What snow sports can I do with my dog?

What snow sports can I do with my dog?

For humans, winter sports are often a source of relaxation and rejuvenation. But depending on your temperament, these vacations can also be very sporty. For dogs, winter sports are an opportunity to have fun: generally, they love the snow, even if small dogs and those without a lot of hair quickly get cold... So, if you're wondering how to have fun with your dog and what snow sports you can share with him, here are our suggestions.

Suggestion number 1: Walking

Is walking a sport? Some people may make fun of it. However, riding in powder snow without a snowshoe is a sport. It requires great muscular effort to move forward when the legs sink deep into the snow cover. And no doubt that your four-legged friend, even if he has two extra limbs, will quickly become exhausted as well.

So, it's probably wiser to consider a walk on marked and groomed paths, including a few occasional detours off-trail, to roll your dog along with you in the fresh snow, and play at sending him snowballs that he'll sometimes look for long before admitting that he's lost him in the white vastness.

Suggestion number 2: Sledding

No, the sled is not only for children! However, if you want to do some with your dog, you won't be able to invest in the paid tracks which are more and more flourishing in the resorts. You will have to improvise and find quiet corners, often after the slopes have closed. Moreover, sledding can only be practiced with your dog if you respect certain rules. There is no question of improvising a sled session, holding the sled straps in one hand and your dog's leash in the other. It is necessary to invest in adapted equipment that allows the dog to pull without injuring himself. The acquisition of such equipment is in any case not lost as it will allow you to practice other sports outside of winter sports. On the one hand, it is an "xback" harness, a dog traction harness whose shape follows the shape of the dog's body by forming an X on the back in order to distribute the traction forces. On the other hand, it is what is called a "line" which is used to dampen the tensions and thus protect you and your dog.

If the space in which you live allows it, i.e. mainly if the area is not very busy, you can also let your dog run freely beside you. But make sure by some preliminary tests that he is able to obey as well as usual. His safety and the safety of others is at stake: if he becomes too crazy from the excitement of the snow and becomes disobedient, don't leave him loose. As for you, it goes without saying that you must control your sled: you must be able to brake effectively if your dog passes in front of you, so as not to injure him.

Suggestion number 3: Skijoering

Behind this deliciously Swedish name is the idea of cross-country skiing linked to your dog by a line: it's the same equipment as for sledding. The distance of the line must take into account the length of the skis. It goes without saying that you should not consider starting cross-country skiing with your dog. You must be comfortable.

What is possible on a cross-country ski run (check with the local tourist office to make sure that dogs are not forbidden) is not possible on a downhill ski run. The only dogs you'll see are those of ski patrollers or ski lift pole riders: at the closing of the trails, when skiers are scarce, you may see a skier running out with a dog running alongside him, or a snowmobile in whose trailer a dog is solidly camped on its paws.

The more seasoned skiers who want to ski downhill with their dogs will turn to off-piste skiing to do what is called cross-country skiing. It's not just a question of level: you also need to know the mountain, its dangers and areas to preserve. This practice is known to be dangerous and the mountain relief can prove to be a trap for those who do not know the places like the back of their hand.

Suggestion number 4: the trottiski

The trottiski is a scooter on which the wheels have been replaced by two skis and which can therefore slide on snow. Your dog is harnessed to it and tows you. This can be done on a deserted road or on a dog sled trail. Find out beforehand if it is a private road or if you can use the trail.

It is probably the only true dog traction sport on the list: its practice requires your dog to respond quickly to simple commands such as stop, left, right, etc., like sled dogs. You can reach a nice speed in a straight line. Your dog must therefore be in good physical condition, even if you can help him by pushing with one leg like on a classic scooter. 

Our tips to make snow sports go better

Winter sports resorts act so that pedestrians can move around safely. Their weapon against frost and anything that can make them slip: salt. Effective in melting ice, it can be problematic for your dog's paw pads. This salt is usually mixed with chemicals and sand that can be irritating to the underside of your dog's paws. They can even create burns.

The best prevention is to rinse your dog's paws with warm soapy water after each walk. Don't wait for him to lick his paws as he could ingest these chemicals and get sick. Avoid making a coconut oil-based repairing balm. Don't wait for injuries to get worse before seeking veterinary advice, as treatment differs depending on whether your dog has burns, cracks or open wounds.

Also, even if there is plenty of snow, the mountain air is generally dry. It is important for your dog that you always have water available for him to drink. If you think he'll eat snow if he's thirsty, it's not wrong, but it exposes you to unnecessary problems. Ingesting snow can be more or less disruptive to his intestines.

Finally, think about increasing his daily food intake. This is essential to satisfy his caloric needs, necessarily increased because of the cold (his body spends more energy to maintain a satisfactory temperature) and activities (winter sports vacations are often among the most active and intense in effort).