5 Ways to Make a Cat Exercise
Cat obesity is a serious health problem. Besides a well-balanced diet, exercise is a great way to fight it. However, making a cat do that might not be as easy as it is with a dog.
Katarina Vigodová advises on how to prepare for skiing with a dog (part 1)
Winter is showing off in all its glory. And winter sports fans are setting off for the mountains. They're often accompanied by their four-legged friends. Especially more and more popular is becoming ski mountaineering. Furry companion's presence is becoming more common also on cross-country trails. We asked Katarina Vigodová, a Slovak musher, how to prepare before setting off skiing with your dog. She advises owners not to overestimate their abilities.
What would you advise someone who is preparing to set off with their dog for the first time?
It's definitely better to have previous experience in ski mountaineering and therefore be aware of what's to come. This way we can concentrate on enjoying spending time with the dog, rather than fighting to survive. A small practice beforehand or a more careful start is definitely recommended. The trail should be chosen based on our abilities, and its profile and difficulty adapted accordingly.
I presume a classic lead isn't enough. What equipment is required?
For skijoring, it's good to have skating cross-country skis and a hipbelt that offers freedom of movement. Also a long bungee rope to ensure a sufficient distance between the end of the skis and the dog's back paws. Usually a classic 2.8 m log bungee rope, used also for scooters or bikejoring, is enough. A suitable dog harness goes without saying. It should be the length of the dog's back.
What shouldn't the owner forget to pack for the dog?
It's important not to forget about the unpredictability of the weather and pack a warm layer for ourselves as well as for the dog. Having dog shoes in our pocket is alpha and omega whether we're planning to do a 5 km long loop on cross-country skis or an all-day trip. The change in snow conditions or an unexpected injury can always surprise us. It's good to be prepared and have shoes for all 4 paws, which will save the dog in case of an injury or prevent an injury on hard, frozen snow.
You've mentioned injured paws from the snow. What if the dog cuts itself on the edge of the ski?
It's recommended to take a small first aid box on longer trips. Take at least Coban - which is an elastic dressing that can stop bleeding in case the dog, despite all the precautions, cuts itself on the side of the skis.
Should the dog's nutrition be changed before, during or after the workout? And how?
It's a training or a trip like any other, so just keep feeding them like you're used to during training or when going for a trip. Don't underestimate hydration and always take a snack with you on longer trips. Ideally it should be small in size but high in energy value. Nobody likes running with a full stomach.
Thank you very much, Katka, for today's introduction to how to get ready for skiing with a dog. Next time, we're going to continue with how to move with your dog when you get out there.
Related articles
What Life with Wolves Looks Like – From the Perspective of Jiří Andrle
Wolves are very different from dogs in many aspects. Apart from their more or less different appearance, they did not experience long domestication and breeding. Jiří, a longtime breeder and owner of wolves, will answer our questions about how he...
Options for Protecting Your Pets from Ticks
The tick season is here and if you haven’t done so far, it’s about the time to start protecting your pet. What options do we have, what are the differences between the individual possibilities and what do I see as their advantages and disadvantages?
Mondioring or Dog Circuit Training
Mondioring, even though it can seem easy for those who don’t know it, is undoubtedly one of the most difficult cynological sports. A dog has to be able to work focused for up to 45 minutes, be perfectly controllable and and handle everything in an...
Portraits of Popular Breeds at Home and Abroad: Tibetan Mastiff
These majestic dogs with a long history seem intimidating at first glance. However, with proper socialization and upbringing, they are pleasant and loyal companions. They are very intelligent and independent. Breeders Antonín Kadlec and Lenka...
Dog trainer Petr Zoubek Gives Advice on How to Use Electronic Collars When Training Dogs
An electronic collar can be very helpful for training and keeping your dog safe. However, we need to know how to set it up and use it correctly. Thanks to that, no shocks might be even needed. I asked Petr Zoubek, a hunting dog trainer, about the...
Even Dogs Can Be Allergic to Pollen
This time of the year is connected, besides enjoying sun and awakening nature, with annoying allergic reactions for many. However, has it ever occurred to you that your dog companion could be allergic to pollen as well? How can you recognize it and...
How to Start with Agility – Tips from Juraj Ruža, a Trainer
Have you been thinking about starting with agility and you have nothing but questions in your mind and can’t make the final decision? Is this sport for my doggie? And is it even for me? How and when should we start? I asked Juraj Ruža, an agility...
Portraits of Popular Breeds at Home and Abroad: Thai Cat
Cats of this breed are very intelligent, communicative and mainly sociable. They create a really strong bond with people. Besides their nice nature, they are also attractive thanks to their exotic and noble appearance.
How to Take Care of Your Dog after a Walk During the Pandemic
During this time, we pay attention to stricter sanitary measures. As we come home, we took off our clothes and shoes and wash our hands. If a dog comes with us, we shouldn’t forget about it as well. It may happen the dog brings the virus to our home....
What Raising Kittens Involves – Insights from Helena Rückerová, a Breeder
Spring is here and kittens are born. It might be something new for many of us. Let’s have a look at this topic with a Siberian cat breeder, Helena Rückerová. We will learn what kittens need in their first moments after they are born and how we can...
How to Celebrate Easter with a Cat
It’s clear that Easter this year won’t be the same as we are used to and we have to give up on some traditions. We will be at home with our loved ones, so why not to engage our cat companions?