After getting a dog, I've become extra happy about autumn, even though it's the cold and dark time ahead.
At the time of writing, we have hit October. The weather has - after a very summery September - become cooler and the days noticeably shorter. For a second I can think "oh no, now cold and dark months await again". But after I got a dog, I have a different attitude.
October 1st is the day when dogs can run free on the beach again. So it has almost become a special day at home. We love going for long walks along the sea and watching the dogs enjoy the freedom of being able to stretch out again. And the cooler weather also makes my dogs more active and happy than they are in the summer heat, when they can be a bit lazy.
When you do canicross, or dog racing, like us, the fall and winter are also the peak season. Much of the summer is too hot for the dogs to run much, so it's now, when the frosty mornings start to appear, that the dogs are at their "best". They almost become like happy foals on the grass when they go for a run with their canine friends. And running in the forest on a clear day and enjoying all the colors on the trees and the dew on the grass - well, there's not much better.
And running at night in the dark doesn't seem to bother the dogs in the least, so the rest of us have to put on our headlamps too. Once you've tried it a few times, it's actually quite addictive and magical to run together in the dark.
However, evening walks are not quite the same as a walk on a bright summer evening, so the walks are often a little shorter - especially if it is raining and muddy. But then we spend more time indoors instead, where it is fun to come up with more "brain activities" for the dogs: I often "build" small courses for them, where they have to figure out how to get treats, for example. This can be anything from hiding the treats in a tea towel, newspaper, a milk carton or in different boxes and whatever else I have on hand that can be used without the risk of the dog cutting itself or getting hurt. It is fun to observe their problem-solving techniques, which often differ greatly from dog to dog. And sometimes I have to lend a hand so that the game remains fun for them.
The list of tricks and dog fitness also gets dusted off in the fall. Then we spend a little extra time learning a new trick or doing balance and strength exercises. Perfect for using both the mind and body on those days when we don't feel like spending so much time outdoors.
It helps keep the dogs in shape for some of the highlights of the autumn: The many races that are now available for dog and owner. We usually compete both in Denmark and abroad, and it is always both exciting and enjoyable to be out and about and meet runners from other parts of Denmark and from abroad. In Denmark we have many events, including with our club DIRTY PAWS and Danish Canicross Federation .
So all in all, autumn is a big favorite in our country.
About the blogger:
Karoline lives in Birkerød with her boyfriend and their two golden retrievers, Frida and Vilde. Karoline is a trained veterinarian and dog trainer and is co-founder of the dog running club Dirty Paws, where she is also a trainer/rope keeper in the local club in North Zealand. Frida and Line love running canicross together and have participated in many competitions at home and abroad, including the European Championships and the World Championships. Their most important motto, however, is "Better together" - that the trips are about teamwork and understanding for each other. And that everyone can join in. In addition to canicross, they also participate in K9 biathlons (obstacle races with dogs) and do dog fitness. And hiking both in Denmark and around Europe is also a hit.
Frida is a super fast runner when it comes to it. And can hike for hours in the Alps. But she also just loves to be petted on the stomach and sleep for a long time. She can be stubborn as a donkey if there is something she doesn't like. On evening walks, for example, she is the one who decides the route. And she "talks" a lot by purring, including when she thinks she has earned an extra treat.
Vilde is from the spring of 2023 - and in many ways Frida's opposite. She is full of mischief and always happy and cheeky. She can howl like a wolf or jump like a kangaroo when she gets impatient - and otherwise she is a smart and brave girl who loves wild play and training. She will do pretty much anything for a treat.
Frida, Vilde and Karoline can be found on Instagram with the profile @teamgoldenpower
Autumn with a dog. Tough or wonderful?
After getting a dog, I've become extra happy about autumn, even though it's the cold and dark time ahead.
At the time of writing, we have hit October. The weather has - after a very summery September - become cooler and the days noticeably shorter. For a second I can think "oh no, now cold and dark months await again". But after I got a dog, I have a different attitude.
October 1st is the day when dogs can run free on the beach again. So it has almost become a special day at home. We love going for long walks along the sea and watching the dogs enjoy the freedom of being able to stretch out again. And the cooler weather also makes my dogs more active and happy than they are in the summer heat, when they can be a bit lazy.
When you do canicross, or dog racing, like us, the fall and winter are also the peak season. Much of the summer is too hot for the dogs to run much, so it's now, when the frosty mornings start to appear, that the dogs are at their "best". They almost become like happy foals on the grass when they go for a run with their canine friends. And running in the forest on a clear day and enjoying all the colors on the trees and the dew on the grass - well, there's not much better.
And running at night in the dark doesn't seem to bother the dogs in the least, so the rest of us have to put on our headlamps too. Once you've tried it a few times, it's actually quite addictive and magical to run together in the dark.
However, evening walks are not quite the same as a walk on a bright summer evening, so the walks are often a little shorter - especially if it is raining and muddy. But then we spend more time indoors instead, where it is fun to come up with more "brain activities" for the dogs: I often "build" small courses for them, where they have to figure out how to get treats, for example. This can be anything from hiding the treats in a tea towel, newspaper, a milk carton or in different boxes and whatever else I have on hand that can be used without the risk of the dog cutting itself or getting hurt. It is fun to observe their problem-solving techniques, which often differ greatly from dog to dog. And sometimes I have to lend a hand so that the game remains fun for them.
The list of tricks and dog fitness also gets dusted off in the fall. Then we spend a little extra time learning a new trick or doing balance and strength exercises. Perfect for using both the mind and body on those days when we don't feel like spending so much time outdoors.
It helps keep the dogs in shape for some of the highlights of the autumn: The many races that are now available for dog and owner. We usually compete both in Denmark and abroad, and it is always both exciting and enjoyable to be out and about and meet runners from other parts of Denmark and from abroad. In Denmark we have many events, including with our club DIRTY PAWS and Danish Canicross Federation .
About the blogger:
Karoline lives in Birkerød with her boyfriend and their two golden retrievers, Frida and Vilde. Karoline is a trained veterinarian and dog trainer and is co-founder of the dog running club Dirty Paws, where she is also a trainer/rope keeper in the local club in North Zealand. Frida and Line love running canicross together and have participated in many competitions at home and abroad, including the European Championships and the World Championships. Their most important motto, however, is "Better together" - that the trips are about teamwork and understanding for each other. And that everyone can join in. In addition to canicross, they also participate in K9 biathlons (obstacle races with dogs) and do dog fitness. And hiking both in Denmark and around Europe is also a hit.
Frida is a super fast runner when it comes to it. And can hike for hours in the Alps. But she also just loves to be petted on the stomach and sleep for a long time. She can be stubborn as a donkey if there is something she doesn't like. On evening walks, for example, she is the one who decides the route. And she "talks" a lot by purring, including when she thinks she has earned an extra treat.
Vilde is from the spring of 2023 - and in many ways Frida's opposite. She is full of mischief and always happy and cheeky. She can howl like a wolf or jump like a kangaroo when she gets impatient - and otherwise she is a smart and brave girl who loves wild play and training. She will do pretty much anything for a treat.
Frida, Vilde and Karoline can be found on Instagram with the profile @teamgoldenpower