Planning to make the most of the snow?

Then here’s a few things you’re going to want to remember so you and your dog, (or just you if you prefer) can have fun without losing any appendages or gaining too many bruises.

So first things first…in the words of the Scout movement…Be prepared! What do you have in your cupboards for walking? I hope it includes the first thing, as far as I’m concerned they’re pretty essential for any walk with Toby.

Fig. 1a

A decent pair of walking boots, I never have liked walking far in wellies though I’m sure some of you will say they’re the best thing in snow, give me a pair of leather walking boots any day!

Fig. 1b

Never seen these before? well ladies and gentlemen let me introduce you to the joy that is a pair of snow spikes! Oh and Tobys’ feet he wanted in on the action. You put them on over the sole of your boots and they do something magic…they stop you from slipping on ice and snow and falling flat on your arse Though they’re a bit weird to walk on when someone has cleared the path you’ll be striding along those snowy paths like it’s a summers day while others slip and stare at you in admiration.

Fig. 2

Always essential when walking any distance in at number 2 is a big thick pair of socks to put over the top of your normal ones. It stops rubbing and the added bonus when it comes to these chilly days…they keep your feet warm.

Fig. 3

Speaking of warmth though I wouldn’t say style I do hope you all own a pair of these. I love my thermal leggings, put them under a pair of hiking trousers (preferably a pair with detachable lower legs) and you’re going to be about as warm as you’ll manage unless you buy arctic gear and go out looking like the Michelin man. I have them in cream and black…not that anyone else ever sees them but I do like to have a choice!

Fig. 4

Ah a woolly hat, where would we be without a woolly and rather embarrassing hat when it’s cold outside and snowing like there’s no tomorrow? Well I for one would be very chilly and not at all happy. Don’t have one? well then you could always see if any of your socks are big enough to fit over your head or wrap a scarf around like a turban.

Fig 5a

Fig. 5b

Figures 5a and 5b should be pretty self explanatory, they’re gloves. You’re in for a shopping trip of joy finding the pair that suits you, could be leather, could be wool, could be mittens….I have most of those variations but these are the ones I prefer for walking my little old man. They’re thinsulate so you know they’re warm and they’re fingerless yes but…here’s the joyous part, they have mittens too! you can pull them over when you’re fingers are cold and take them off and button them back when you need to have some dexterity for things like undoing leads and harnesses! Genius don’t you think?

Fig. 6

A neck gaiter…like a scarf, sort of like a snood, but much easier to put on and take off and less bulky around your neck so it doesn’t feel like you’re being strangled.

Fig. 7

A pocket full of these is always a must on any dog walk. Scented dog poop bags…I love the fact this bag came with instructions as to how to use them I always wondered why there are some idiots who don’t pick up after their dogs…it’s because they can’t figure out how to use the bags! *face palm*

Fig. 8

Lastly but not really is a decent weatherproof coat, you don’t want to end up half way round your walk and find that the snow has seeped through your coat and you’re now wet and cold and far from home! Obviously underneath it you’re going to need some other clothing (or not if you prefer) such as a t’shirt and a fleece, the number of layers I’ll leave to your judgement on how hot and sweaty you want to be when chasing after your dog in the white stuff.

I do have hiking poles as well with optional spikes to grip in the snow…but I can’t be bothered to try and take a decent picture of them and since I didn’t use them today….the spikes make them less essential but great when the ice is a bit too thin for walking on pins.

So there you go guys and gals…how to make sure your walk in the snow goes well….bundle up, wear good shoes, always pick up the poop and be willing to make snowballs. Wow I could have made this post a lot shorter if I had simply written that sentence at the start and left it there. But where’s the fun in that

Hope you’re all enjoying the snow in Britain, so many snowmen and snowdogs to build, so little time