Does Your Pup Have Snow-Hound Potential?

Snowshoeing with dogs? You bet. There are few finer ways to spend a winter day with your pup than a trek on snowshoes along your favorite trail or a heart-thumping workout through high-octane terrain. Many dogs love to go romping around in the snow, so what better way to join them? With a little common sense and cold-weather know-how, you can keep your dogs safe and healthy while exploring an untrammeled wilderness area, groomed trails at a touring center, or even a snow-covered public golf course.

What is Snowshoeing?

Snowshoeing is an ancient form of over-the-snow transportation — Native Americans are said to have used snowshoes more than 3,000 years ago — is one of the fastest-growing winter activities for those who live in or visit the country’s snow belt. And for good reason — as a sport, it doesn’t get much simpler. While snowshoeing might conjure up images of plodding along on tennis-racket-like contraptions, 21st-century equipment combines state-of-the-art design with high-tech materials such as lightweight aluminum, composite plastic, and even titanium. If you can walk, goes the adage, you can snowshoe.

Before going snowshoeing with your dog:

Before heading out on the fresh powder with your pup, make sure your dog is healthy enough for the trek, pick up the right gear, and map out your route. Here are a few tips for snowshoeing with your dog.

1. Does your pup have snow-hound potential?

“You need to consider whether your dog is healthy to start with,” says Dr. Peter Humphrey of Torrington Animal Hospital in Torrington, Conn. “Heart-related or respiratory problems can have an impact on a dog’s stamina.” Most fit and trim dogs will do fine, he says, but remember, they don’t walk on the snow like you do. “Walking through deep snow is physically demanding,” notes Humphrey, who recommends a shorter-than-usual first outing, since “you may end up with an exhausted pet that you have to carry back.”

And while your canine may be furry, exposure to the elements can lead to problems like frostbite or hypothermia. Puppies and elderly dogs are especially susceptible; watch for shivering, slowed breathing or dilated pupils, signs of a dangerous drop in body temperature.

2. Make sure to dress your pup for the elements.

Unless you have a northern breed, say, an Akita, Husky, or Malamute, who are “dressed” for the cold, your dog might also benefit from the added insulation of a doggy coat. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and examine your dog’s paws frequently for the ice and snow that can clump between pads. Companies like Ruff Wear offer first-aid kits for dogs, protective booties, collapsible food and water bowls, and cold-weather apparel you may want to consider adding to your gear.

3. Be sure to check your trail before heading out.

Check that the trail system you’re planning to visit is dog-friendly, and, if so, find out what the rules are. Some charge a fee; others allow dogs only in certain areas or require them to be leashed. Other trail users will judge dogs and pet parents by your actions, so practice good etiquette, such as picking up after your pup, keeping them under control, and — this is critical — staying out of the way. Nothing will rile a cross-country skier quite like grooved tracks obliterated by snowshoes and dog paws.

4. Your pup should have good recall and manners.

If dogs are allowed off-leash, they should respond perfectly to voice commands. “If your dog can [be depended on to respond to your verbal commands], regardless of distractions, you may not have to have him on a leash,” explains Llona Ney Clausen, manager of the Nordic & Snowshoe Center at Tamarack Resort in Donnelly, Idaho. “The biggest problem will be, of course, when a dog meets another dog.”