Carolina Mountain Dog

How to Snow Shoe with Your Dog

By Sarah Ritchie for Exceptional Canine

Snowshoeing with your dog is a unique and fun way to get out and enjoy the snowy winter months. And it’s not just for the big breeds. My Chihuahua, which hates rain, will eagerly leap out of the car when we arrive at the mountain for some snowshoeing action. It’s a great workout for yourself and your dog. However, there are some things both you and your dog will need to make it a safe and comfortable adventure.

What You Will Need

• Warm layers you can peel off if you start to sweat
• Waste bags
• Snacks
• A cell phone, in case of emergencies
• A map of the area, if available

What Your Dog Will Need

• Water and a travel dish
• Treats
• A jacket (for smaller dogs)
• Shoes (not all dogs need these; they can cause smaller breeds to slip)
• A backpack (it’ll add to your dog’s workout, and it provides a handy place to store treats and bags)
• A small waterproof mat to sit on during a break

Take Precautions and Be Flexible
In addition to bringing all the right equipment, you’ll want to research the area in which you’ll be snowshoeing. Know the route in advance and plan for a trip that can be shortened if need be. Snowshoeing is a rigorous sport, so make sure you and your dog do not hike out too far without the energy to return back. Even if you are familiar with the area, if this is your dog’s first time snowshoeing, you’ll want to limit your actual time out in the woods until you know how your dog responds to the new environment. Check in advance to ensure that dogs are permitted in the area where you are going to snowshoe.

Other Factors to Consider
Snow might clump in your dog’s paws and cause discomfort. Stop regularly to see if this is happening and to clean your dog’s paws. Also:

• Keep your dog on-leash: Snow may mask scents, causing your dog to become disoriented
• Be on the lookout for animal tracks and any other wildlife activity
• Stay on well-marked trails
• Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return

Being well-prepared will make this a more enjoyable new experience for both you and your dog.

Photo: @iStockphoto.com/lightpix

Exceptional Canine expert Sarah Ritchie is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys writing about her many West Coast adventures with her two spirited mixed-breed rescue dogs, Tiggy and Holly. Her website is WestCoastDogs.com.

New Year, New Advertisers

We're pleased to welcome several new local advertisers as we begin 2012. You'll see their ads to the right of blog posts under the heading, "SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS." And we hope you will do just that -- show them your support! Just click on each ad and you'll be taken to the advertiser's website. Here is a little about them:
Patton Avenue Pet Company
A "new breed of pet supply store" in Asheville that features high quality products, many of which are locally sourced.
Bed and Biscuit Pet Spa
WNC's premier dog and cat boarding facility, in an idyllic setting in Black Mountain.
Best Bites for Pets
A free delivery service for the Asheville/Hendersonville/Brevard area focused on only natural food, treats and more.

Image: Grant Cochrane / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Camp Unleashed, Hendersonville, Sept. 22-25

Registration is open now for Camp Unleashed, a 4-day weekend retreat for dogs and their owners from September 22 through 25. It will be held at Blue Star Camps in Hendersonville, NC, a 500-acre estate and children's camp.

Here's a description of Camp Unleashed from the organization's website: "Hike through the cool, lush mountains. Discover your dog’s talents at Agility, Dock Diving and Nose Work.   Paint your inner dog at Barks & Crafts.  Learn new tricks with your dog and try out Treibball, the new 'urban herding' activity.  Canoe together in the lake, meet new friends, hear the latest on dog behavior and nutrition, and howl around the evening campfire.  All in a safe, friendly atmosphere with your dog."

Camp Unleashed offers a $25 discount for dogs who have been adopted from shelters or rescue groups. For more information about this unique program and to register, visit: http://campunleashed.com/Asheville.html

CANINE CRUISIN': Lake James State Park, NC

If you're looking for a dog-friendly escape that combines both trails and the splendor of a large lake, give Lake James State Park a try. An easy 45 minutes or so east of Asheville on Route 40, Lake James is over 6,500 acres with more than 150 miles of shoreline.

Lake James features boating and swimming, but it is surrounded by a state park that also includes four hiking trails appropriate for leashed walks. Two of the trails extend out to overlooks so you can get a great view of the lake. Sandy Cliff Overlook Trail is just half a mile and Lake Channel Overlook Trail is 1.5 miles. Fox Den Loop Trail is 2.2 miles. All of these trails are considered moderate. Fishing Pier Trail, at .3 mile, is easy.

For directions and a link to a map of the park, visit the Canine Cruisin' page.

POOCH PATHS: Singing the Praises of Bent Creek

Easily accessible via the Blue Ridge Parkway and not far from I-26 is a true natural gem -- Bent Creek Experimental Forest. The forest is right off Brevard Road (Rt. 191) south of Asheville. It encompasses nearly 6,000 acres of forest and streams, is home to the North Carolina Arboretum, and includes the Lake Powhatan recreational area (swimming, fishing and camping).

Bent Creek is also as close as you can get to doggie heaven. There are miles and miles of trails appropriate for hiking and biking -- everything from wide former logging roads to narrow dirt paths that meander through the woods or take ambitious hikers high into the mountains. An added bonus during the summer is that many of the trails are shaded and cool.

Dogs love the smells, sounds and running creeks. While dogs should technically be on leash (and they must be leashed at Lake Powhatan), many owners seem to feel comfortable allowing their dogs to explore off-leash. If you use trails that are not near to the Lake Powhatan area, chances are you your dog can enjoy a memorable off-leash experience, as long as he or she is well-behaved and returns when called. (Tip: Hunting is allowed in Bent Creek during the fall. Don't allow your dog off-leash during hunting season. Watch for a sign indicating the dates for hunting season posted near the entrance to Bent Creek, opposite the service entrance of the NC Arboretum.)

There are so many trails and access points that it is difficult to recommend any one or mention them all. The best thing to do is explore on your own since trails are well-marked. You can also make use of the trail map which you can download here.

You'll find that Bent Creek is especially popular (and frequently crowded) on weekends. To avoid the crowds, Carolina Mountain Dog's advice is to drive past all of the obvious entry points to Bent Creek. Go beyond the entrance to Lake Powhatan and continue on the dirt road that curves around to the right. You'll see another access area to the right, but keep driving down the dirt road, which curves to the left. Continue a mile or two and you'll find several more access points with small parking areas to the left and right. Many less-traveled trails are off this road.

Asheville Yappy Hour-June 9

Join Asheville Humane Society at its first Yappy Hour of the summer season at Laughing Seed Café in downtown Asheville on Thursday, June 9. It's a social for dogs!

Drop in anytime between 6-8 PM for a drink and some visiting with other dog lovers. Pooches can sniff and mingle while munching arf d'oeuvres provided by Three Dog Bakery and slurping doggie daiquiris. For a $10 donation, human companions can relax with their beloved pooch while enjoying vegetarian appetizers and sipping beer, wine or soda. Dogs are admitted free with their people."

Laughing Seed Cafe is located at 40 Wall Street in Asheville with additional information at www.laughingseed.com.   

Dog Mushing with a Dog-Powered Scooter

Ever dream about competing with your dog in the Iditarod -- the great dog sled race? Here's something you can do that may not come close to that experience, but it will give you the sense of what it's like to do dog mushing.

Mark Schuette in Oregon has invented the unique dog-powered scooter, dog-powered trike, and dog-powered skateboard. He says they are the first dog-powered devices that place a dog behind the steering wheel and give humans precision steering control of the dog with virtually no training. As a result, any dog in good shape and any rider can get the experience of dog mushing.

These products are ideal for high drive dogs of 35 lbs. or more, although Mark has custom fit small dogs too. "If they pull on a leash then they are good candidates for my systems," says Mark.

Take a look at all the models available at http://www.dogpoweredscooter.com/. They are safe and more practical than using a bicycle for unlimited exercise with excellent control.

Sounds like just the thing for a day of fun and excitement for you and your dog (or dogs)!

Take a Hike!

The Spring is an ideal time to take a hike with your dog in the Carolina mountains.

For some great local spots, be sure to check out our POOCH PATHS section where you'll find some easy and fun walks and hikes. If you're feeling ambitious, take a look at the CANINE CRUISIN' section to discover some hiking and recreational opportunities a little further afield.

Also check out the website, HikewithYourDog.com, for links to state parks, forests, lakes, and more.

For North Carolina hikes go to: http://hikewithyourdog.com/page2/page319/page319.html

For South Carolina hikes go to: http://hikewithyourdog.com/page2/page326/page326.html

Indognation - Dog Walking and Training

A recent article in the Asheville Citizen-Times likened Gary Strasburg to "WNC's dog whisperer," referring to the acclaimed Cesar Millan of Dog Whisperer fame, who manages to get just about any dog to be calm and obedient.

Gary runs a different kind of service for dog owners, combining training with off-leash hikes in the forest (but only after he gets to know and trust each dog in his care). Through his business, Indognation, Gary offers guided walks such as group adventures, solo runs, short leashed group jaunts, and short leashed solo strolls. His training sessions include "the reform hike," "solo rehab walks," day training and private training.

Gary is part dog behaviorist, part dog trainer, and part dog recreation director. You can learn more about what he can do for your dog by visiting the Indognation website or calling (828) 335-1140.

New! Asheville Doggie Guide in Kindle Format

The Second Edition of the Asheville Doggie Guide is now available as an eBook for Kindle for only $5.99. Kindle eBooks can also be viewed on an iPad or iPhone using the free Kindle app available in the Apple App Store.

The Asheville Doggie Guide, published by Carolina Mountain Dog in assocation with the Asheville Humane Society, is chock full of useful information for WNC dog lovers. Covering Buncombe and Henderson Counties, the guide is the most comprehensive up-to-date listing available of pet-friendly accommodations, adoption organizations, dog bakeries and boutiques, boarding facilities, dog-friendly campgrounds, doggie daycare, dog parks, emergency services, groomers, dog sitters, dog therapy, hiking trails, pet stores, veterinarians -- hundreds of listings with names, locations, phone numbers and website addresses.

The 160-page Asheville Doggie Guide includes a bonus section of material that represents the best of Carolina Mountain Dog. You'll find pages and pages of information reprinted from this blogazine listing favorite Canine Cruisin' locales, Pooch Paths and lots more.

Get the Kindle version of the Guide for just $5.99 here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SHJEH6
Purchase the regular eBook edition (file download) or printed version here: www.ashevilledoggieguide.com.

CANINE CRUISIN': SC Botanical Garden

Before the heat of summer sets in, why not take an excursion to a beautiful dog-friendly place in the Upstate where there are miles of nature trails and woodland hikes?

Pay a visit with your pooch to the 295-acre South Carolina Botanical Garden at Clemson University in Clemson, SC, where on-leash dogs are welcome. You can choose from the Belser Native Wildflower Trail through the Woodland Wildflower Garden, where you'll see plenty of native wildflowers that bloom starting in early spring, or the Heusel Nature Trail, located in the oak-hicory forest beyond the Arboretum. There are other trails along Hunnicutt Creek, which connect natural areas of the Garden and offer meadow vistas. The Arboretum loop road is another popular walk.

The South Carolina Botanical Garden is open every day, dawn to dusk, and admission is free. Visit the CANINE CRUISIN' page for directions and further information.

New Herding Club in WNC

A new all-breed herding club, the "That'll Do Club," has been formed by Vicki Hughes of Possum Hollow Farm in Rutherford, NC. Vicki runs herding clinics for dogs and started the club for anyone who has a sincere interest in herding. Any level of handler is encouraged to join. The club plans to maintain a Facebook page.

Memership dues for the club are $15 for an individual and $20 for a family. Membership payments should be sent along with an application to Robin Taylor, 370 CC Lovelace Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139. The membership application will be posted on the Possum Hollow Farms website under "Stockdog Services." 

Benefits include a $5 discount on herding clinics and free admission to Free Club Fun Days held at Possum Hollow Farm. The first Fun Day will be on Saturday, March 26 starting at 10 AM.

Restaurants and Your Dog

A surprising number of dog lovers would like to take their dogs with them to restaurants. This is not an impossible dream. While it is rare (and sometimes illegal) for restaurants to permit dogs inside the premises, restaurants with outdoor dining facilities are often accommodating to dog owners, as long as local ordinances do not prohibit dogs from being in restaurants.

Happily, many restaurants in the Carolina mountains welcome dogs in outdoor seating areas as long as they are well-behaved. Some restaurants may restrict the offer to small dogs only, however. Asheville and Greenville are particuarly dog friendly. Of course, it always pays to call a restaurant in advance to inquire about their dog policy.

If you're traveling with your pet in Arizona, California, Florida or New York, or in the Chicago area, check out the "Dining with Dogs" website, www.diningdogs.com. The site lists dog-friendly restaurants (including reviews) in these areas. Who knows, as the site expands, restaurants in the Carolina mountains might someday be listed. (Offer to post reviews of local restaurants and it could happen sooner than you think!)

Photo credit: www.gites4dogs.co.uk

 

Time to Get Fit? Get Your Dog to Help

Traditionally, the beginning of a new year is when a lot of people think about fitness and diet. Those of us who own dogs (especially energetic ones) know that, when it comes to exercise and a healthy lifestyle, a dog can be a great motivator.

Woof Report, an online publication for dog owners, recently ran a great story entitled "How to Get Fit with Your Dog's Help." The article discussed the benefits of exercising with your dog, offered tips for specific exercises, and included information about articles, books, and fitness gear.

You can find the complete article by clicking here. Also consider signing up for the Woof Report's free newsletter, join the Woof Report community at: http://woofreport.com/sign-up.html

CANINE CRUISIN': Cleveland Park, Greenville, SC

During cooler temperatures, the temperate climate of the Upstate is particularly enjoyable. For a great dog-friendly destination, cruise over to Cleveland Park, a 122-acre park set alongside the Reedy River and close to downtown Greenville. 

First let your dog work off some energy at The Canine Corner at Cleveland Park, located right across from the Cleveland Park Animal Hospital on Woodland Way. This enclosed off-leash dog park is a sloping bark-mulched area with swings, benches, some shady areas, and a combination human/doggie water fountain. Then take a leisurely leashed walk (or bike ride) along one of the numerous flat paths in the park. Some wind their way parallel to the river.

This is a great fall and winter spot in a city that welcomes dogs. For more information about Greenville parks and trails, visit the CANINE CRUISIN' page.

 

POOCH PATHS Update: Fletcher Park Greenway

About a year ago, we listed Fletcher Community Park (Fletcher, NC) in our POOCH PATHS section. If you haven't been there lately, it's even better than before.

Now, the greenway path, which is behind the main community park area, has been extended. This flat, paved trail, partially in the shade, is perfect for walking and hiking. You can reach the path by taking the trail to the right of the parking lots as you enter the park. This trail leads over a small bridge. You'll see a large field ahead of you. Take the left path and you can follow the greenway path a few miles until the pavement ends. The path on the right is also flat but it is unpaved.

The rest of the park is also ideal for a nice jaunt with your dog. For further details, check out the previous article about Fletcher Community Park.

Swim with Your Dog Day - Oct. 10

How about a beautiful place where you can swim with your dog, as lots of other doggies are enjoying themselves in the water? That's what awaits you at the Second Annual "Swim with Your Dog Day" on Sunday, October 10, from 1 PM to 6 PM. Join the four-legged gang at Camp Rockmont on Lake Eden Road in Black Mountain, NC for an exhilarating time at a beautiful lake.

There'll be fun, food, and vendors joining in the festivities at this event, sponsored by Bone-A-Fide Bakery & Pet Boutique of Black Mountain, and co-sponsored by Happy Tails Country Club for the benefit of Brother Wolf Animal Rescue and ChainFree Asheville. Admission is $20 per dog with a discount for additional dogs in the same family. For further details, call (828) 669-0706 or visit Brother Wolf Animal Rescue at www.bwar.org

Going to Walt Disney World? Take Your Dog!

If you're planning to take your kids to Walt Disney World in Orlando after the summer, then take your dog too -- because as of August 27, your pooch can be pampered at the new Best Friends Pet Care Resort.

The one-of-a-kind resort comprises more than 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, including 17,000 square feet of air-conditioned indoor space, 10,000 square feet of covered outdoor runs and play areas, and an expansive private dog park exclusively for the use of pet resort clients and their dogs. A wide selection of suite choices for dogs includes air-conditioned indoor rooms, 48-square-foot indoor-outdoor suites, and four expansive VIP (very important pet) suites with television, raised bedding and private outdoor yards.

The resort’s exclusive dog park features a fenced walking trail bordering the natural wetlands around the park. Inside the trail, guests can choose from a variety of different play areas, including a 3,300 square-foot area covered in artificial turf, a 4,500 square-foot area with shade trees, and a 1,300 square-foot “canines only” water park. There are several large areas for owners to sit, relax and watch their dogs play. The entire park is secured from outsiders and is illuminated for use after dark.

Pet parents can choose from a wide range of a la carte activities for pet guests from one-on-one playtimes and social playgroup with other doggy guests, to cuddle time and bedtime stories with staff. Additional amenities and upgrades include Ice Cream Treats, Bottled Water and Premium/Orthopedic Bedding.

The pet resort is located across from the Port Orleans Resort at 2510 Bonnet Creek Parkway in Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830. Pricing and other details are available at wdw.bestfriendspetcare.com or by calling 877-4-WDW-PETS.

 

Camp Unleashed Coming to Asheville, Sept. 23-26

The concept of Camp Unleashed, which started in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, is to get dogs and their owners together for an extended weekend of fun and learning. After an initial introductory period, dogs remain for the most part unleashed during a four day, three night outing that includes everything from hiking to agility to canoeing to learning about dog behavior. It's a jam-packed agenda, but dogs and their owners can do as little or as much as they wish.

Now Camp Unleashed is coming to Asheville, September 23 - 26. (It will actually be held at Blue Star Camps, a 500-acre property outside Hendersonville.)

For more information about Camp Unleashed, watch the accompanying video, and go to: http://campunleashed.com/asheville.html

 

POOCH PATHS: Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa, NC

Asheville is home to many wonderful outdoor adventures and, increasingly, the city is becoming nationally known as one of the greenest and most eco-friendly. At the heart of the environmental movement is Warren Wilson College, a small liberal arts school ten miles east of Asheville in Swannanoa. Warren Wilson is highly rated for its outdoor life and being green; for example, Outside magazine ranks the college fourth on its Top 40, noting the following:

"Warren Wilson is one of the most earth-friendly colleges on the planet. ... Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders don't even have to leave the 1,200-acre campus, as more than 25 miles of trails cut through the grounds. Warren Wilson's environmental studies program is the biggest on campus, and students can choose between sustainable agriculture, conservation biology, environmental policy, environmental education, and sustainable forestry."

Those trails Outside refers to are open to the public and they are definitely dog-friendly (on-leash). The River Trail, for example, runs alongside the Swannanoa Rover, oops, that is, River! Typically, only locals know about these trails -- but now you do, too. Warren Wilson's trails definitely qualify as a Pooch Path adventure. Access the trails from the campus. Visit the POOCH PATHS page for directions.