As winter blankets the world in a serene layer of snow, it’s the perfect opportunity to step outside and start a new adventure with your dogs.
Don’t let the chilly weather confine you and your pup indoors. Instead, bundle up and discover the wonders of the winter wonderland together.
Here are a few different things that we like to do once the snow arrives:
Winter Hiking
Winter transforms familiar hiking trails into some of the most enchanting snowy landscapes; every time you go, something has changed. It’s a great opportunity to catch up with friends, and it’s so much fun.
Living in Alberta provides a wealth of amazing places to explore, especially during this season.
When hiking in winter, ensure you research to find out what special equipment you may need:
– Bells
– Jackets and boots for the dogs
Whatever your plan is – Canihiking, leashed walks, or off-leash adventure – always be as prepared as you can be.
Skijoring
Skijoring is blending cross-country skiing and dog sledding. It’s just you, your dog, and a pair of skis!!
Jackie started Skijoring in 2019-2020, and I (Jeremy) only started at the end of 2020, but really only got into it in 2021. Jackie and I took Niko and Luka out to Riverbend quite a bit, but we could only ski for a very short period of time because the dogs did all the work and would get tired unless we were going down a hill, then the boys got a break from pulling us.
One night, we noticed a group of young adults skiing, we started to talk to the instructor Alanna, and we scheduled a private lesson.
We needed to learn how to help the dogs and actually skate ski while we where skiing. It helped tremendously!
I still struggle with hills, but that will come down to practice.
I’m not ready for winter yet, but I do have moments where I just want it to snow so we can start skiing.
Winter Running
Nothing will slow your running down more than cold Alberta winters! Going out for a run when it’s anything lower than -10 degrees can be challenging. The only way we can continue to be consistent is to make it fun.
Winter trail running is a lot of fun. We dress the dogs up in their harness, a reflective orange vest, put their bear bells on, lace up our Ice Bugs (winter running shoes with small picks on the bottom), and grab our canicross belts, and then we head to the woods.
We like to do off-leash whenever it’s permitted, but we still bring our canicross belt and harness. You never know when you need their help climbing a hill!
Running in the woods just hits differently. It smells amazing and it’s just peaceful. The sleep’s that night are so good. You’re so tired from the fresh air, and you both use different muscles than you would just running in a field or running path, so your body is extra tired, since its not using the same muscles every time.
Don’t let the cold weather halt your running routine; just look for something worth it!
Snuggle
After a day outside in the winter, snuggle indoors with your dog. Treat them to a warm blanket and a well-deserved nap by the fireplace.
After being outside in the cold, snuggling is a great way to relax, keep the TV off, stay off your phone, try to read, meditate, or just have a nap with your dog! Enjoy the connection and the peace!
Summer is my favorite time of year, but winters are slowly making their way to number 3.
