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For children, snow is a magical phenomenon, while adults tend to see it as an inconvenience. Dogs view snow with innocence and wonder, so playing in the snow with your dog can help you regain your own childlike perspective. Just be sure that you stay safe while playing in the snow with your dog and protect him from the cold. Here are some fun activities to try.
1. Going for Your Regular Walk
Cold temperatures and a lack of sunlight can make it difficult to motivate yourself to get off the couch and out of the house. Nevertheless, regular exercise is important for both you and your dog. Furthermore, snow transforms your pet's usual surroundings into a whole other world, and it would be a shame to deny her the chance to explore it. Dog booties protect your pet's feet from de-icing chemicals on sidewalks and ice buildup between her toes, which can be uncomfortable at best and potentially cause injury.
2. Scent Tracking
Dogs experience the world primarily through their sense of smell. Not only does the world look different after a snowfall, but it also smells different. Scent tracking is an activity that allows your dog to practice using his sniffer to find things under conditions that are more challenging because of the way that snow and winter wind affect the flow of the scent. You may be outside for a while doing this activity, and if your dog doesn't have thick fur of his own, he may benefit from a winter coat to keep him warm.
3. Hiking or Snowshoeing
There are few things more peaceful and beautiful than the hush of a snow-covered forest. This is an experience that everyone should have at least once, and you can enjoy it with your dog on a winter hike. Navigating in deep snow can be difficult, but with a pair of snowshoes, you can perch on top of the snow and go just about anywhere you like. Small dogs may struggle with deep snow, but large breeds should be able to plow through with no problem.
Remember that, even though it is cold, hydration is still important for both you and your dog. To avoid wasting precious drinking water, bring a travel dog bottle that doubles as a drinking dish.
4. Playing With Snowballs
If the snow is wet enough, you can pack it together and pack it into snowballs. This introduces an unexpected element to a game that is probably familiar to both you and your dog. You can throw snowballs into the air for your dog to try to catch. Playing fetch with snowballs can be funny because when they hit the ground, they blend in, and your dog can get confused trying to find them. This may get frustrating after a while, so don't spend too much time on this activity, and keep treats on hand to reward your dog for being a good sport.
5. Letting Your Dog Pull You
If you have a large-breed dog, it could be fun to teach her to pull you through the snow on a sled. Some breeds, such as huskies and Bernese mountain dogs, are bred for pulling — or drafting, as it is also known. Even if you don't have one of these dog breeds, other large breeds can learn it.
A few rules to make sure that you and your dog stay safe during this activity:
• Don't attempt to have your dog pull you on a sled until you can control his movements by teaching him commands for stopping and turning.
• Make sure that your dog is strong enough to pull both you and your sled through the snow.
• Never hook up a leash to your dog's collar when she is going to pull you. Use a harness instead so that your weight is evenly distributed across her body.
If you are a skier, you can also involve your dog in your hobby by having him pull you across the snow on your skis. This is called skijoring and it originated in Scandinavia. It can be lots of fun for both you and your dog, but you shouldn't attempt it unless you are an experienced skier; otherwise, you could have trouble keeping your balance.
6. Taking a Winter Vacation
Maybe you live in a mild climate where it doesn't get very cold even in winter. That doesn't necessarily mean that you can't enjoy snow activities with your dog; it just means that you have to take a trip somewhere that snow is more plentiful. New England, the Rocky Mountains, Utah, and Northern California are all sites in the United States that have winter resorts. If you're really ambitious, you can take your dog on a trip to Alaska or Northern Canada in the hopes of getting a good glimpse at the Northern Lights while enjoying the snow.
To make your snow vacation something extra special, try camping with your dog. Sleeping out under the stars is another experience that everyone should have at least once. Since the winter is the off-season for many camping areas, you and your dog don't have to deal with the hassles of crowds and noisy neighbors.
If you do go camping with your dog, don't just assume that the campground accepts dogs. Pets are welcome at many facilities, but not all of them. Even where dogs are welcome at campgrounds, there are usually rules that require leashes and prohibit animals in buildings. Be considerate of your hosts by following these rules to the letter.
