If one of your goals is to be more active this winter, hiking is the perfect outdoor activity. Why not include your dog in your plans? Exercise is crucial to your dog’s physical and mental well-being. Unlike bears (and some humans!) dogs do not hibernate in the winter. A winter walk in the woods offers exercise and can be an excellent way to cure winter blues—with no worries about humidity or bugs!

Going for a walk in the woods with your dog can be one of life’s great joys. It...