Q for dog owners-info please

[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

[MomOnBike]

I had a Doberman rescue (as in, she came up on our porch and made herself at home), the late and greatly lamented Vrka, that was great as a biking dog. She was trained to heel, and would run along beside me. Her favorite command was "OK!" which meant that she could run out in front and pull me. I took advantage of her on hills, oddly enough. She would return to heel on command.

That dog, at least, wasn't interested in chasing things while we were going places, she just like to run with her "pack." Great dog. I never had a bit of problem with her on the bike. Other times, well, we won't go into that.

Our current dog, a mini Dashchund, would be a disaster. Ignoring the fact he has 3" legs and couldn't keep up, he'd keep stopping to sniff, chase and threaten everything on the way - probably running under the bike to do it. He stays at home, much to his displeasure.

[crazycanuck]

Thank you ladies for your info as always & muchly appreciated.

Trev at the dog refuge knows how long we'll be away from home each day & how much time we can devote to training etc. We're aware that the dog would not be able to venture out onto the trails right away & would have to do some obedience classes etc.

We are leery of the greyhound & foxhound but are ok with the kelpie. I don't want something that is going to take me for a walk

What's sad is nobody wants the foxhound or the greyhound

C

[spazzdog]

Having had a rescue greyhound for 10 yrs I can vouch for their wunnerful little selves.

My Pearl was a joy! Very calm and quiet at home (couch potato) and loved long walks/hikes. A decent jogging partner (6 miles and less). And no doggie odor.

spazz