Maddie, Patch, Mishi and Marius, during one of their daily winter outings.

Photo by Liz Spieser

-John

It's cold! People everywhere seem to be rushing, from house to car, car to office or store, then hopefully back home again where it's warm. Not much stopping and chatting, no lingering to smell the roses, as the roses have all died back for the year. And, when it comes to who's going to take the dog out, well, don't all jump up at once!

Attitude is everything when it comes to the cold, in my book. Sure, I sometimes go out, tensed and shivering, anxiously waiting for the dogs to do their business so that I can get back inside ASAP. I don't enjoy this, and it's not very exciting for the dogs either. But I have discovered another way — taking the dog out can actually warm you up!

Here's how I make taking care of the dogs in the winter work for me too:

First, I layer up. No really, I mean layer up. I think most people who get cold in the winter just aren't wearing enough, period. I'm talking long-johns, pants and lined overalls. Cotton socks, wool socks, topped with winter boots. Countless shirts, sweatshirts and my down coat. Scarf, mittens, and at least one hat, if not two. If it's icy out, I'll put on some YakTrax as well.

There's no choice at this point but to get right outside with the dogs, because it's getting hot inside with all these layers on.

On my walk, I walk briskly, or sometimes even run with the dogs. Whatever I do I try to make sure to keep moving. This gets my heart rate up, my blood pumping, and keeps my feet from getting cold (if my feet get cold, it's all over). The dogs seem to pick up on my “on the go” energy and act extra-charged themselves.

Now, we usually walk our dogs off-leash on our property, but this applies to leash walks as well. Your dog can sense your fired-up attitude, just as he can sense when the walk is just drudgery. If you are engaged in the walk, not just getting through it, both you and your dog will enjoy the walk more and come home satisfied.

That brings me to the final step: getting home. When I walk back through the door, into my nice, cozy house, I feel satiated and accomplished. My cheeks are chilly but rosy from the cold, and I need to warm my fingers by our wood stove. The warmth of the house seems somehow more valuable after braving the bitter, blustery outdoors. The dogs settle in quickly, and I know that we'll all sleep well tonight.

Getting exercise regularly outdoors keeps me acclimated to our Michigan winters. Okay, there are a few negative-degree days here and there that are too much for me, and even too much for the dogs. Other than that, pretty much no matter what the elements are up to, these buggers inspire me to be active, and for that I am grateful. They make my winter fun!

A few brief safety points:

Of course, every dog is different. Many small dogs, or dogs with short fur cannot tolerate extreme cold without a jacket, or for extended periods of time. Some dogs need booties in the ice and snow. Even with these special needs or limitations, it is still possible to make the best out of a walk, even if you have to keep it short and sweet.

If your dog is a puller, this can be dangerous in the winter. You may want to consider training; I have heard way too many stories of dogs pulling down their owners in the ice and snow.

Watch out for salted sidewalks if walking in neighborhoods. Use booties, or try to keep your dog's paws on the grass whenever possible, as salt can leech into the pads and hurt them.

-by Liz Spieser

John Spieser is a professional dog trainer and owner of Dogheart. He can be reached at john@doghearta2.com.