Running outdoors with family? Most dogs love it. Michael Teo (3) placed third in the men’s 1-Dog Canicross race during the Chugiak Dog Mushers Association’s 2-mile dryland sled dog races in various classes at Beach Lake Park in 2014. (Bill Roth / ADN archive 2014) - MACLAREN RIVER, AK 
Life outdoors is better when shared with an Alaska dog
Dogs and the outdoors go hand in hand. If I am out and about without a dog near my side it feels like being in a Piper Super Cub without a seatbelt. Something isn't quite right. Our four-legged friends have a place in nearly every activity we participate in at our house.
They're the fishing companion who doesn't tell you how to play the big one.
They're the hunting partner that doesn't complain about a rainy day.
They're content to sit by your side and watch the sun come up at 5 a.m. without a whimper.
However, dogs have one huge drawback. They get old before their time — or rather, before our time. A yearling dog is a crazy teenager with tons to learn. A 10-year-old companion is in his or her senior years.