At 30 below or 30 above the wolfdogs enjoy an easy jog as much as I do. With ease, and unlike the panting of the common dog while running in such heat, they run along without a sound from their throats. A wolfdog adapts to the extremes of both summer and winter in a much better way than the shepherd or the retriever. Physical fitness will in addition make it possible for the dog to run without overheating. An anatomy that allows effortless locomotion in a physical fit dog prevent the overproduction of endogenous heat. Interestingly; a walk on a leash results in more panting than an easy freerunning trot. The trot is the natural choice of gait for a longer distance in a canine.
In my experience the trot should be the main gait from the age of 3 months until maturity. This period of physical development is crucial to the animal for the rest of its life. Walking, and especially on a road, should be restricted in favor of a trot to enhance the better physical development. Not only for the muscles and fitness of the animal, but also for its joints and bones. Maybe more important for a lazy breed like the wolfdog.
Arriving the lake they cool down swimming and playing. Unlike my skinnydipping they have to wear their coats on in the water, but a much reduced summercoat without wool as undercover. This is midsummer celebration 2014.
