to Try Snowshoeing with Your Dog
There is something truly special about bundling up and playing in the white, fluffy stuff with your dog.
Winter time can be so peaceful and the crisp air can revitalize the senses.
My favorite winter activity to do with my dogs is snowshoeing. Have you tried it?
Maybe this is the year that you should. It’s a lot of fun.
UPDATED: January 8, 2023
The Top 5 Reasons You Should Try Snowshoeing with Your Dog
1) It extends your hiking season
You don’t have to stop exploring the wilderness just because there is a little snow covering the trails.
2) It’s an excellent way to stay in shape through the winterÂ
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 than you do walking your dog.
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.
4) 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.
Don’t believe me? Wait until you see your dog’s eyes light up.
5) It’s FUN!
Snowshoeing is almost as easy as walking and it’s a good way to make special memories with your friends  – both furry and not-so-furry.
Final Thoughts
Snowshoeing with your dog is fun.
It’s also a fun way to keep active during the winter.
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.
If you’re in Washington, check out these easy dog friendly snowshoeing trails near Seattle and find out other places in the state your dog can snowshoe with you.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Jessica. I’ve been studying the Dachshund breed since 2007, owned 3 of my own, and shared in the lives of thousands of others through their owner’s stories. When I’m not sharing what I know on this blog, you can find me hiking, camping, and traveling with my adventurous wiener dogs.
This is something a little different!
Great fun…but don’t the wiener’s bellies get cold?
Their legs get a little cold when we stop but we bring a dog bed and puffy blanket for that 🙂
Now 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!
Your trails are plowed? Do you mean paved trails?
Do they wear boots? Mr. N would probably love it but he’d need a snowsuit or something!
No. 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.
Gorgeous 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.
Knee 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.
If we ever go somewhere snowy, I’d love to try it with Nola!
Come visit sometime… in winter of course 🙂
Barley 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!
You 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.
And Vaks need an overcoat when it is snowing LOL 🙂
I’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 🙂
That is very true 🙂
I’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.
I 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.