Dog Walking In Winter

New challenges and new opportunities await the wintertime dog walker. My dog is a Brittany spaniel named Skeet who is four years old, has all kinds of energy, and loves to be out sniffing and snorting in the snow. Before we are off on a stroll, I always nonchalantly stand around a bit waiting for her to do her business in my yard. This usually works but don’t forget the little plastic bag. When she is finished, I show her the leash and after bouncing around all scatterbrained and happy,she heels and I attach the leash. I try to walk her twice a day but that always depends on the weather. Here are a few tips you might consider before you start on your winter dog walk.

*Clothing: Remember dog walking is exercise so dress properly. A drink of water before you start is a good idea. Some dogs need a sweater in cold temperatures, always know the weather conditions before you start.

*Walking stick: I normally take a walking stick with me in the winter. Actually, it’s an ice fishing tool with a sharp metal edge on one end and a broom on the other. Its purpose is to clear or clean out the hole in the ice before you get down to some serious fishing. I cut the broom end off and use the metal at the bottom to test any ice we come across. It also reminds me to look down. Falls can happen when you’re constantly gazing at the sky or the beauty of winter on the trees and houses.

*Length of walk: In summer, we usually do a mile or so but in winter it’s a timed walk of about thirty minutes. Often a winter walk is a pokey walk where she spends most of the time scratching at the snow. She’s uncovered a couple of mice that way. I don’t think the length of the walk really matters to her. Twice a day, she gives me that bored look and is thrilled with a short jaunt down the road and back.

*Be courteous: The roads are narrow in the winter so I have to be always on the lookout for oncoming traffic. She is trained to sit and stay when a vehicle approaches. I always wave at the motorist and get a smile in return, thanking me for having my dog under control--usually.

*Winter walking opportunities: We live near a lake and I often let Skeet loose on the ice, giving her a chance to really unwind. A Brittany running is a beautiful sight. If the guys or gals are out fishing, I keep her on the leash. I don’t want her running off with someone’s prize togue. There also might be other dogs around protecting what belongs to them.

Back at the house, I inspect her paws for ice crystals and clear any winter snow that’s packed to the feathers that stream from her lanky legs. Naturally, a treat follows.

One of my favorite dog stories involves a retired English teacher and her minister. She apparently was a fan of Charles Dickens, naming her little Jack Russell, Pip. When Pip passed on, she asked the minister if it was possible for Pip to go to heaven. The poor preacher gave her a mini-sermon on the riches of heaven and the temporary chaff we call riches on earth. But she continued to ask. Finally, he rolled his eyes and told her that God loved her and knew her needs and if she couldn’t be happy in heaven without Pip, God would make sure Pip was there in heaven with her.

I like that.

TRIVIA

What are the top 10 most popular dog names?

Answer below

 10 Most Popular Dog Names For 2010

1.Bella

2.Bailey

3.Max

4.Lucy

5.Molly

6.Buddy

7.Maggie

8.Daisy

9.Charlie

10.Sophie