Winter Fun With Your Dog

As the New Year begins and the snow starts to fall,  there’s an inevitable excitement in the air. The change in seasons offers an unprecedented, joyous adventure for puppies and their owners experiencing it together (for some pups it is their first time seeing and playing in snow). I remember the first time Jessie ran outside into a mountain full of snow! She sunk right in and could barely get out, but when she did she was so excited! We could not get her to come inside (it was so cute she was a puff of white snow!!)

Cooler weather and shorter days are accompanied by sounds and smells that bring back memories for us—and create brand-new experiences for our four-legged companions. For most of us shoveling snow is a mundane task one that we don’t typically enjoy, but next time you go to shovel bring your pup outside for the fun and watch through their puppy eyes just how much fun the Winter Season truly is!

Many of you may be tempted to hibernate in the Winter and let’s face it a lot of people would agree that its cold! But for our K9 friends there is nothing better than playing in the snow being with their human companions!  Jessie taught us pretty quickly how much fun you can have during the Winter and keeps us all in shape!

Winter Wonderland

Once winter arrives, dogs have even more new sights and sounds to explore. Watching your pup discover snow for the very first time is often a magical experience for both of you!

Most puppies will be curious about the snowfall, so explore together! Puppy’s first romp through the snow may be a tenuous adventure at first; the cold, wet, white “stuff” is completely foreign to him. But together, as you let him know it’s okay to walk on it, he’ll adjust to the snow and discover a whole new way to play! For some breeds their little paws develop ice pellets which can get very sore (but don’t let this discourage you, there are dog booties made in all sizes and they work great) We actually made our own out of fleece which worked well for dogs joining us on winter trips.

Playing fetch is even more fun when your puppy has to run through the snow, and he’ll love digging for sticks, balls or toys in the snow. Try making a snowball and letting your pup try and fetch that, even better throw a snowball up in the air and watch as they catch and eat it (personal favorite of Jessie’s) She also enjoys having us shovel and throw the snow up in the air, she loves trying to catch it! Now if only we could teach her how to shovel!

Skijoring

One of the best ways to get out and enjoy a day with your pup is to try skijoring! You may wonder what is this? Cross-Country skiing becomes Skijoring when you add a harness to you and your pup and complete the team with a shock absorbing rope to connect you and your pup.  Skijoring is great excersise and a ton of fun. For anyone who knows dogs - they LOVE to pull and skijoring allows them to do what they do best and have a ton of fun. Skijoring is a real team sport (so no you can’t stand there and let your dog pull you around) but as a team you really work together and let me tell you it is a wonderful bonding experience for both of you!  Whether you got for an hour or a day out your dog will be exhausted and excited by all the fun you had together!

Snowshoeing

Grab a pair of snowshoes, some doggy treats and a bottle of water and hit the forest! It is fun and fantastic exercise (the easiest part if for your dog who gets to run along side you off leash and having a blast) Together you can explore the forest and following the tracks left behind by other forest critters is a game for all to enjoy.

Still not convinced! Come join Dog Paddling Adventures on a 1 day adventure and see what everyone is raving about! Winter is here whether we like it or not, so get out and have some fun with your pup in the snow! We provide all of the gear, instruction and hot buffet lunch (all you have to do is dress warm and show up!) Trust me your dog will thank you!

Please visit our Winter page for more information on our trips.

Leave us a comment with a fun suggestion on how you and your pup beat the winter blues and you could win a 1 day adventure!!

Every year Jessie looks forward to her all time favorite home made birthday cake!

Several people have asked me what makes it so yummy - so thought I would share the recipe!

PEANUT BUTTER CARROT CAKE

• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 egg     

Mix flour and baking soda. Add remaining ingredients. Pour into greased 8inch round cake pan (I usually use a heart shaped one) and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Let cool.  Puree cottage cheese in blender for icing. Decorate with more peanut butter and carrots.

I promise that your pup will love every single bite! I know Jessie sure does!

Dog Paddling was thrilled when the guys at Portageur.ca convinced a bunch of outdoor companies to join in together on this Movember cause. Join in on the fun by posting pictures of your MO on any of our Facebook pages or Twitter accounts and you could win awesome prizes from all of the great companies participating!

To make a donation or track Eren’s progress visit Eren’s personal MO SPACE PAGE!

For more information on the companies participating check out:

Dog Paddling was thrilled with the guys at Portageur.ca convinced a bunch of outdoor companies to join in together on this Movember cause. Join in on the fun by posting pictures of your MO on any of our Facebook pages or Twitter accounts and you could win awesome prizes from all of the great companies participating!

To make a donation or track Eren’s progress visit Eren’s personal MO SPACE PAGE!

For more information on the companies participating check out:

This week was Jessie’s 11th birthday and as we prepared to celebrate I found myself doing what I have done for the last 10 years- shop! Each year I have bought Jessie a new collar - not that last year’s was torn or ruined but it was "our" thing, each year she got a brand spanking new collar to show off. The collar was always accompanied by a home baked cake and a fun celebration.  This year we decided to plan a family vacation (of course a pet friendly one) but we were set to be away on her birthday. As we planned I got to thinking about what gifts to bring, should we bake the cake on our trip etc.  I know to those "non doggy" fanatics that I sound a bit coo coo but she is our 1st furbaby and it is her big day. 

We arrived at our pet friendly B&B The Stouffer Mill and began our family vacation, all which included Jessie.  On her big day we woke up and all sang Happy Bday to her, we had breakfast on the veranda with her (while the kids fed her treats) and then we spent the day hiking and chilling at the lake.  Jessie was truly in her happy place - grinning from ear to ear and loving every moment of being with us.  Did she know it was her birthday? Was she looking for that new collar? Did she miss the big celebration at home with bday cake that I normally made her? Of course not! What she loved was being with us, being with her family, being spoiled with belly rubs and truly enjoying a day of all her favorite things. Hiking, swimming, cuddles and off leash fun! 

Don’t get me wrong- I am all for the big celebrations. In fact Jessie had 35 K9 friends at her 1st and 10th bday party with fabulous catered doggy cakes and treats for all her buddies. She got more gifts that I do on most birthdays! I guess what I realized is that as "pet people" we often forget that our wonderful and loyal friends really don’t need or ask for much.  They are most happy when they are with us and that truly is the best gift we can give them! 

Written by: Jessie Howell CDO (Chief Dog Operator)

I wake up and find an unusual sight…mom and dad are already up and moving around. What’s going on? Something’s happening… and I intend to find out! I think I’ll stretch, and then (reluctantly) jump out of my cozy bed and see what all the commotion is downstairs.

As I walk into the kitchen I notice that there is stuff packed up all around! Big giant backpacks, barrels of food, paddles, lifejackets, and look, that one’s mine! Alright! I know what’s going on here…we’re going out on another canoe trip! Woo-Hoo! I think I’ll wag my tail a bit to let mom know that this is a great idea. Maybe I’ll bring over my Chewber to make sure they don’t leave it behind. Alright now that I’m packed, when are we leaving? Let’s go!

The truck is a good place to rest up and think about all the fun I’m going to have. I’m so glad mom and dad started Dog Paddling Adventures. I get to meet all sorts of different dogs from small ones to big ones and their humans. I get to go out into some awesome provincial parks and paddle, run, hike, swim, eat, snooze…Faster dad, faster! Alright, alright…I’ll stop trying to jump in the front seat, but only if you open the back window…ahhh, that’s better. Lots of great things to sniff out here!

Wait a minute…we’re slowing down. We’re here! Alright! No more leashes, no more rules…what’s that mom? O.K., I’ll stay close for now. Anyway, here come more dogs, and that will give me all I need for fun around here. Hey look, there’s my buddy Kyla. I think I’ll sniff her butt while dad tells people all the stuff they need to know. He’s telling people about the tents, canoes, food, trip itinerary, paddles…everything they need to know to have a great and worry free trip. Lifejacket’s on, canoes are all loaded up, let’s go! Now I can just sit back and relax while Dad teaches the new humans how to paddle, boy  are we lucky all we have to do is sit and enjoy the ride!

 Hey Casey, look! I think we’re arriving at our campsite already. Let’s get out and run around crazy over here while…wait a minute! What’s that smell??? Hold on mom, I’m coming! I’ll help you with those snacks you’ve got there! People treats, dog treats…so many treats, I’m in heaven!!! Oh look, Jasper’s barking at a squirrel up in the tree…maybe I’ll join him! And over there, that human is swimming, and she’s got a stick!! So many things to do! Sniff, Sniff…could that be chicken stir fry cooking? Don’t burn it dad! You know I like it as juicy as possible! Maybe I’ll flake out under this tree while mom and dad make my supper…I wonder what the others are going to eat?

As the sun goes down, and the humans and my new buddies sit around a roaring camp fire enjoying their delicious meal, Dad is telling us all about tomorrow’s a hike around another lake, and he says there is also an awesome sandy beach to play at. Mmmm, smells like dessert is cooking, and the stars are beginning to come out. Love to stay and reminisce with the humans, but I’m so sleepy…maybe I’ll take a quick nap before sharing some dessert. Yeah, that sounds like a good plan. A quick nap is all I need. The tent looks like a good place for that, I can steal dad’s sleeping bag and that comfy sleeping pad too, if I hurry. Nice…

Have you booked your 2011 Adventure yet?!

 Hiking with your dog is a wonderful way to take your dog on the “walk” of their life.  It is a terrific way to bond with your best friend and give him a chance to get some great exercise while enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors. Visiting new locations also helps to relieve boredom which may set in for a dog that has a usual routine walk each day. 

CAN ALL DOGS HIKE?

All dogs enjoy the new scents and sights of the trail, but some dogs are better suited to hiking than others. If you don’t as yet have a hiking companion, select a breed that matches your interests. If you enjoy a long day of hiking its important to know that your K9 friend is able to keep up with you. Some dogs, such as border collies, can hike for an entire day and still want more. On the other hand, a bulldog will need lots of breaks throughout the day, and will likely be quite happy with a much shorter walk. However, all dogs totally love the experience, and being aware of your dog’s limitations (and your own!) will make your return trip that much more enjoyable.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A HIKE

 There are a few simple common sense things to remember before heading out on an afternoon or a day hike with your pup. A full water bottle for you both ( at least a litre or more to share), a blanket and towel for your car’s protection against muddy paws, a leash, and some dog treats to help you with your recall from time to time on the trail to remind Fido that he still has to obey the rules. As well, knowing the weather and preparing accordingly with items such as sunscreen and a hat, or a toque and gloves. Remember, the weather at the hiking location may not be the same as it was at your house… if you’re unsure of an item, bring it and leave it in your car if you don’t need it once you arrive.

Weather

Hot humid summers do not do dogs any favors. With no sweat glands and only panting available to disperse body heat, dogs are much more susceptible to heat stroke than we are. Unusually rapid panting and/or a bright red tongue are signs of heat exhaustion in your pet. Always carry enough water for your hike. Even days that don’t seem too warm can cause discomfort in dark-coated dogs if the sun is shining brightly. In cold weather, short-coated breeds may require additional attention. The best time of year to hike is the spring and the fall.

THINGS TO BE AWARE OF ON TRAIL

Dogs won’t get poison ivy, but the oils from this little three leaved rash machine can get on a dog’s fur, and when she comes running for some pets, you can be easily get a rash from their fur. Also, some trail users may not be as responsible as we would hope, and broken bottles and sharp cans can sometimes be found along the trail. Most dogs don’t wear hiking boots, and a torn paw pad can put a painful end tour enjoyment.

TRUSTING YOUR DOG

The beauty of taking your dog into a forest for a hike is not having to worry about the road and dangers of cars. This is the perfect time to try walking off leash with your dog. Start by taking his leash off and allowing him to sniff and explore with you thru the trail. With lots of treats in hand use your recall tactics to occasionally call him back so he knows that he must keep you within paws reach. The more you trust your dog to enjoy his off leash time, the more he will reward you with great behaviour. If you see any animals or people walking by simply put the leash back until you have passed by. Trusting your dog off leash can be scary at first, but if you try it a little bit each time, you will develop a new and wonderful trust and bond with your dog that you never dreamed possible.

 Hiking with your dog is a wonderful way to take your dog on the “walk” of their life.  It is a terrific way to bond with your best friend and give him a chance to get some great exercise while enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors. Visiting new locations also helps to relieve boredom which may set in for a dog that has a usual routine walk each day. 

CAN ALL DOGS HIKE?

All dogs enjoy the new scents and sights of the trail, but some dogs are better suited to hiking than others. If you don’t as yet have a hiking companion, select a breed that matches your interests. If you enjoy a long day of hiking its important to know that your K9 friend is able to keep up with you. Some dogs, such as border collies, can hike for an entire day and still want more. On the other hand, a bulldog will need lots of breaks throughout the day, and will likely be quite happy with a much shorter walk. However, all dogs totally love the experience, and being aware of your dog’s limitations (and your own!) will make your return trip that much more enjoyable.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A HIKE

 There are a few simple common sense things to remember before heading out on an afternoon or a day hike with your pup. A full water bottle for you both ( at least a litre or more to share), a blanket and towel for your car’s protection against muddy paws, a leash, and some dog treats to help you with your recall from time to time on the trail to remind Fido that he still has to obey the rules. As well, knowing the weather and preparing accordingly with items such as sunscreen and a hat, or a toque and gloves. Remember, the weather at the hiking location may not be the same as it was at your house… if you’re unsure of an item, bring it and leave it in your car if you don’t need it once you arrive.

Weather

Hot humid summers do not do dogs any favors. With no sweat glands and only panting available to disperse body heat, dogs are much more susceptible to heat stroke than we are. Unusually rapid panting and/or a bright red tongue are signs of heat exhaustion in your pet. Always carry enough water for your hike. Even days that don’t seem too warm can cause discomfort in dark-coated dogs if the sun is shining brightly. In cold weather, short-coated breeds may require additional attention. The best time of year to hike is the spring and the fall.

THINGS TO BE AWARE OF ON TRAIL

Dogs won’t get poison ivy, but the oils from this little three leaved rash machine can get on a dog’s fur, and when she comes running for some pets, you can be easily get a rash from their fur. Also, some trail users may not be as responsible as we would hope, and broken bottles and sharp cans can sometimes be found along the trail. Most dogs don’t wear hiking boots, and a torn paw pad can put a painful end tour enjoyment.

TRUSTING YOUR DOG

The beauty of taking your dog into a forest for a hike is not having to worry about the road and dangers of cars. This is the perfect time to try walking off leash with your dog. Start by taking his leash off and allowing him to sniff and explore with you thru the trail. With lots of treats in hand use your recall tactics to occasionally call him back so he knows that he must keep you within paws reach. The more you trust your dog to enjoy his off leash time, the more he will reward you with great behaviour. If you see any animals or people walking by simply put the leash back until you have passed by. Trusting your dog off leash can be scary at first, but if you try it a little bit each time, you will develop a new and wonderful trust and bond with your dog that you never dreamed possible.

 I get asked all the time.. What is Skijoring? Can my dog Skijor? Is it difficult to learn? So here are the answers to your questions…

What is Skijoring?

Skijoring is the perfect Winter activity to get you and your dog working together. Simply put - cross-country skiing becomes Skijoring when you add a harness to you and one to your dog(s), and complete the sled team with a shock absorbing rope to connect you and your pup!  

What Equipment Do I need?

The great part about skijoring is you really don’t need that much gear. You will need basic cross country skiis, a harness for your dog; a skijoring belt for your waist; and a towline that connects you to your dog. We have tried most of the skijoring gear on the market and found a wonderful family business that makes fantastic skijoring gear. If you are interested we can order a set for you.

Will my dog enjoy it? Does my dog have to be a husky?

We have yet to meet a dog who didn’t love to skijor. From retrievers, to labs, to collies and ofcourse huskies they have a blast.  Our only suggestion is that your dog be atleast 40lbs.  Dogs enjoy the exercise, LOVE that they get to pull and their favorite part is the companionship with their "humans". From a dog’s perspective, skijoring is the chance to pull with permission and what dog wouldn’t love that! It also truly is a "bonding experience" for you both. After a day of working together as a team you will both be saying one word….MUSH!

How should I start?

We suggest trying skijoring with an adventure company (we offer several great Introductory skijoring adventures) We teach you all the basics that you need to enjoy a great skijoring adventure with your pup while having a great day with fellow pups and their humans.All Dog Paddling Adventures include delicious meals, all ski, skijoring equipment for both people and dogs, and services and instruction of a wilderness guide.  Once you have learned the basics I say buy some skijoring gear and make skijoring part of your winter fun! Now there is no excuse to hibernate all Winter!

Interested in more information? Check out our website for schedules and details!

Winter Fun With Your Dog

As the New Year begins and the snow starts to fall,  there’s an inevitable excitement in the air. The change in seasons offers an unprecedented, joyous adventure for puppies and their owners experiencing it together (for some pups it is their first time seeing and playing in snow). I remember the first time Jessie ran outside into a mountain full of snow! She sunk right in and could barely get out, but when she did she was so excited! We could not get her to come inside (it was so cute she was a puff of white snow!!)

Cooler weather and shorter days are accompanied by sounds and smells that bring back memories for us—and create brand-new experiences for our four-legged companions. For most of us shoveling snow is a mundane task one that we don’t typically enjoy, but next time you go to shovel bring your pup outside for the fun and watch through their puppy eyes just how much fun the Winter Season truly is!

Many of you may be tempted to hibernate in the Winter and let’s face it a lot of people would agree that its cold! But for our K9 friends there is nothing better than playing in the snow being with their human companions!  Jessie taught us pretty quickly how much fun you can have during the Winter and keeps us all in shape!

Winter Wonderland

Once winter arrives, dogs have even more new sights and sounds to explore. Watching your pup discover snow for the very first time is often a magical experience for both of you!

Most puppies will be curious about the snowfall, so explore together! Puppy’s first romp through the snow may be a tenuous adventure at first; the cold, wet, white “stuff” is completely foreign to him. But together, as you let him know it’s okay to walk on it, he’ll adjust to the snow and discover a whole new way to play! For some breeds their little paws develop ice pellets which can get very sore (but don’t let this discourage you, there are dog booties made in all sizes and they work great) We actually made our own out of fleece which worked well for dogs joining us on winter trips.

Playing fetch is even more fun when your puppy has to run through the snow, and he’ll love digging for sticks, balls or toys in the snow. Try making a snowball and letting your pup try and fetch that, even better throw a snowball up in the air and watch as they catch and eat it (personal favorite of Jessie’s) She also enjoys having us shovel and throw the snow up in the air, she loves trying to catch it! Now if only we could teach her how to shovel!

Skijoring

One of the best ways to get out and enjoy a day with your pup is to try skijoring! You may wonder what is this? Cross-Country skiing becomes Skijoring when you add a harness to you and your pup and complete the team with a shock absorbing rope to connect you and your pup.  Skijoring is great excersise and a ton of fun. For anyone who knows dogs - they LOVE to pull and skijoring allows them to do what they do best and have a ton of fun. Skijoring is a real team sport (so no you can’t stand there and let your dog pull you around) but as a team you really work together and let me tell you it is a wonderful bonding experience for both of you!  Whether you got for an hour or a day out your dog will be exhausted and excited by all the fun you had together!

Snowshoeing

Grab a pair of snowshoes, some doggy treats and a bottle of water and hit the forest! It is fun and fantastic exercise (the easiest part if for your dog who gets to run along side you off leash and having a blast) Together you can explore the forest and following the tracks left behind by other forest critters is a game for all to enjoy.

Still not convinced! Come join Dog Paddling Adventures on a 1 day adventure and see what everyone is raving about! Winter is here whether we like it or not, so get out and have some fun with your pup in the snow! We provide all of the gear, instruction and hot buffet lunch (all you have to do is dress warm and show up!) Trust me your dog will thank you!

Please visit our Winter page for more information on our trips.

Leave us a comment with a fun suggestion on how you and your pup beat the winter blues and you could win a 1 day adventure!!