{"id":490,"date":"2017-11-20T09:15:49","date_gmt":"2017-11-20T09:15:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/?p=490"},"modified":"2017-11-20T09:15:49","modified_gmt":"2017-11-20T09:15:49","slug":"why-getting-active-with-your-dog-will-change-your-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.travall.com\/en-us\/why-getting-active-with-your-dog-will-change-your-life\/","title":{"rendered":"Why getting active with your dog will change your life"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you and your pet have been active all year, there should be no reason to become sloth-like during the winter.\u00a0 Admittedly, it can be tempting to hunker down inside when temperatures plummet, but getting active and staying active with your dog will actually change your life. No exaggeration.<\/span><\/p>\n

With a bit of creativity and planning, it’s possible to enjoy every season with your pet and get more benefits than you might realize at the same time. Here are a few activity suggestions that could help keep you both healthier during the colder months.<\/span><\/p>\n

Skijoring<\/span><\/h3>\n

Skijoring is a unique combination of cross-country skiing combined with dog power.\u00a0 This sport began hundreds of years ago in Norway and was called skikj\u00f8ring<\/em> (or ski driving)<\/em>. H<\/em>orses and reindeer were used in Norway, but when the concept spread to Alaska, dogs were used instead.\u00a0 The dog wears a skijoring harness and is attached to the skier with a belt and a towline.\u00a0 This sport only works well with larger dogs, but you don\u2019t need to own a Husky. Golden Retrievers, Dalmatians, or Border Collies, for example, can all enjoy the sport. If your dog weighs at least 35 lbs, is healthy, and has a lot of energy and stamina, it could be a good option. Both owner and dog get a fantastic workout (with owners able to burn between 700 and 900 calories per hour) and take advantage of the snowy conditions at the same time.\u00a0 If this sounds like the sport for you, it is advisable to get a health check for you and your dog. If you’re both good to go, start out slowly, building up the length of sessions as you get more familiar with the activity. Look online for Skijor clubs in your local area, which could offer some group sessions and may give you tips specific to your location. SkijorUSA<\/a> might be a good place to start. Some states that typically get winter snow have designated trail areas, so check out what might be available in your state.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Snowshoeing<\/span><\/h3>\n

This is becoming increasingly popular in the snowier regions of the country as you can burn between 420 – 1,000 calories in an hour depending on speed. Some dog owners like to carry poles, so prefer to snowshoe with their dog on a waist leash.\u00a0 This activity offers cardio training, strength building, agility, and balance – a serious workout for owner and\u00a0dog.<\/span><\/p>\n

Become a mushing team<\/span><\/h3>\n

When we think of mushing, we often think of a sled pulled by multiple dogs, but actually, the term refers to any form of transport that is powered by dogs. Traditional mushing with a sled in the snow is extremely popular in Alaska but is also growing in popularity in the lower 48. Dog mushing has become a popular activity for those wanting to explore the backcountry. There is quite a bit of equipment and training required for this version. If you find the thought of traditional mushing a bit daunting, there are other options, although most of these are better suited to conditions without ice or snow.\u00a0 There is a wide range of products on the market, so why not check out the different options and see if there is something that appeals to you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hiking<\/span><\/h3>\n

Hiking is a very popular activity and shouldn’t be reserved for the warmer months. When there is snow on the ground, it certainly adds to the intensity of a hike.\u00a0 This activity can be achieved without needing to purchase or rent additional equipment, but do take plenty of water, snacks and a first aid kit with you. Ensure that both you and your dog are adequately protected against the elements with appropriate clothing and footwear. With any outdoor activity during the winter, make sure your pet’s paws are washed clean of salt after being outside.\u00a0 If you are likely to be going out into harsh weather conditions regularly, you may want to consider investing in hiking boots for your dog, to protect paws from injury.\u00a0 Not all dogs will wear them so paw wax may be a good alternative to protect the paws from ice and snow.<\/span><\/p>\n

Practice nose work<\/span><\/h3>\n

Not everyone wants to or is able to participate in intense forms of exercise with their pet, but in addition to regular walking, there are other more moderate activities that you can introduce during the winter months.\u00a0 Practicing nose work is a fun search activity for your dog, \u00a0based on the scent training that police and rescue dogs undergo.\u00a0 This activity provides great physical exercise but is fantastic for mental stimulation too.\u00a0 Dogs learn to search for a specific odor and find the source of that odor. The nice thing is that it can be done almost anywhere. The wind, rain, and snow can affect scent flow, so practicing in the winter can be a different experience from other seasons.\u00a0 If you would like to develop your skills, \u00a0K9 Nose Work<\/a> can help you find an instructor in your area.<\/span><\/p>\n

Make an indoor agility course<\/span><\/h3>\n

If the weather is just\u00a0too severe to venture outside, you can set up an agility course in your own living room. It is possible to purchase objects like tunnels, hoops, and hurdles for your pet, but if your budget doesn\u2019t stretch to those, simply look around your home and everyday objects can achieve a similar result. Set up obstacles with items like brooms or rolled up blankets and encourage your pet to jump over these obstacles. You may have to jump too initially but aim\u00a0to progress to verbal cues. Put items like newspaper or aluminum foil on the ground, so your dog gets used to different textures and sounds under his paws. Add a collapsed tunnel adventure by using a chair draped in a blanket – sit one side and encourage your pet to go through.<\/span><\/p>\n

Go to an indoor dog park<\/span><\/h3>\n

Designed for year-round use, but particularly helpful in extremes of weather, indoor dog parks are a great option.\u00a0 Many indoor dog parks have opened throughout the United States, so check online to find one in your area.\u00a0 At some, you can sign up for an agility class, a swimming lesson, or even have a go at doga (yep, \u00a0yoga with your dog!).<\/span><\/p>\n

How can these activities change your life?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The benefits of getting active\u00a0with your dog are many, but the following are just a selection of ways in which\u00a0your life will be changed for the better by exercising with your pet during the winter months:<\/span><\/p>\n