Last night, I sat in the living room snuggling the dogs when my ears were assaulted by perhaps the most painful reminder that summer is gone for another year – the sound of freezing rain hitting the tin roof on the front porch.
Winter is nearly upon us, and this blog is primarily dedicated to our dogsters living where exercising dogs in freezing, icy, treacherous weather is an unfortunate reality. Walking dogs on icy sidewalks can be dangerous for the dogs and humans involved. This is a great time of year to hone and refine your loose leash walking skills in preparation for the coming winter season.
I admit that I hate winter weather. I love my dogs, and know that they need it, so despite my natural aversion I bundle up, leash up, and head out into the dreary purgatory of winter to provide them with exercise. Our sidewalks are often icy, and I am nervous of slipping and falling. One product that alleviates some of that nervousness is YakTrax.
What are YakTrax, you ask? YaxTracks are rubber treads which are surrounded by steel coils and affixed to the bottom of your favorite pair of winter walking boots. If you’ve ever seen a truck with studded tires, YakTrax operate the same way, by providing traction in snowy and icy conditions. YakTrax are easy to put on your boots and easy to remove. Getting them on initially takes a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it they go on in a few seconds. They definitely can scratch up hardwood floors, so keep yours by the door and avoid wearing them through the house! They can also be dangerous on slippery indoor flooring surfaces like marble or specific types of tile or linoleum.
The basic YakTrax model is available for $20. They have a new “pro” version available for $30, but I’m not sure exactly what makes the “Pro” model different from the basic “Walker” model. Regardless, for $30 or less, it’s a nice bit of insurance that you won’t slip and fall, potentially injuring yourself or your dogs, when providing your dog with exercise this winter.
YakTrax make great stocking stuffers – consider getting your favorite dog walker a pair for the holidays! You can order YakTrax online or use the company’s online search to find a retailer near you.
