Planning a Cross Country Ski Vacation for Everyone

If it's time to plan the family vacation – and everyone wants to go skiing, but what about your dog. Imagine cross country skiing with your family and your dogs.Don’t worry, cross country skiing isn’t as expensive as you might think, and there are many resorts that cater to families, offering a variety of packages designed to save you money. The problem will be choosing the destination that will accommodate the family dog.

Many ski resorts have websites that will state if dogs are allowed on the trails. Start the planning process by accessing these websites to determine where you and your family might want to go for your family ski vacation. There are many different things to look for when choosing a resort. The absolute most important thing to look for is a ski school if someone in your family needs instruction. While most resorts do have ski schools, some don’t.  Don’t make the mistake of choosing a destination where one or more of your family members won’t have fun,simply because they don’t know how to ski.

Next, take a look at the slopes, lifts, and trails. You want to make sure that the resort has something to
offer everyone in your family. If the resort only caters to beginners, an expert skier will become quickly
bored. If you have a snowboarder in your group, and there is no snowboarding park or terrain, that
snowboarder will not be happy. There are resorts that serve all winter sports – so make sure that your
families interests are covered.

Lodging is the next thing to look at. You want to be comfortable, so where you will sleep at night matters
a great deal. In most cases, there is a hotel right at the base of the slopes – but this isn’t necessarily the
best or most affordable place to stay and some hotel will not except dogs. Find out what your lodging options are for the area, and choose the one that is right for your family, your dog and your budget. If you will be staying farther away from the slopes, make sure that there is transportation to and from the slopes each day that also allow dogs!

Your family will have many more interests that you will need to search for before deciding on a particular
destination and resort. Some of those interests may be dog sledding, sleigh rides, snowmobiling,
snowshoeing, or horseback riding. Resorts do offer these activities, but some don’t – so be sure to ask
about the winter activities, as well as the planned events during the time that you will be at the resort.
This will help you plan a ski vacation that your family will enjoy and remember for the rest of their lives.

Dog Hiking Tips:

  

• Do not take your dog hiking on trails if he is not trained in basic commands. It is essential that you and your dog work together as a team.

• Go to a vet before taking on challenging hikes with your dog to ensure he is healthy. 
• Prepare your dog physically and mentally before going on long hikes. A few weeks before the trip, take him on walks or jogs to get him into shape and used to the distances and the difficulties of hiking outdoors.
• If you are planning on having your dog carry a dog backpack on the hikes make sure his pack is no more than 20 pounds. It is a good precaution to have your dog carry only non-breakable items. Only have your dog carry a pack if he is large/strong enough and capable of carrying it.
• While preparing your dog for hiking, have him wear his pack so he gets used to the feel of it. Gradually add items to his pack so that he becomes accustomed to wearing it with the extra weight.
• The pads/bottoms of a dog’s feet are quite soft and can tear or lacerate when exposed to rough terrain. To protect his feet and prevent this from occurring, you can have your dog wear booties. Nowadays you can purchase the original long term dog booties.
• If your dog has a tear on his pad make sure you wash your dog’s feet every evening and apply antiseptic ointment or rubbing alcohol to prevent infection and aid the healing process. You can also put a sock on his paw to keep it covered and protected.
• Pack extra food and water for your dog on your hiking trip as he will require more water and food than usual.
• Just as you burn energy on a hike so does your dog. Your dog will require plenty of clean water and extra calories on the hike so make sure you stop often to refuel your and your dog’s energy with water and snacks.
• Carry a food and water dish in either your or his pack; collapsible dog dishes are ideal when hiking as they are lightweight and easy to pack.
• Keep your dog restrained while hiking on the campsite grounds and trails. If hiking out of a public area, you may wish to have your dog off a leash, but please only do so if your dog is well-trained and obedient. If your dog is off the leash, he is more likely roam off, frighten people and/or animals leading to un-ideal situations. Be aware of your surroundings and the safety of your dog and others before taking your dog off the leash.
• An alternative to tying him up in the day/night by a long lead or tether is to have a portable dog pen to keep your dog in a designated area. Keep in mind that your dog will need supervision as they may not prevent your dog from escaping. If you have your dog outside your tent at night, try tying him up and then putting him inside the portable pet pen to enclose him as well as keeping potential wildlife away.
• Bring a leash and an extra leash just in case you loose or break one. You may want to bring one long leash as it gives your dog more space to explore and will not tangle in your pack.
• Pack a dog carrier to wear if you are hiking with a small dog that may not be able to keep up as well as a medium to large – sized dog.
• Pack a body cooler bandanna for your dog to wear in hot conditions. A body cooler bandanna is essentially a bandanna or piece of cloth which you can soak in water and then tie around your dog’s neck to help him stay cool. This cooling bandanna is not a substitute to him drinking water to stay cool, but may help him overall.
• You will value a towel when hiking with your dog as it is a guarantee that he will become wet and dirty and you will want to wipe him down.
• If your dog cannot keep quiet at night it is not wise to bring him hiking as he will disturb other hikers, campers and wildlife.
• Pack some treats and toys for your dog to enjoy on your hiking expedition. It is smart to pack only unbreakable toys that are easy to wash off such as balls, Frisbee or waterproof toys.
• Have a bed for your dog to sleep on in the day/night, whether in your tent or outside. Make sure your place down a plastic tarp under the bed to keep the cold and moisture from coming up into the bed.
• Make sure your dog always has access to shade and keep an eye out for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Here is more information on how to prevent and spot heat exhaustion and stroke in your dog.
• Never leave your dog’s poop on the trail as the next hiker may not see it and will not appreciate stepping in it. The best thing to do is bring along doggie cleanup bags dispenser with bags that you can pick up the waste and toss it in a trash can.
• Bring a First-Aid Kit for your Dog in case an injury occurs. 
• If hiking or camping in colder climates spray your dogs paws and under belly with a light cooking oil spray such as “Pam” to prevent snow from clumping in the paw crevices and in the fur of your dogs belly.

5 Tips You Need to Know Before Taking Your Dog Camping:

 My favorite family vacations involves camping with my dogs. Even if we only manage a weekend trip at a local camp site, I really enjoy the seclusion, and the time we spend together. But camping with your dog requires a bit more planning than just toss the tent and camping gear into the back of your car or RV. You need to remember not only your camping gear, but also what type of equipment that your dog will require at the campsite.

      Tip 1. Most campsite want the dog under control at all times:

      When you are at the campsite or walking around the camp grounds.  So remember to pack a leash. A 4-8 ft leash is perfect for the times that you are taking your dog out for a walk, but what about when you are cooking or relaxing and you don’t want the dog under your feet. This is where a tie-out or 15-20 foot leash will come in handy. You can stake the leash in the ground or wrap it around a tree so that the dog has some freedom, but will still stay in the confines of the camp site. If you are worried about your dog pulling to hard on the leash or escaping his collar, than you might want to purchase a harness that fits around the dog’s body instead of the neck or you can purchase an X-pen to keep your dog in one area, but not have to keep him on a leash.

      Tip 2.  Your dog will require food and water on the camping trip:

      I would recommend bringing at least two to three gallons of water from home just for your dog or purchasing several bottles of water before the trip. This will prevent your dog from becoming sick on the trip. Some dog just like people may have problems with the local water. Your dog food needs to be store in a safe container so that the wildlife doesn’t get into it. Remember to bring a food and water bowl for your dog too. A great way to give your dog water is with a portable bowl or water bottles made just for dogs. These can be used in the car, on a hike along with at the camp site.

    Tip 3.  Poop removal is a big issue at the campsite:

      Neither you nor your fellow campers want to smell that all day long. An easy way to handle that problem is with doggie disposable bags that you can remove the waste and throw it into a trash can. Another option is to bring a pooper scooper, but you will still need the bags if you plan to hike, walk or allow your dog to swim in any water around the campsite. No one wants to step in dog poop and it keeps the safe for any wildlife.

  

    Tip 4.   You need to think about where your dog is going to sleeps at night:

      Most camp grounds require that all dogs need to be inside at night. There are two way to handle this problem. If you know that your dog sleeps through the night on his own bed, then just bring the bed and place it inside the tent next to your sleeping bag. This way he has something familiar from home and it will help him settle down for the night. But if you are worried that he might try escape or jump around all night, then you can purchase a crate and let your dog sleep with out any fear of him getting out of the tent in the middle of the night.

     Tip 5.  Make sure that your pet is in good health and all vaccinations are updated:

      Before even considering taking your dog out camping or hiking with you, because you need to protect him along with the wildlife. Another thing that you might want to consider is the behavior of your dog. Does your dog follow basic commands like Sit, Down, Stay and the big one of all is Come. No one wants to spend their time out in nature chasing your dog out of there camp site, listening to a dog barking all night or running around a camp site trying to protect the wildlife from a dog. So make sure that you can control your dog at all time, because no matter how careful you think your being, dogs can find all kinds of way of slipping away from their owners. 

I have taken all three of my dogs camping at several State Parks. It a great way for us to included are dogs on a family vacation. So with just a little planning ahead you can have a great outdoor adventure with your dog that you’ll both remember and want to do again.

Camping With Your Dog!

Having a dog gives you an abundant supply of opportunities to do many activities that you cannot do with a cat. Most of us think of walking our dogs, going to the Dog Park, possibly boating (with proper equipment) and swimming as activities we can do with our dogs. But, how many of us have thought to taking our dogs camping with us? Dogs make wonderful camping companions as long as you preplanned your trip.
However, before we load up the dog and camping equipment into the car there are a few things to consider before going on that new adventure.

Traveling in the car with your dog has certain needs to be considered, especially if you are going to travel a fairly long distance. Many dogs travel very nicely in the back seat of the car and if your dog is one of those, that is fine. However, there are dangers in having a dog loose and not in a crate. In case of an accident it can be thrown out of the car, it can escape and run away when you open a door, or it can get under your feet or hit your arm while driving and cause an accident. I am a believer in crate traveling for all of those reasons and for my own comfort. How would you like a dog on your lap for a 10 or 12-hour drive?

Another consideration when traveling with your dog is you cannot expect to be a gourmet eater. Most restaurants will not allow dogs inside, except for service dogs and so fast food chains are the way to go. You use the drive through get your meal and you are on the road again. Even hotel accommodations create problems for leaving your dog alone, while you make a quick run for food. So it is usually room service or a pizza delivered unless you have someone with you that can run out and get take out.

If your dog is a puppy, you have to be aware that you will need to stop more frequently for potty breaks and a little exercise. Older dogs do not need as many frequent stops.

Some dogs suffer from stress when traveling by car, so you need to have something to provide stress relief. There is a product Farnam Pet Product's called Comfort Zone that contains D.A.P. (dog-appeasing pheromone) which comes in a spray to use inside the car and a diffuser to use in a motel room if necessary. It helps calm dogs down and it is a natural product and reminds dogs of their mommy. It can be found on the Internet and in most pet stores.

Also, you need to take along all your dog's regular food and treats and it is worth while taking along water your dog is used to drinking. Along with paper towels and plastic bags to clean up messes and of course, toys, leashes, an extra collar or two and a list of current shots and vaccinations.

It would be a good idea to take some pictures of your dog along, just in case it happens to run away when you stop and make certain you have all pertinent information on your dog's collar for that very same reason.

Camping is fun and if you are going dog less you can camp just about anywhere camping is allowed. However, with a dog you need to find campsites that allow dogs, many do not. Some dogs are allowed in camps, but not on trails, so call ahead and get all the necessary information about restrictions and what you need to bring with you.

If you find a good campsite and you can fulfill all the rules make certain you make a reservation. Nothing is worse than traveling all that way and finding all the spaces are full. Most campsites require proof of shots and vaccinations, so be certain you have up to date confirmation of your dog's information.
Finding dog friendly campsites and national parks takes some time. The Internet is a great source and there is a book on camping with your dog at DogFriendly.com that list all types of campsites that take dogs. National forests are probably the best place to look for dog friendly campgrounds. They usually require dogs to be kept on leashes at all times.

What else should you look for? Facilities are important, if you are using an RV, you need to have electric, water and sewer hook ups. If you are planning on tent camping, are there bathroom facilities and water or are you planning on roughing it?

Camping requires packing all sorts of things to make the trip pleasurable and it is the same for your dog. Make certain you take spare leashes, collars, food, treats, some toys, water, bowls, a tether stake, flea and tick stuff, a dog bed or crate, paper towels, plastic bags, first aid kit, tweezers for ticks and diarrhea remedy is also a good idea.

It would be wise to have an idea of where the nearest vet is just in case of an accident or some other mishap.
Once at the campsite, settle your dog in before you set up camp. If hiking on the trails is permissible, go for a short hike, if that is not possible tether your dog so it can watch what you are up to and settle in.
Once settled in your dog can help you locate wildlife to watch as they have a great sense of smell. However, do not let your dog interact with wildlife, either/or might get hurt and most campsites do not allow such interaction.

Try to keep your dog's routine as simple and as normal as possible and be careful when feeding your dog campfire food, diarrhea is not fun even on a camping trip. Follow as much of the "at home" rules as you can.

When considering taking your dog camping keep in mind, is your dog well behaved and does well with other dogs? Is your dog in good health and is your dog too young or too old. These are factors you should take into consideration, puppies younger than 18 weeks maybe too young to take on a camping trip as their immune systems have not kicked in and they could pick up certain diseases. If your dog is too old the stress of hiking and running just might be too much.

The secret here is you want your dog to have as much fun as you do, so make certain the dog and you are up for this new adventure. Happy Camping.


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The Joy of Hiking With Your Dog

One of the greatest pleasures you can share with your dog is a hiking excursion. Don't get me wrong, not all dogs are suited to hikes in the high country. But for those that are, it can keep them in great shape, keep you in great shape and forge a bond between you and your dog that many may never experience.

Just like us humans, our dog companions need to get in shape for hiking. Depending upon where and what type of hiking you plan to do will determine what type of training your dog needs. I would advise checking with your vet first before starting any type of training regimen. If you like taking short half-day hikes, you can start off by walking your dog around your neighborhood (this is good practice for any dog) short distances each day and gradually increase the mileage. A great place to take your dog for some fun is a dog park or off leash area where your dog will get exercise playing with other dogs or fetching a Frisbee or ball. Try a short hike with your dog, about 1-2 miles to see how they do. Gradually increase the hiking mileage to levels that you will normally hike. Check your dogs paws/pads if they are not used to being outside and get some dog booties if they have tender feet. The other training consideration is altitude acclimation. If you plan to hike in higher elevation terrain than your hometown, you and your dog will need to acclimate. Most hikes in southwest Colorado should be considered high altitude hikes and will require altitude acclimation which means you need to gradually adjust to the elevation. Take it slow, drink lots of water for the first few days until you become accustomed to the altitude.

Before departing on any hike with your dog, bring extra water with you if there are no streams or lakes along the way (to avoid the possibility of Giardia, a waterborne parasite, bring fresh water.) Even the most fit of dogs will become exhausted if they don't have enough water especially on a hot day. It's a good idea to consult trail maps for many obvious reasons but also to find out if there are streams, rivers or lakes along the way so your dog can cool off during warm summer months if they are so inclined. Keep in mind if your dog is a swimmer, to remove the pack before they plunge into the water and soak everything in the pack. Have food and dog treats with you too. Try Zuke's Power Bones to keep your active dog going. If you're taking a longer hike, think about getting your dog a pack to carry his or her own food and water.

When choosing a hike to take with your canine companion, make sure to do some research to find out if dogs are allowed on the trail (dogs are not allowed on trails in national parks,) but many state parks do allow dogs on the trail. Just check your particular destination to see if there are any restrictions. Even if you are hiking in an off-leash area, keep the leash handy in case you need to restrain your dog quickly due to other unfriendly dogs or wild animal encounters. Keep your dog on a leash at all times if they are not under your voice command. There have been many cases where deer and other animals have attacked dogs when they feel threatened. Keep your dog in site at all times when hiking for their safety and yours. There are trails out there where you need to determine if the hike is too risky for your dog because it's too steep, too rocky or too narrow or any number of other reasons. Research the hike thoroughly and find out if others have taken the hike with their dog. Assess your dogs abilities fairly and if you're in doubt about the hike, leave them safely at home or choose a different hike.

Hiking etiquette applies not only to humans but your dog as well. Give way to horses on the trail, preferably the low side of the trail. Keep your dog restrained while horses pass. Pick up after your dog. Don't let your dog race up to strangers (believe it or not, some people are afraid of a dog running at them.)
Just like for humans, there are many potential pitfalls when hiking in the back country or in your neighborhood. Use common sense, consult your vet about your dogs health prior to hiking and be prepared. Know your limitations and your dogs and enjoy the experience of hiking with your best friend in the great outdoors.

I live and spend time in Southwest Colorado and have a passion for hiking in the high country with my husband and our yellow lab Ginger. My website is focused on hiking information that includes reviews of hikes, maps and general hiking information, mountain towns with lodging and restaurant recommendations are included as well. Take a look http://www.coloradohikersguide.com

By Kimberly Aardal
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Dog Hiking - Building Up Your Dog's Stamina

When it comes to dog hiking, I've discovered that dogs need to prepare just as much as humans in order to be successful on the trail.

While descending Yamnuska one year, I came across a couple with a golden lab. The lab was sitting on a boulder and the man was trying to coax him along, but he refused to budge. The digital and metacarpal pads of his front paws had been torn and were hanging in clumps. The couple had taken the lab on a traverse of Yamnuska, and if you've ever scrambled there, you'll know that it's difficult to descend without sliding through thin layers of scree. I have a few scars myself from the slips I've taken on those slopes. I can't imagine a dog doing it for a first-time hike. The lab was also dehydrated; the couple had run out of water and were still above tree line. After learning that the lab belonged to the woman and that her new boyfriend had insisted they bring the dog along, and wondering if their relationship would survive this event, I passed around some water, gave some to the lab, and in what turned out to be one of the best workouts of my life, I carried an 80-pound dog off a mountain.

Dogs need to prepare for challenging hikes, just like humans. We wouldn't think to attempt an all day hike over challenging terrain without first building up to it. At best, it wouldn't be much fun, and at worst, we could get ourselves into serious trouble physically. It's the same with dogs. I imagine it took some time for the lab to recover from his injuries, and I'm sure the hike wasn't much fun for him.
When building up your dog's stamina for the trail, start with short hikes over easy terrain and build on that. If you have a big dog and cannot carry it any great distance (or at all), consider practicing on trails that are close to roadways, so that you can provide a vehicle rescue if needed.

I've seen some healthy, robust dogs over the years on some challenging, rocky trails, and when I talk to the owners, inevitably, they say that they have built their dogs' capabilities up over time. Dog hiking can be quite rewarding for both humans and dogs, but take the time to make sure it will be enjoyable and safe for all. Happy (dog) hiking!
Dave is a Canadian boy who is passionate about hiking and scrambling in Canada. Check out his blog at http://www.HikingCanadaRocks.com
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Winter Camping With Your Dog

Winter time can be a fun and challenging time for the camping enthusiast. So why not take your dog with you on this new adventure.Winter camping can provide new experiences and challenges that you both will grow to love. A couple things that you'll need to experience camping in the winter is your warmest down gear, a quality tent, a sleeping bag and plenty of camping food, along with any equipment your dog will need to keep warm and safe.
   
If you are planning to hike into a remote area in the winter then you may enjoy adding snow shoeing to your camping destination.  This provides you with a larger foot surface area to allow for easy walking on top of the snow. Another option is cross-country skiing to your favorite camping spot, but  if you are including your dog on these camping trips remember that he will need protection for his paws,a good hands free leash and towels to dry him off, along with his own water bottle and food. These items can be carried in a dog backpack  made just for dogs that can be purchased at any camping store or online.  This is a favorite of many camping aficionados.

When camping in the winter opposed to camping in the spring, summer or early fall you may see animals with their winter coats, but always keep an eye on your dog around any wildlife and frozen rivers or ponds. That way by camping in the winter as well as camping during other seasons you can go to the same spot and the scenery will have changed.  Not only will the leafy trees be stripped of all their leaves, but you will see birds that thrive in your camping area during the colder winter months.

To make winter camping more fun you will need to make sure you are able to stay warm.  To stay warm  you will want to bring a warm coat, thermal underwear, wool socks and gloves.  It is also a good idea to included a stocking hat, hand warmers and a heater in your camping gear. There are many types of camping heaters that your camping retailer will be able to show you and one of them will be perfect for inside your tent. You can set up a heater in the middle pf your tent, but make sure that it can't be knocked over by your dog or cause him to over heat. Sleeping bags are required in this type of weather so make sure you purchase a sleeping bag that is rated for the temperatures you will experience on your camping adventures and look for bedding or a sleeping bag that will keep your dog warm during the low temperatures at night.

When you first get up in the morning you may want to pull your clothing into your sleeping bag in order to warm them just a bit before putting them on.  Most tents for camping are well ventilated and do not hold in heat for very long.  To make your tent holds in the heat a bit longer, you may wish to throw an extra tarp over it and fasten it down with tent pegs designed for camping. This will also keep your tent dry from any snow that might fall from the trees.

You will find that fewer people end up camping in the winter, so you will most likely find your favorite camping location not only available but also very peaceful and quiet!  So if you like camping in peace and quiet with not a lot of other camping enthusiasts coming out to your favorite spots, then choosing to set up your camping area in the winter will work perfect for you.  Camping retailers will often have special deals in the slower winter months, so waiting to buy your camping gear until you are ready to go camping will not be a problem for you. So go out this winter to enjoy the peaceful bliss of nature by camping with your family, friends and dog.