If you’re a dog owner who loves the outdoors, chances are that you take your dog on every adventure you can. In the summer, you can often just grab a few things and take off. The winter is a different story, and in this video, Barb Carey is talking specifically about ice fishing.
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Barb is the founder of Women On Ice, a group that helps introduce women to the sport of ice fishing.
Ice fishing with your dog is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon, but there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. You know your dog better than anyone else, and every dog is different, so here are five things to be mindful of the next time you head out for a day of ice fishing.
Get a large ice house.
Your dog is going to be a lot happier if they have their own space to hang out. In a smaller ice house it’s harder for them to get comfortable because people might be stepping over them all day long. Get something big enough to accommodate your dog, and everyone else.
Get a dog bed that’s off the ice.
This is a big one. We all know how much dogs like to sleep, and they’re not going to be comfortable if you just toss a blanket on the ground. On our last ice fishing trip we used the DISC-O-BED Dog Bed because 1) it’s elevated, and 2) it’s easy to set up and take down.
Have plenty of water.
In the winter the air is dry, so both people and dogs and can become dehydrated quickly. Staying fully hydrated also goes a long way toward staying warm. Make sure your pup has plenty to drink.
Keep the hooks protected.
Dogs are curious creatures, and they’ll go for anything that looks interesting – especially bright colored lures. Make sure your hooks are always protected and up off of the ice. Even if you’re just running out to check a tip-up, it’s better to safe than sorry.
Know your dog.
No matter how much you love ice fishing, there’s always a chance that your dog won’t dig it. You’ll be able to tell if they’re comfortable and having fun, or if they’re totally over it and want to go home. Here’s to hoping that they love it and that they’ll start wagging their tail when you start packing the gear up to head out!
