Enjoy the peace and quiet of the forests and wide open spaces, all while harnessed to a dog. In Corrençon-en-Vercors, Sandra Coignard Dussaux, an experienced musher and dog handler, invites you to discover this exhilarating activity, where you and the dog work together as one.
“Before we set off, let me give you a few instructions on how to approach the dog and make sure you feel safe,” says Sandra Coignard Dussaux, as she prepares to lead a group of 10 on a one-hour ‘cani-rando’ dog trek.
Lover of the great outdoors
After eight years as a hiking guide in Spain and two years as a professional musher in the Nordic countries, Sandra Coignard Dussaux settled in Corrençon-en-Vercors with the goal of offering dog-led hikes. She fell in love with the Hauts-Plateaux Nordic ski resort, whose pristine landscapes remind her of Scandinavia. Today, she manages 16 well-trained dogs, all with husky blood, and has prepared them for cani-rando.
In her team, the leader is Olympe, a headstrong dog.
Before each outing, Sandra introduces her four-legged companions and pairs them based on their individual personalities. The more athletic dogs lead the way, setting the pace at the front, while the calmer ones bring up the rear, following at a more gentle pace.
‘It’s really the dog that walks us rather than the other way round!’
Everyone then puts on their harness, which is designed to fit all body types. Positioned on the hips to avoid any strain on the lower back, the harness is connected to the dog via a lanyard.
‘”These animals are made for exercise, so you have to manage them carefully,” explains Sandra. “On the flat, they guide us and help us on the climbs. But on the descents, you have to slow them down and stop them taking control. If they speed up too much, we have to bend our knees and tilt our pelvis for better stability. Then we use commands: right, left, stop, ahead, turn… The dogs understand a basic vocabulary and appreciate being praised and rewarded.”
In winter, the walk sets off either on foot, snowshoes or cross-country skis from the Corrençon-en-Vercors golf driving range,
The majestic peaks of the Vercors, like the Grande Moucherolle, rise dramatically in the background.
Sandra also offers night-time outings, using head torches to light the way, where you gather around a cosy log fire and listen to stories of the Great North. On each adventure, hikers develop a special bond with the dogs and are so captivated by the experience that they can’t wait to come back for more!
Practical info
Les ExtraPattes
Les Hauts-Plateaux
38250 Corrençon-en-Vercors
extrapattes.com
Practical info
Find all the practical information you need to make the most of your visit to Isère.
