Just because there is snow on the ground, doesn’t mean the adventuring stops! Before you head out into the woods, take a list of some essentials.

Photo Credit: Kelsey Hendersen

Not pictured? Leashes. Even if you know your bubs will be frolicking happily off leash down the trails, always have your leash! You may not need it, but it’s better to have it.

Photo Credit: Kelsey Hendersen

Now, of course, if you’re heading on a full hike, your list should be a little bigger, and include things like flashlights and snacks. But if you’re just going for a mid day stroll, this list is for you.

• GPS Trackers – you often hear of dogs getting lost in the winter chasing deer or getting stuck someplace. Truthfully, the idea of this happening to my dogs gives me anxiety! These Tractive devices have been a game changer. Although, at times a little glitchy, in general I have a pretty good idea of where they’re at. It also measures the distance travelled, so you can see how much exercise the pups are getting. This particular model comes with a “virtual fence” you can set up in the app, and if the dogs leave the boundary you get an alert right to your phone. There are loads of options on the market, but I have it under good authority (from a professional who’s tried them all) that Pod Tracker is the best.
• Bright Collars – making bubs running through the bush easy to spot since… well, a long time. All dogs should be wearing some sort of bright colour wherever hunting is legal (like Myra Canyon) to ensure no accidents. We actually strap this NiteIze reflective collar on as an extra: call me paranoid, but what if we come across a lost dog? Stranger things have happened, and I would rather be prepared.

Photo Credit: Kelsey Hendersen

• Paw Balm – I have talked about the importance of paw balm on my blog before, but it is especially important if you’re going on a longer walk. This one, Musher’s Secret, goes on like Vaseline, and I find the best for hiking. A good coat of this will keep your dogs’ paws from sticking to cold ice and snow, and helps with the snowballs that sometimes accumulate between pads. Alternately, you can pick up a good pair of dog booties (Ruffwear carries our favourite set).
• Battery Phone Case – or some sort of extra battery for your phone. If there is ever an emergency, the last thing you want is for your phone to be doing that thing where it freezes to death even though it had 80% battery left when you left the house. A battery pack will run you about $60 (give or take), which is much less expensive than a new phone, and worth every penny. The one pictured, I ordered from Amazon, and it’s been great.
• A Hat (with a brim) – this might seem weird to include, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been out walking the dogs in winter when all of a sudden it’s snowing harder than it has all winter and I am left trying to keep my eyes open, blindly stumbling back to the truck.

Photo Credit: Kelsey Hendersen

• Bear Bell – this should be the first thing you buy off this list if you don’t already own one. It’s main purpose, of course, is to make noise so bears (and whatever other critters are hanging around) know that your gang is coming through. Most wildlife is avoiding you at all costs, so give them a heads up to move on. I love bells because I can also hear where my dogs are at if they’ve gone running ahead, and other hikers know they’re coming too. If you can find ones shaped like a cowbell, those are the best ones (the only ones I have been able to find are at Bass Pro). The round kind you’ll find in most stores work great, but sometimes get snow stuck in them and stop making noise.
• Boot Spikes – if you don’t own a great pair of hiking boots, this set of spikes will simply slip on over whatever boots or shoes you’re wearing and keep you from sliding down that little hill. You can find something similar at places like MEC, Sport Chek, or Mark’s Work Warehouse.
• Dog Backpack – adding a backpack to your walks and hikes gives your dog a sense of purpose, makes them work harder, and means they can carry their own water! In our family, specifically, we have a black dog who is often mistaken for a bear or wolf while barrelling through the bush, so he wears bright orange at all times, to avoid him being mistaken for wildlife. He also has much higher energy levels than our shepherd, so adding the backpack with some weight means he exerts more energy on the same walk. Plus, we are never without water on our outings (and you shouldn’t be either).
• A Lighter – for emergencies.
• Bear Spray – if you do happen to run into something you don’t want to, you’ll wish you had some way to defend yourself. You can pick a can up at any outdoor store such as Canadian Tire, Atmosphere, or MEC.

Photo Credit: Kelsey Hendersen

Happy Trails!

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