Here's a few points.
If you spend much time with snowmachines on questionable ice, the survival gear on your machine won't do you much good if you lose your machine. I keep fire starting gear, socks, baclava, and gloves in my parka (all in water proof bags).
Dogs can be taught to get out of the water onto the ice.
1. Find safe ice that is adjacent to open water
2. Put dog on long lead and throw something to retrieve into the water (if your dog won't retrieve you'll have to figure out a way to get it into the water)
3. When dog returns and gets it's front feet on the ice,let it work at it for a few seconds then pull on the lead to help it slowly use it's claws to get on the ice.
4. Repeat
I teach all my dogs to climb on the ice, the option may be drowning.
