Hi friends, it’s me, Mack.
Back again to talk about one of the greatest joys winter has ever given to dogs (and probably humans too, but mostly dogs): Running on a frozen lake.
If you’ve never done it, let me paint you a picture. Imagine the biggest park you’ve ever seen. Now remove the trees. And the bushes. And the rules about “staying on the path.” Now imagine your parents unclipping your leash and saying: “Go ahead, buddy.”
That’s what it feels like.
Here’s why frozen lakes are basically heaven for dogs:
Infinite Zoomie Space
No fences. No boundaries. I can run in giant circles, figure-eights, zigzags – whatever my heart desires. My cousins join me and immediately forget they have families or responsibilities. Just pure, reckless joy.
The Smells Are… Confusing but Interesting
Snow doesn’t smell like much, but the lake? Oh, the lake has layers. I don’t know what fish smell like under three feet of ice, but I am committed to finding out.
My Parents Turn Into Full-Time Nature Photographers
Something about the frozen lakes turns Mom and Da into National Geographic employees. Every five minutes they stop to take a picture of:
- the sky
- the snow
- my cousins
- me
- me again but from a different angle
- the baby apparently looking really cute in its snowsuit (I don’t quite get it)
I take this opportunity to sprint freely like a winter gazelle. Everyone wins!
Why Dogs Love It So Much (The Science-y Part)
Mom made me research this part so it could be “educational” too.
Here’s the deal: Dogs love open space because of our tracking instincts. A giant flat landscape lets us:
- pick up faint smells,
- follow scent trails without obstacles,
- see long distances,
- and use our bodies the way they’re designed to move.
Plus, snow packs down scent molecules in fun, weird ways so everything smells 10x more dramatic. Imagine if every smell came with its own theme music. Yeah. That’s what it’s like.
The Cousin Factor
A frozen lake walk isn’t complete without my cousins. We basically become a wolf pack (a goofy, domesticated, suburban wolf pack).
Their recall? Well… let’s say mine is the best of the group. (They know it. I know it. Everyone knows it.)
But I love them anyway. There’s nothing like racing across the lake together with the wind in our fur and the taste of winter in the air.
The Downsides According to Mom and Dad
I personally see no downsides. But my parents insist on sharing a few:
- “Ice is slippery, Mack.” Sure. For them.
- “We have to make sure the lake is safe.” Fair. They check the ice thickness every time.
“You bring home 40 pounds of snow stuck in your curls.” I consider this a souvenir.
Frozen Lake Safety (Because Mom Says We Have To Include This)
- Check the ice thickness (local guidelines matter!)
- Avoid pressure cracks and slushy spots
- Unclip leashes only if it’s safe
- Bring boots if snowballs are your nemesis
- Watch for frostbite on paws and ears
- Stick together – don’t wander far. Parents worry. It’s their hobby.
Final Thoughts from a Winter Athlete
Some dogs love summer. Some love fall.
But winter? Winter is my season. It’s where I thrive. Where my legs extend to their full majestic length. Where the zoomies are crisp, pure, and uncut.
So if you ever see a large white doodle sprinting across a frozen lake like he’s training for the Olympics – that’s me.
Living my truth. Running with my cousins. And checking occasionally to make sure Mom, Dad and baby are still right behind me.
Stay warm, stay safe,
Mack
P.S. Big Birthday shoutout to my Mom – she is 196 years old today (in dog years)!
