Outdoors

This Chow Chow looks ready to chow down or, at the very least, enjoys accompanying an owner for a coffee and snack at a sidewalk café. It's the perfect way to get some yums, and for a dog to enjoy the fresh air.A couple tips to keep in mind when heading out:

• Before You Leave: Although many pet-friendly establishments offer to-go dishes for a pet's water, it can't hurt to bring along your own portable bowls. Also, make sure I've got a non-Flexi leash and a bag (if your pet's small) to be able to secure him. I like to loop the leash around the leg of my chair 'cause I know my weight will keep him down. Remember to pack some to-go treats to prevent the temptation to give your dog any inappropriate human food.
• Before You Enter: Check with a hostess or server before you sit down! Just because it's outside, doesn't mean it's automatically OK. Be mindful of other diners — if it's a crowded patio, it may be better to go elsewhere.

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Just because some wintertime activities are dangerous doesn't mean your pups have to sit this season out. With plenty of fun activities brought on by the white stuff, like scampering through the drifts and fetching snowballs, as long as your pets are warm enough, it's a lovely time to play. Topping my list of cold weather activities for doggies are:

• Cross-country Skiing: Open fields and dog-friendly trails are a great place to explore with furry friends. Voice-trained pups can run alongside but remember to keep the jaunts short so pets don't get too chilly.
• Skijoring: Intermediate or advanced level cross-country skiers can test out skijoring, where a dog helps pull a person along with a special belt.
• Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing or even hiking with pets spices up their walks with new scenery — they need the bathroom breaks anyway. Be careful letting pups off leash and out of sight (since snow makes dogs lose their scent), especially if there are things they're tempted to chase nearby.

Winter walks are the norm — unless your pooches use indoor potties — but remember that bitter temps require shorter trips and closer attention to his body temperature. It's actually extra risky to let a pooch off leash on snow or ice because they can lose their scent and easily become disoriented, especially during the storm itself. Check out three activities that may pose a problem.

• Sledding: Most people won't take a dog on a sledding adventure — it requires solid sit-stay skills in chilly weather and it's just not fun for the animals. However, also be careful if your off-leash walks pass by a sledding area. Dogs can confuse flying sleds with something OK to chase, but the dangerous part comes from the sledder's difficulty stopping if a dog decides to run in front.

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While some dogs greet every human as a new best friend, others are more particular. Several factors go into a pup's choosing process so if you see a dog hesitating to play with any new two-legged pals, ask yourself the following questions:

• Has he met this person before? A brand-new face can require some adjustment — see if the dog shows any interest in the human before playing begins to gauge how easily the action will start.
• Does he like this game? If someone is holding out a pet's favorite toy, or if your canine can't get enough of catch, chances are he'll be down to play equally with anyone in sight!

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While it's definitely key to keep pets hydrated in warmer months, dropping temps don't mean you should drop this practice! There are several drink-up options on the go from sharing your bottle, packing disposable paper options, or even using a cloth, folding version instead. While I've admittedly done all three, this product is my best idea yet.

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