Mountaineering Bulldog

[RyanT]

I know "Mountaineering Bulldog" sounds strange, but we've been taking our bulldog on hikes and other adventures for a while. When my girlfriend went to do her first summit, we wanted to take our dog along. On the way down, Izzy loved sliding down the snow slopes (glissading). She enjoys any type of snow, but when we actually started sliding down the snow bank, her reaction was, "Yes, yes, this is exactly what I've always wanted to do!" My girlfriend said she had never seen Izzy so excited! I carry an Ikea bag just in case she becomes too tired, but it's never happened, thank goodness!

I think heat is her weakness, but she likes it up here in the cooler climate. Perhaps this is the natural habitat of the bulldog. :-)

 

[Mountainlover]

We enjoy hiking. I wonder if that's something any bulldog could do with the proper training.

 

[LaurenA]

That sounds awesome. I love when we can include our bullies in our favorite activities.

 

[RyanT]

We enjoy hiking. I wonder if that's something any bulldog could do with the proper training.

We started taking her on hikes when we got her at 4 months old - short hikes at first. We did consult with our vet and she thought it was okay if she got the exercise (even encouraged it). My girlfriend and I both agree that she is happiest when she's hiking, besides maybe the dog park.

We thought we were getting a compromise with her. We saw some sad videos on Youtube of bulldogs hiking. We said she'd never be able to do anything too strenuous, that maybe we'd have to get a dog sitter when we went out. Well, she proved us wrong!

The weekend before last it was 14 miles of hiking with 4,500' of elevation gain to get up and down a mountain with all the snow etc. She really is surprising!

"You get the dog you need."

 

[Texkota]

That is so cool.

 

[Fontanafox]

She is an exceptional bulldog then!

 

[Vicaroo1000]

I think you hit on the exact formula; proper conditioning prior to the big hike up the slopes. Like humans, we could never endeavor to go up a mountainside without the proper training beforehand.

I also think you've hit on something with the cool temperatures. Bea and Bo both enjoy snow VERY much and these cool, rainy unseasonable temps we've had here in Seattle lately have been ideal for them. The cooler and more rainy it is, the more they enjoy their daily walks and want to keep going. Some EBs are far more athletic than others too - just like people, I suppose. I mean, you'll never see me hiking up a mountain.

Where's the video of your pup sliding down the mountain? I really gotta see that!

 

[RyanT]

Sorry, I didn't take video. I'll have to next time. Though I do have plenty of videos of her rolling around in the snow : p

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QI0SeVLUE7w

 

[LariP]

That is awesome! And I think you are right. You get the dog you need.
And Conditioning is everything.

I don't think HRH would take to it at all because she doesn't like anything to do with "outside" summer or winter. She loves routine and hates change.

But since Izzy has grown up to expect the unexpected she will probably always love your adventures.

 

[izstigspunks]

That video of her is so funny. Looks like she's trying to do the Homer Simpson floor move where he lays on the floor and moves in circles. I think you have found the perfect combo for her, cool environment and active parents. Looking forward to hearing more stories. Absolutely amazed that Izzy can join your adventures.

 

[Davidh]

Too funny, she sure likes her snow, and such a pretty girl too.

 

[2BullyMama]

WOW... what a great picture... she sure looks happy there

 

[bullmama]

Amazing!


Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

 

[Vicaroo1000]

Sorry, I didn't take video. I'll have to next time. Though I do have plenty of videos of her rolling around in the snow : p

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QI0SeVLUE7w

Awesome! Bo does the same, exact thing in the snow. He rolls around like a cat does in catnip. So funny.

Bea does not. She shovels it with her nose.

I'm looking forward to that sliding vid one day! Izzy is awesome.