Dogs are a common sight on most rural properties. There are dogs for watching, herding, protecting and just for petting. There are breeds suited to each job — Border Collies for herding, Great Pyrenees for protecting, shepherds for watching and Corgis for petting. Most “farm” dogs are not confined in any way and are able to roam off their own property, occasionally causing havoc along the way.

Do you think that farm dogs should be kept in a kennel, leashed or in the house when not “working”? And does it depend on the breed when making this decision?

Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

PHOTO BY JENNA WOGINRICH

Here in Vermont there is plenty of snow. And when there is snow on the ground in rural America, the chainsaw-buzz of snowmobiles isn’t far behind. But for some of us there’s a different (and might I add quieter) style to getting around over the icy roads and trails. It’s clean, it’s green, and it runs on renewable energy. Yes folks, meet the dogsled.

My own dogs are working homestead housedogs. Their names are Jazz and Annie and while they may seem like couch potatoes when you visit the farm during high garden season — they are a force to be reckoned with when the rhubarb is under 3 inches of ice. When the snow falls we’re outside and in harness. Thanks to our lightweight Swedish-style kicksled we’re able to mush for a few miles at a time, even with just a two-dog team. The super light 20-pound sled and the help of my kicking keeps us going at a decent clip. Besides providing exercise for us all, another benefit of mushing is that it helps me do everyday chores around the farm like hauling firewood and running out to the mailbox to bring in packages.

And folks, you don’t need a pack of huskies to start sailing by those SUVs stuck in ditches. All you need is a healthy and happy dog with a love of running. Dog sports like skijoring (attaching a dog in harness to a belt you wear around your waist while you cross country ski) can be practiced with just one dog. It sounds awkward but the combination of a properly harnessed dog and your skis can make the usual winter walk a full-blown mushing adventure. Not to mention confuse and frighten your neighbors, which, let’s be honest, is half the fun.

If you’re interested in getting your own dog in harness, check out sleddogcentral.com. It’s a web community of people dedicated to mushing and skijoring. There you’ll find everything from local mentors, area clubs and respected outfitters. It’s a great home base for forums, advice and training tips. I suggest you check it out soon — that lab over there on the couch looks like he could use a few laps around the park.

See you on the trail!

It might be hard to imagine that your slobbery, cuddly best friend is part wolf, but it’s true. Nature’s upcoming two-part show Dogs That Changed the World tells exactly how over the last 15,000 years the wolf has transformed into more than 400 different breeds of today’s dogs — one of which may be your walk, purse or Frisbee companion. In Part One, “The Rise of the Dog,” biologist Raymond Coppinger discusses his theory on the origin of dogs and their domestication. Part Two, “Dogs by Design,” shows how a dog’s instinct to hunt, dig and guard can help save lives. You can start by watching a preview, or just dive right into it and watch the show: Part One airs Sept. 28 and Part Two airs Oct. 4. For local listings, visit here.

When I lived in downtown Knoxville walking to the grocery store was common practice. It was only a few blocks from my apartment, so if I ever needed a few things I could either hoof it with a canvas bag or opt to take my bike (which was outfitted with an array of baskets.) Of course, most of you folks already do this. But there are more alternatives to plastic grocery bags than you realize, and some of them are asleep on your couch right now.

If you have a large dog loafing at home while you peddle to the store — you're both missing out on some serious useful exercise. Dogs have been used for thousands of years to haul sleds, pull carts, and yes, even carry groceries. Your dog can be of use too with the right training and gear. Enter the dog pack.

Dog packs are saddlebags used mostly for backpacking and hiking.They aren't burdensome loads but specially made items ergonomically formed to your dog's body. A healthy dog can easily carry a quarter of his weight. So if you have an 80-pound Labrador at home, that's 20 extra pounds of groceries you could be taking home while he gets decent walk. And that 20 pounds might be the breaking point between taking the Schwinn or taking the car. If you can employ the bored, save some gas, and spend time with your best friend, why not dog pack?

If your new to all this working dog business make sure you do some research before jumping in. Be certain to buy your dog's pack from a reputable outfitter like Ruffwear or the wonderful people at Wolfpacks. Kelty also makes a great little pack called the Chuckwagon, and all can be ordered online. What you don't want are those big cheap generic "dog packs" for sale at chain pet stores. A proper pack needs to carry weight the same way a sleddog pulls, in his chest and shoulders and not across his back.

When you get the pack, introduce it to your dog slowly. Put it on him without anything in it every single time you go outside for a walk or the dog park. In a few weeks he'll associate his pack with a great time. Which is exactly what you want from a happy working house pet.

Besides the obvious benefits of padding to the grocery store together, there are subtler ones too. Walking with a dog opens you up to other locals. People just seem more friendly when you've got a dog with you. Strangers who wouldn't normally talk to you strike up conversations. I'm a firm believer that good dogs build communities, and even the best cars cut us off from them. And unlike bikes, a dog can maneuver through a city crowd or farmer's market with ease. I've had my dogs both packing behind me in busy markets unbeknownst to vendors and crowds. When I unzip a pack and load it up with carrots, people say "Well, there's an idea!" and my dogs agree.

Jenna Woginrich is the author of the forthcoming book, Made from Scratch: Discovering the Pleasures of a Handmade Life, from Storey Publishing. Visit her Web site at coldantlerfarm.blogspot.com.