Q for dog owners-info please

[roadie gal]

I second everyone's thoughts on the herding dogs. I own 2 collies. They're great hiking dogs, but I would worry about them trying to "herd" my bike. They'll nip at fast moving objects, especially if they're swerving around at all. I'd be worried that the dog would get hurt.

[Trekhawk]

Cant give any advice on cycling with a Kelpie but I can tell you that the Kelpie breed is a working dog and get bored very easily if left at home on its own for long stretches. If you both work and will be away from home all day this might not be the breed for you.

[snapdragen]

I'd also like to recommend a book for your "Second Hand Dog" by Carol Lee Benjamin. Can't wait to see your new fur child!

[smilingcat]

We fostered both dogs and cats over the years for different rescue groups. If you plan on adopting a rescue animal, ask to talk to the foster family who have kept the animal. Ask them about their disposition around children, their energy level, what they like and don't like.

A good foster family would be asking question about you too. We ask questions to see if the dog is a good match for you.

Definitly though, taking a dog on a run with you on a bike may seem idealic, but there are too many risks and it just isn't worth it. When you take a dog for a run, you have to keep an eye on him to make sure he isn't running around with an injury or overheating or dehydrated. Dogs also need to develop their stamina like people so you just can't take him out of a shelter and expect to run him for even half a mile. Also their pads may not have developed the needed calous to withstand the endurance run. But they will run for you even if their pad is raw or even if their joints are sore. Most dogs want to please their owner so you have to be diligent about their physical state.

And good luck with adopting a dog.
Shawn

[sarahlou]

We cycle, sail, ski ect. with our rough coat Jack Russell, Lou Lou. She is a wonderful dog to take on any trip and loves the adventure. Although she is small (13 lbs.) she can usually keep up. If we are mt. biking, she often runs up the hills and sometimes rides in a backpak or bob trailer on the down. On our last cycle adventure in San Diego, we couldn't find anywhere that we could ride and she could be offleash. So she went (happily) in the backpak. I like having a smaller dog as it gives you the option of carrying them if need be.

I wonder if a Kelpie would want to herd you while you rode. As for running off, Jack Russells are known to do this too but we only had one instance of her taking off on us for about 20 minutes while we called and called for her to return. She is really well trained to stay near us. Usually we are riding at a pace that she is more focused on keeping with "the pack" than chasing other animals, although when we stop to take a break she is known to hunt squirrels.

We don't do anything to condition her, she is always up for adventure. If we haven't been too active with her for awhile, we take it slow and watch for signs of her needing a break. Having a dog along definately adds a different dimension to the ride- maybe like taking a child (I don't have kids so this is just a guess at a comparison).

When I figure out how to attach a photo- I will.

[sarahlou]

Oh, I guess I did!

[spazzdog]

Where is her helmet??

spazz

[Deborajen]

I have the Springer contraption for my bike which was mentioned in one of the earlier posts. We have a Siberian Husky who loves to run and pull so it seemed like a great idea - the first few times. Our dog, Leia, does well on a leash. Off leash it's "make me!" - which is typical of huskies. Anyway, she did great with the Springer and was constantly aware of the bike and kept her distance, etc. Then one day a squirrel shot across the road in front of us - Leia forgot all about the bike, she chased, crashed into the front wheel, and we both splattered on the pavement suddenly and quickly.

Wildlife distractions can come up without warning anytime, so I don't use the Springer anymore. Maybe some breeds might do a little better, but this definitely isn't a good idea for a husky. -

Deb

[Trek420]

Awwwwwwwwwwwwww

Where's the "doggles"?

www.doggles.com/eyewear.html

Deborajen, somewhere here theres discussion of dog sledding, on land! Doggie's in front of you you jog behind, seems great for both.

I'd like to get a beeeeeeg dog cart, I think my Mutt would like it and I'd get a workout pulling 55 lbs of dog.

[spazzdog]

little red wagon... harness on dog.... yee-hah!

[dakay]

I have a dalmatian. They were bred to run beside a horse drawn coach for long distances and guard the coach when it was parked. They definitely have the instinct to follow a bike. There are competitions where they go 25 miles with horses on the trails. I have seen them come in after 25 miles on the trail all ready to play. I use a springer type attachment on my bike and my dal does fine, although he has a high prey drive so I might lose him in the woods if he were not on leash.

Kathy