Preparing your dog for a week of activities in Lapland
Published on 28 June 2026
A week of ski-joëring, cani-hiking or canoeing is a significant volume of effort for a dog — especially one who spends the year on the couch between walks. Good news: a few weeks of preparation are enough to transform the experience.
Start with the veterinarian
Before any plan, a health check. This is the step we skip too often and which prevents bad surprises: heart, joints, weight. An overweight dog pulls less well and tires faster; if that's the case, anticipate — gradual weight loss before your stay changes everything.
Building fitness, without cutting corners
Allow ideally six to eight weeks. The principle is simple: increase duration first, then intensity, never both at the same time.
Weeks 1–2: active walking and trotting, on longer outings than usual. Build basic endurance.
Weeks 3–4: introduce short, sustained efforts — a few minutes of fast trotting or small hills, interrupted by recovery.
Weeks 5–6 and beyond: bring the dog closer to the real movement. If he already knows the harness, short sessions of gentle traction; if not, get him used to the equipment without pressure.
Always keep at least one full rest day between two demanding sessions. The body strengthens during rest, not during effort.
The details that make the difference
Paw pads need preparation. Varied terrain (earth, fine gravel, grass) gently toughens the skin on the feet. Inspect them after each outing.
Hydration and meal timing matter too: don't work a dog on a full stomach, and leave fresh water available at all times.
Mental fitness is trained like physical fitness. A dog who associates the harness with pleasure and your calm voice will learn ten times faster once here.
Once here, we take over
On your arrival, we assess your dog and adjust: a well-prepared team attacks stronger, a more tender team starts gently. The goal is never performance — it's that your dog finishes the week happy and in good shape.
Tell us where your dog is at today: we'll send you a tailored preparation plan before your visit.