Q for dog owners-info please

[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

[crazycanuck]

Spazzdoggggg..Do you have a large house? We have a medium sized house and are wondering if it's ok for a greyhound.

I heard that greyhounds are really only active for about 40min a day & then just want to zzzzzzzz.. Was that true for yours?

C

[spazzdog]

I adopted Pearl whe I lived in Manhattan... in a studio apartment.

They are cats disquised as dogs. Snooz-o-rama!!! When they run, it's fast as lightening. 20 seconds later they're done

Just have to have a fenced yard if you're gonna put them outside on their own and keep them on a leash until well trained (which my Pearl-i-que was).

They are GREAT apartment dogs as well.

[Kano]

Haven't done with Khan, but I do see people trailering their dogs on a regular basis here. Most recent version -- lady on a tricycle with a big metal crate mounted to the back that the dog was riding in!

Khan's an explorer and would likely be a disaster at trotting along side. He'd probably love to be a rider!

(Note -- if they pick the beast for you, you can say, no, we just don't think so and wait for a new choice if you just don't like the "feel" of him, right?)

Karen in Boise