Fun activities to do with your dog during the winter months:
Mammoth Lakes' winter is a distinct California mountain experience: ample sunshine, plenty of snow and plenty of room for you and your dog to play. The days may be shorter and colder, but winter shouldn't prevent you and your dog from enjoying the outdoors. There are still fun things to do.
Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing: One of the more popular wintertime options for dog-friendly activities is cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center allows dogs on their groomed trails as long as the dog is on a leash. The Inyo National Forest allows dogs on all of their trails as well. If you follow a few simple rules, ensuring your dog is under voice control or restrained at all times and picking up after them, then skiers and their dogs will be able to enjoy this fun-filled wintertime activity.
Snowplay: For most of us, winter is all about snow. If your dog loves to play with balls, they will love snowballs. Think of it as a winter Frisbee. If you are near a hill, dogs love to chase snowballs down the hill and come back with mouths full of melting snow. Snowball fights are a lot of fun for most dogs too. Don't pelt your dog with snowballs, but throw them at someone else, and let your dog play interception. You can also build snowmen and have your dog fetch sticks and pine cones, which are incidentally, much more fun when they are buried under snow.
Snow is also the perfect place to play Hide and Seek. Hide a biscuit, stick or a toy and then tell your dog to go find it. You can also hide yourself behind a tree and call your dog's name to come find you. Calling your dog will not give away your hiding place, the tracks you left in the snow will do that anyway! You do not want to create a situation in which your dog cannot find you though. To make sure your dog has the maximum amount of fun, just watch him or her, and see what they like to do. Most dogs are perfectly happy just rolling in the snow.
Winter Care: In Mammoth Lakes, winters are bitter cold, snowy and wet. Pets are not much different from humans when it comes to handling cold weather, puppies and older animals especially. Don't leave dogs outdoors. Having fur doesn't mean you don't get cold. No matter what the temperature, wind-chill can threaten a pet's life. A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If you see an animal left out in the cold, please speak to its owner, or notify the Animal Control Agency at 760-935-4734 or the Mammoth Lakes Police Department at 760-934-2011. Stay warm and have fun together this winter! Read more on Winter Care for your dog.Pet friendly information
