How about winter sports for you and your dog?

It's easy to get into a couch potato way of life during the winter months.


Heck, even your dog would rather lie down in front of the fireplace or cuddle up to the wood stove than go outside when the temperatures start falling below zero!

Funny thing is... our furry companions are happy to follow our lead, no matter where we're headed!

So, why not bundle up and get outside into the fresh air? You might actually enjoy this type of exercise! Your dog will love it too.

A Cure For Cabin Fever

Winter brings all sorts of opportunities for outdoor activities. There are a couple of good fun winter activities you can share with your dogs too.

Some of the most beautiful scenery is waiting for you to explore and enjoy accompanied by bright blue skies and clean crisp snow.

Living in the Midwest, we know snow. We also know long winters. Which means if you want to go crazy real quick, try staying in the house all winter long wishing the snow would just go away.

This is often referred to as "cabin fever" -- that period of winter when you have nothing to do, and the walls of your house seem to be closing in on you.

Recreational dog sledding doesn't require a kennel of 50 dogs, as many professional teams keep. With as few as 3 dogs, an adult can hit the trail and comfortably travel. Even one dog is sufficient to pull young children on lightweight sleds for afternoon outings to enjoy the day outdoors.

No dog sledding events in your neck of the woods?...

You can still get into the spirit of dog sledding by taking your dog for a walk in the winter snow to the nearest park or sledding hill near you. Sometimes, watching others have fun in the snow is almost as much fun (if not more) than doing it yourself. And, as long as you walk to your destination, then you and your dog will be getting in some valuable exercise.

Another fun activity is Skijoring, an activity where all that is required is you, your dog and a pair of skis. Even small dogs will enjoy this outdoor activity.

Cross country skiing is a popular activity all throughout the snowbelt. Bring your dog along to enjoy the experience, and you'll find he's just as excited to help pull you along the trail. That's what Skijoring is all about!

With many organized skijoring events held throughout the winter months, you can choose to participate or simply be a spectator. Either way, the fresh air will do you good and help keep the winter blues at bay.

In the end, it's all about getting outdoors and getting some exercise -- with your dog. Once you get the blood moving, you'll feel better and the exercise will help to keep your body fit and and full of energy.

Skijoring takes a little training for the human and the dog, but there's no need for a specific breed. Skijorers recommend a dog weighing more than 40 pounds that can pull and get along with others.

If your dog likes to take you for a walk, that's probably a good skijoring dog.

You'll see people whose dogs are pretty well trained but can't very ski well. You'll see people that can ski and the dogs can pull. And then the pros you'll see they can ski and the dogs can pull.

In the sport of skijoring, it's hard to tell who likes to skijor more -- man or his best friend.

Look at it this way. You take your dog for a walk, you take your dog hunting. Seldom do you work so close together. Bundle up in layers, stay warm, and go out there and enjoy!