Can I let my dog off lead on snowy mountain ridges?

No, absolutely not near corniced terrain. Your dog can't tell where solid ground ends and dangerous snow overhangs begin, and cornices can collapse metres back from the visible edge. Keep them on a lead under direct control with a generous safety margin from any ridge edge.

Why does my dog keep stopping and limping in the snow?

Snow is likely compacting between their paw pads and forming painful ice balls that force their toes apart. This is called snowballing and affects most dogs in proper winter conditions. Dog boots or paw wax can help, though many dogs need time to adjust to wearing boots.

What's a cornice and why is it dangerous for dogs?

A cornice is a snow overhang that extends beyond solid ground on the downwind side of a ridge—essentially a cantilever of wind-blown snow over nothing. Dogs can't recognise them because the snow looks and feels the same as regular ground until it collapses, potentially taking them (and you) down with it.

Dogs on the Hills

Your Dog Has No Idea What a Cornice Is

Winter mountains contain hazards dogs cannot read: overhanging snow that resembles solid ground, ice that turns paws into skates and steep frozen slopes where a slip becomes a long slide. Add crampons and compacted snow between the pads, and close control becomes essential.

4 October 202610 min read