Bringing Your Dog on a Ski Trip
Thursday, January 18, 2018 03:26:24 PM America/Los_Angeles
Bringing your dog with you for your next ski trip doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With proper planning, you’ll be able to make your next trip enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.
If you’re a serious skier and you plan to ski all day long on your trip, it’s probably best to leave your dog at home. You don’t want your dog left alone for long periods of time in a new and strange place. This can make your dog act destructively and may put your dog under a lot of stress.
If you can set aside a good chunk of time for your dog on your ski trip, bringing your dog with you can be an enjoyable experience. Here are some basic tips to ensure that your dog is as happy and as comfortable as they can possibly be on your trip.
3 Tips for Bringing Your Dog on a Ski Trip
1. Find dog-friendly ski resorts
This is obviously first and foremost. Whether you’re planning on going to a lodge, hotel, or resort, you must make sure that they can and are willing to accommodate your pets. Ski resorts are now just starting to treat dogs as guests, going as far as providing room service for your dog, offering special pet menus featuring grilled chicken or beef. Room service may also offer gourmet treats, toys and bath treatments for your dog. Some locations offer on-site grooming and petting sitting services and even special massages for your beloved four-legged friend.
These dog-friendly accommodations often have hard floors, making pet clean-ups super easy. When it’s time to leave your dog in your room for a few hours, you may want to take some precautions to protect furniture just in case your dog gets a little restless or has to go to the bathroom. Old blankets or sheets can be draped over the furniture in the room to give it a layer of protection. An indoor potty for dogs would be a safe bet just in case your dog has to go.
If you decide to invest in a dog bathroom or dog potty, you should train your dog to use these items before you go on your trip. You cannot expect your dog to hold it in until you come back. If your dog has to go, it’s best to give them something to go in so they don’t go wherever they want.
2. Ensure your dog is at least somewhat house-trained
Housebreaking your puppy can take up to a year to do. It would be extremely difficult to bring a dog who hasn’t been house-trained yet. Before you go on your trip with your dog, try to give them a feeding schedule and adhere to that even when you are on your trip.
Depending on your resort or lodge, beautiful and easy-to-do walking trails may be available for you to take your dog on walks. Research the available walking trails for each accommodation and make sure your dog would be able to handle that trail.
Depending on the size of the dog and the breed, some dogs may not be able to handle all resort or lodge trails available to them. You’ll want to at least walk your dog every morning and before bed, so they are given the chance to go to the bathroom outside. If you plan on being gone for most of the day, keeping pee pad alternatives, such as a DoggieLawn, in your room may be a wise idea. Especially if your dog isn’t fully house-trained and doesn’t have full control over his bladder yet. Your room will be checked to ensure that the room hasn’t been damaged or changed once you’ve check-out. Protect this space as best you can.
3. Hit the trails with your dog
If your dog is tiny and you’re worried about them going through tall snow, you may wish to get a dog backpack to carry your dog around so they can enjoy the outdoors. Some lodges offer leashes and dog backpacks so you can take your dog outside.
If your dog is a bit more athletic, you may wish to take some time to train them to go on some of the easier slopes and cross-country ski trails with you. For your dog, skiing is going to be an off-leash activity. Definitely, practice good trail manners. If your dog goes to the bathroom while you’re skiing, make sure you pick it up. You do not want your dog’s poo to stick to others’ skis.
Also, make sure your dog responds very well to your voice. You don’t want your dog running all over the trails, getting in the way of the other skiers. Train your dog to stay at the side of your to prevent accidental injuries.
Be mindful of potential trappers outside meant to catch animals such as coyotes and beavers. It’s easy for your dog to get caught in one of these trappers. If this happens, be prepared to act quickly in releasing your dog from the trap.
If your dog shivers or trembles when he goes outside in the snow, a lightweight dog coat would do just fine to make sure they stay warm.
Try to map out what your days will look like with your dog on your ski trip. This will allow you to make a list of the essentials you’ll need to keep your dog content and calm throughout your trip.
