I was planning on taking my pup (1yr old) on James Peak/st. marys glacier hike this Saturday. Last time I went alone it was very windy and had to turn back because gusts reached 45mph. Saturdays forecast says it is supposed to snow an inch, which isn't an issue, but winds are supposed to gust at 30mph which at elevation and on an incline feel way more haha. So probably not going anymore but are there any hikers out there experience the windy weather? How does it affect the dogs eyes/ears etc? Oh, and if my dog does 3 mile hikes pretty easy, will a 6mile at a slightly higher elevation be a problem?

Remember, these dogs have been bred to run in all sorts of cold weather climates like the frigid Alaska and Arctic, etc. I don't see how wind would affect anything. I live in Oregon, but am visiting Colorado right now, and I wish I had my dogs out here with me to run and have fun in this cold, windy, snowy weather. They would love it. They know how to protect their eyes and ears from the drifts. And as long as your dog loves to walk/run and has a good level of conditioning, I don't see where 6 miles would bother it much. Paw Paw averages 3-6 miles pulling me on a bike daily, but I've taken him on 10 mile runs or 15 mile bike rides without building up to it, and he did fine. Just look at the sled dogs running 100+ miles a day up in Alaska. This breed loves to run. No matter the distance, Paw Paw has never stopped nor shown any signs that he is tired and would rather walk than run. He loves to run and only stops because I make him. It's my job (just like you're doing by asking) to make sure he doesn't overdo himself. Granted, Paw Paw is 5 now, and your pup is only 1, so his young age might be a factor to where you wouldn't want to push him too hard. Just pay attention to his signs. And if you're hiking/walking, it will probably be fine. Running/pulling would be another story possibly. Good luck!

Ok first i will say BE CAREFUL this time of yr. hiking high in CO. we are in prime avalanche season with this late snow. as for wind well you cant avoid it, i have hiked peaks with the dogs that have brought me to a seated position for fear of blowing off the edge, they do fine. as for distance it all depends on YOUR dog, weight in its pack and the climb you plan to do, the one thing i will tell you is its very unlikely they will show any signs of slowing down or pain till its to late so just watch for even the smallest change in pace or stride in the walk. we try and hike all yr long to make sure they dont get "soft" the start of the season is always smaller hikes and we build up to longer harder ones. train your dog like you would train for a hike, wear the pack around the neighborhood on walks and just build up the weight as you go. if you need any help send me a PM i have done about 30+ peaks in CO over the last 3yrs. we love it