Love cross-country skiing? Got an active dog? Combine the two with skijoring for winter fun

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel

If you're looking for a new way to spend time with your dog during snowy winter months, consider the sport of skijoring: being pulled on skis by a dog (or three). You don't need an Alaskan malamute or Siberian husky to get started. Any dog in good condition who weighs 35 pounds or more and is at least a year old can be a super skijoring partner.

Jen Pagano of Layton, Utah, learned to skijor with her two German shorthaired pointers five years ago when she and her family were living in the interior of Alaska. That was when they adopted their first German shorthair, 2-year-old Alice.

"These dogs are high-energy, and I was looking for a way to enjoy the amazing scenery of Alaska while getting a great workout for myself and my dog," Pagano says. As it happened, one of the teachers at her daughter's school was Mari Hoe-Raitto, author of "Skijor With Your Dog," so Pagano and Alice learned from an expert. Pagano later added Alice's littermate, Vinnie, to the family for a double-dog skijoring experience.

"Vinnie took to it like he was born to pull," Pagano says. "We covered hundreds of miles of gorgeous Alaskan back roads together."

Pagano was intimidated at first, worried that she would fall, or that her dogs would drag her into a dangerous situation. While it's best to be at least somewhat comfortable on cross-country skis, she says she learned quickly that her two dogs could not drag her if she fell or sat down.

A 35-pound dog may seem small for this type of activity, but he's not doing all the work. The person skiing also contributes to the forward motion.

To start, dogs should learn five basic cues: "hike" (go), "whoa" (stop), "gee" (right), "haw" (left) and "easy" (slow down). "Wait" and "on by" (keep moving) are also useful. More advanced versions of the cues come in handy as you and your dog become more experienced. They include "hike up" (go faster) and "come gee" or "come haw" (make a 180-degree turn in either direction). Contact Nordic ski centers or resorts for information on classes for beginners, or find someone to train with.

"If you have a friend with a seasoned dog or team, your dog will learn incredibly quickly just by following," Pagano says.

You can purchase a skijor-specific belt, but a rock-climbing harness works as well. The belt or harness is used with padded harnesses on the dog (or dogs) and a bungee line, an elasticized cord that acts as a shock absorber. In a pinch, you can use a leash, Pagano says, but bungee lines are more forgiving. Depending on the number of dogs, the length of the line ranges from 7 to 20 feet.

"I don't usually need blankets for the dogs or heavy clothing because it's a major workout," Pagano says. She recommends booties for dogs when the temperature drops below negative 10 degrees Fahrenheit, and clothing or blankets can add to the comfort of dogs with short or thin coats.

Even three-legged dogs can enjoy skijoring. Alice, now 7 years old, was hit by a car as a puppy. The Paganos had her leg amputated when they adopted her because the femur could not be repaired. That never prevented her from skijoring, although she's not allowed to compete in races; rules require racing dogs to have four sound legs.

"To anyone thinking of trying the sport, I'd say, 'Go for it,'" Pagano says. "My dogs and I most enjoy the fun we have getting a workout together, taking in the scenery and strengthening our bond as we work together as a team."

Q&A

Get a grip on

ferret harness

Q: I want to be able to take my ferret for walks. What should I look for in a harness? -- via Facebook

A: Fun-loving ferrets get a kick out of public outings -- once you get them securely fastened into a harness. Long, lithe and slender, they are masters at easily wiggling free if they are wearing a harness that isn't designed for their body. The wrong harness can also cause a ferret to choke, so you are smart to make sure you get one that's a good fit.

A properly fitted harness provides support around the neck and ribcage. It's similar to the harnesses made for cats, but ferret harnesses are smaller and longer. Look for one made of a strong, flat material, such as nylon webbing or leather. A style called an H harness (for its shape) with wide straps is usually a good choice for ferrets. Figure-8 harnesses generally don't fit ferrets well, being too loose in some areas and too tight in others.

Harnesses with quick-release snaps are easy to put on and remove. Buckle styles are more difficult to adjust, especially if your ferret is squirming excitedly while you're trying to put it on. Velcro fasteners are convenient, but not safe for outdoor use. A strong ferret can escape from a harness with a Velcro closure.

Try it on your ferret indoors before venturing on a walk. You want to make sure it fits well and that he can't escape from it. It should fit snugly, with space for only one finger beneath it.

Be sure to remove your ferret's harness when he's at home. A bored ferret may chew on it. It's also easy for the harness to get caught on something and cause your ferret injury. Reserve its use for walks only. -- Kim Campbell Thornton

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Kitten classes offer

long-term benefits

-- A Canadian animal trainer offers classes for kittens -- yes, you read that right. Ellie Ross in Kitchener, Ontario, says educated felines are more likely to stay out of shelters because they are less likely to do things that drive cat owners crazy: jump on counters, lick the butter dish and fight taking medication. Much like puppy kindergarten, "kittygarten" offers basic training such as sit, stay and come, tips on kind handling and making car rides and veterinary visits happy experiences, and the all-important socialization with other kittens and with humans.

-- Two Labrador retrievers are making life a little brighter for patients battling poverty, homelessness, illness or addiction. Maestro, a yellow Lab, and Rylie, a black Lab, make weekly visits with minister Suzanne Bossert to McInnis House, a recuperative facility run by Boston Health Care for the Homeless. Patients and health care workers alike welcome the dogs' visits, petting them, enjoying their tricks or just relaxing into the pleasure of having a canine head resting in their lap. The dogs bring a moment of happiness on what may be a bleak day, and that's a gift.

-- Dogs and cats may have fur coats, but they can still suffer from cold weather if they're not built for it. While Alaskan malamutes or Great Pyrenees may happily bed down in the snow, pets who are smaller or have short, thin coats are at risk for hypothermia, frostbite, lacerations from ice and other chill ills. Put coats on small or hairless dogs. Use booties to protect paws if dogs must walk on ice, which can be slick, rough or sharp-edged. Clean paws thoroughly to remove salts and ice. Finally, before you turn on the ignition, bang the hood of your car to make sure no cats are snoozing on the warm engine. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Overweight dogs face lower quality of life, greater risk of disease and a shortened lifespan

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Can you pinch an inch? Not on your own body, but on your dog's? If you can, he could probably stand to lose some weight. It's something to think about as we enter a new year with good resolutions to improve ourselves -- and our pets.

When we hear the word "malnutrition," we think of starvation, but you might be surprised to learn that obesity is the most common form of malnutrition in dogs. It's estimated to affect nearly 53 percent of the canine population, according to a May 2014 survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. That's a lot of extra weight!

Why are so many dogs fat? Often, it's because owners don't recognize the problem. And veterinarians may hesitate to speak up because it's not uncommon for people who are overweight to have pets with the same problem. A 2013 study found that people who were 60 or older and overweight themselves tended to have overweight pets.

Carrying too many pounds is a serious problem in pet pups. Obesity, defined as being 20 percent or more over their ideal body weight, puts dogs at higher risk of joint problems, poor mobility, reduced kidney function, poor response to anesthesia and skin and urinary tract infections.

That's not all. A long-term study found that osteoarthritis and chronic diseases in general developed approximately two years later in dogs who remained at or below their normal body weight than in dogs allowed to become overweight. The trim dogs lived an average of two years longer than the fat dogs.

There are more benefits, according to Martha Cline, DVM, a veterinary nutritionist who spoke on obesity last month at a San Diego veterinary conference. Dogs who achieved even modest weight loss suffered significantly less lameness. Quality of life gains included increased vitality and reduced emotional disturbance and pain. Dogs who lost weight also had improved renal function.

To tell if your dog needs to lose weight, give him a visual exam and the hands-on test. A dog's body should be shaped like an hourglass, not a sausage. As you look down at him, can you see an indentation behind his ribs before the body flares out again? That's his waist.

Then put your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine and fingers splayed out on his sides. As you gently press inward, you should be able to feel his ribs beneath a layer of skin and muscle. If the ribs are buried beneath rolls of fat, it's time to talk to your veterinarian about a safe diet and exercise plan.

A veterinary exam, including lab work, ensures that your dog doesn't have any underlying health problems that are causing weight gain or that could be worsened by changes in activity levels or type of food.

One easy change you can make is to measure your dog's food and feed meals twice a day instead of leaving food out all the time. Even better, put a day's supply of dry food inside a puzzle toy so your dog spends the day actively "hunting" for his meals. Instead of high-calorie treats, offer small bites of chopped carrots, green beans or apples.

To add more activity, begin with brief walks. As his stamina improves, gradually increase the distance. Always stop before your dog shows signs of exhaustion, such as panting or reluctance to go further.

For dogs who are currently in good shape, the best thing you can do is to make sure they don't become sedentary as they age. Keeping dogs at a healthy weight is a lot easier than trying to take pounds off.

Q&A

Hungry cat must

stay off table

Q: Our 10-year-old cat has recently begun demanding table food. When we sit down to eat at the dinner table, he jumps on top of it. I immediately pick him up and put him on the floor. This is repeated several times. Today, I was eating soup and ignored him, so he pawed my ear. What do you suggest for behavior modification? I'm thinking of putting him in the bathroom while we eat. -- via email

A: You are fighting a battle on two fronts: the feline love of being up high, and your cat's desire to share your food, which is obviously more interesting than his own. You're on the right track as far as being consistent about putting him back on the floor right away when he jumps up on the table. Don't do it in an angry manner; be matter-of-fact, but don't let him get away with it. I have some other suggestions as well.

One is to feed him before you sit down to eat. If he has already eaten, he may be less interested in checking out your food.

You may also try teaching him to go to an alternative space, such as a nearby perch -- where he can be up off the ground and still see you -- or the sofa or his bed. Reinforce your cat being in this spot by rewarding him intermittently with a treat, attention or play.

Conversely, make the tabletop unpleasant by covering it with aluminum foil. Cats don't like the feel of it beneath their paws.

There's also nothing wrong with putting your cat in a different area, such as the bathroom, while you eat. It's a valid way of managing the problem and can be a great strategy until your cat learns to stay off the table during meals. -- Mikkel Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

By the numbers:

5 facts about cats

-- The CATalyst Council's Stats on Cats rounds up interesting info on our feline friends. Did you know that according to a 2013-2014 pet ownership survey by the American Pet Products Association, 25 percent of cat owners have used some type of training device for their cat? Three percent of cat owners have purchased pet health insurance. Only 40 percent of cat owners had taken their cat to the veterinarian in the past year. Ninety-one percent of cats had been spayed or neutered. There are no drawbacks to owning a cat, according to 19 percent of the respondents.

-- If your dog barks excessively while you're away from the house, it can be frustrating trying to figure out how to get him to stop. To solve the problem, look for devices that reward dogs at a distance by monitoring barking and rewarding periods of quiet. Other monitors include activity collars and camera systems that allow owners to observe a dog's activity and behavior during the day, permit interactive games to keep the dog occupied during the day and dispense food rewards when the dog is quiet. To find one, search online for electronic pet treat dispensers, or ask your veterinarian or dog trainer for a recommendation.

-- Winter play is more fun with your best friend. We're talking your dog, of course. Just make sure he has the right coat, build and stamina for the activity of your choice, whether it's snowshoeing, sledding, cross-country skiing, skijoring (a combination of cross-country skiing and dog sledding) or just having a snowball fight. The following breeds are our nominees for best snow-play dogs: Alaskan malamute, American Eskimo, Bernese mountain dog, Chinook, Finnish lapphund, Finnish spitz, Great Pyrenees, Icelandic sheepdog, Leonberger, Newfoundland, Norwegian elkhound, Saint Bernard, shiba inu, Siberian husky and Tibetan terrier. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Why do cats love boxes? Let us count the ways

By Kim Campbell Thornton

It's the day after Christmas, so we're guessing your house is filled with empty boxes. And we bet your cat is having a heyday with all the surplus "toys."

Cats and boxes go together like ribbons and bows. What's the attraction? We checked with experts to find out.

Cats have a couple of different motivations for getting inside boxes and bags, says feline behavior expert John Wright, professor emeritus of psychology at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. One is play.

Cats can peer out of a box, climb into it or bat it around. They don't seem to care if it already has stuff in it or if they don't quite fit.

"When you see a cat get inside a box or bag, they start to knock around a little bit and bat at it, and if it makes a noise, that's really great," he says.

For shy cats, or those who simply want some "me" time, boxes provide security and sanctuary. After all, while cats are predators in their own right, they are also small enough to be prey. A box can be a secure hiding place where a cat feels safe from potential threats.

Boxes are also resources in multicat households. If you have more than one cat, you've probably noticed that one gets first pick of toys, food and, yes, hiding places like boxes. When the top cat claims a box, Wright says, other cats won't approach it.

Having access to a box where they can hide has even been shown to reduce stress in shelter cats. Researchers at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands published a paper in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science, which found that cats in shelters who had a hiding box had lower stress scores. In case you didn't know, a cat's stress levels are judged using the Kessler-Turner Cat Stress Score -- a system that rates feline stress on a scale from 1 to 7, ranging from relaxed to terrified.

Before you mutter something about silly research topics, keep in mind that a happy cat is a healthier cat. The authors write: "Domestic cats (Felis sylvestris catus) can experience serious stress in shelters. Stressful experiences can have a major impact on the cats' welfare and may cause higher incidences of infectious diseases in the shelters."

The presence of a box can reduce that risk. The study found that over a two-week period, the shelter cats with a hiding box attained reduced stress levels and adapted more quickly to their new environment than their no-box counterparts.

"The hiding box appears to be an important enrichment for the cat to cope effectively with stressors in a new shelter environment the first weeks after arrival," the researchers conclude.

Not every cat is attracted to boxes. Shy cats may be afraid to approach them, and even adventurous cats may avoid boxes that aren't in their own territory, Wright says.

In one experiment, kittens from two different fathers -- one who produced friendly kittens and one who produced shy kittens -- were placed in an area with a cardboard box they'd never seen before. The kittens with the friendly father were first to explore it, while the others held back. The fathers' genetic influence affected how the kittens reacted to anything unfamiliar.

If your cat loves playing in boxes, you can increase his enjoyment by changing things up, Wright says. Offer boxes in different sizes, or put his box in a different place. In a new environment, set out several boxes to give your cat a place to relax. Your cat will love you for it.

Q&A

Clearing up

tear stains

Q: I have a 7-year-old female poodle-bichon frise, and I have to clean beneath her eyes every day because they tear so much. The staining eventually turns dark brown. What can I do to stop the weeping? -- via email

A: This is a common question asked by owners of white or light-colored dogs. Bichons, poodles, Maltese, Shih Tzu and Lhasa apso are among the breeds often seen with reddish-brown tear stains beneath the eyes, but any dog can have this problem.

The stains can have many possible causes. They include blocked tear ducts, ingrown eyelashes, dental issues such as retained baby teeth, or eye or ear infections.

Sometimes eyelashes grow where they're not supposed to, emerging from glands within the eyelid, rubbing against and irritating the cornea. This condition, called distichiasis, can be hereditary. Depending on its severity, dogs may need eye ointments or surgery to relieve the irritation. Ointments help to lubricate the eye while surgery destroys the hair follicles. Your veterinarian can pluck the hairs, but this is only a temporary fix and must be repeated every month or two.

Eye infections or dental infections can cause excessive tearing. Your dog may need a course of antibiotics or surgical removal of an abscessed tooth or baby teeth that didn't fall out.

Note that eye stain removers contain low levels of antibiotics. The FDA issued a warning to the manufacturers in 2014 about these products because the drugs are not approved for removing tear stains in dogs and cats and have not been reviewed by the FDA for safety and effectiveness.

This is usually much more than a cosmetic issue. The best thing you can do is to take your dog to the veterinarian or a veterinary ophthalmologist to get to the root of the problem. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Territorial rule:

Why cats spray

-- If your cat is standing with tail high and vibrating, raising and lowering the back paws, watch out! He's about to spray -- in other words, to release a stream of urine, usually onto a vertical surface. Spraying is not a matter of your cat refusing to use the litter box. Instead, the behavior is a way for cats to mark territory. Spraying is the feline equivalent of posting a "no trespassing" sign. It's also a way for cats to feel more secure, by making their surroundings smell like themselves. Tomcats are the worst offenders, but neutered males and females will also spray.

-- Puppies are adorable, even when they're naughty. Maybe especially when they're naughty. You catch your little fluffball with your slipper in his mouth or halfway through the destruction of yet another roll of toilet paper, and instead of being upset, you laugh, grab your phone and record yet another YouTube upload. It is funny, but your puppy is never going to learn to leave slippers and toilet paper alone if you aren't consistent about what's acceptable behavior and what's not. Swap the slipper or toilet paper for something he's allowed to play with, and then praise him for using it. Now you're on the right track!

-- The field spaniel is a mid-size dog: larger than a cocker spaniel but smaller than an English springer spaniel. This rare breed is an excellent family companion, a solid bird dog in field trials and terrific in tracking tests. The field spaniel is a busy, funny dog with a moderate to high energy level. Field spaniels are typically a solid liver color but can also be black, blue roan, black and tan, golden liver and liver roan. Their silky coat is easy to care for with once- or twice-weekly brushing. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker.

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.