Running with the bike?

[DJEtzel]

So I'm curious what users here use on their dog as far as equipment for riding bikes with a running dog. Jon (bf) got a new bike tonight and I plan on getting one too, or using his in the meantime to run Frag. We have trails and sidewalks that I'll be switching from, though most of it will be on the trails where there's less impact since he is still technically growing.

ANYWAY, I digress...

What I want to know is what type of collar leash I should use, would be easier to use, and what I absolutely shouldn't use. Like, is a prong completely out of the question? I really have no idea how he's going to react to the bike because he hasn't been around them a lot, but he never has issues with bikers near us on trails or the sidewalk and is a great running partner staying right next to me. He responds pretty well to verbal commands for everything except stopping well, really. Which is why I know it'd be easier to get his attention with a prong on to stop him if need be/at crosswalks, etc. I don't FORSEE him lunging/pulling or being stupid on it, and I don't forsee myself crashing and killing his neck, so would that be alright? Should I use a flexi in this case to give him room for extra movement, or perhaps a longer leash, or two leashes and two collars?

Just wondering what works for everyone here. I know if it weren't for the stopping I wouldn't really be considering anything other than a 6' lead and a flat buckle, but I'm worried he wouldn't stop successfully fast enough on my cue and would pull me over. I know he won't be pulling for any strangers, kids, dogs, squirrels, etc. though.

Thanks for any tips/advice!

[KZoppa]

first off, dont run him with the bike unless you have one of those connections that clip to the bike itself to attach to the leash. also, a flat collar would be best because its least likely to cause damage if you have to stop too quickly for him to catch himself and a slip chain wouldnt be the best option either because of the same reason resulting in windpipe damage. I'll see if i can find the connection i'm talking about and post it.

[KZoppa]

this....

Springer Bicycle Dog Jogger .. Biking & Exercising Your Dog

WalkyDog Dog Jogger, WalkyDog Dog Exerciser


it helps make it safer and you have full control of the bike without the dog being able to pull and throw you off. also start off by walking him next to the bike so he can get used to it.

[RazinKain]

I would be more concerned about your own personal safety equipment (a helmet). My Kain is the world's worst about cutting in front of me and stopping right there. I can't count the times he's almost tripped me in the house. Taking him on a bike run would be absolutely unnerving for me.

[liv]

I haven't gotten anything yet since I still have probably a month or so of snow left , but this is what I am actually planning on ordering tomorrow:

Bike Tow Leash - About Us I like the look of this bike attachment better than some of the others since it is more stable and I really want the dogs to be able to pull the bike for a little extra muscle building. (Check out the video of the 170 lb Dane - he's built like a horse!) I'm going to get one for me and one for my DH.

For a harness (since they will be pulling) I am going to go with the Urban Trail harness from Alpine Outfitters - Phone/Fax: 1-360-659-3800 - We fit your dog sled equipment needs. This is the only harness I have found that is far enough back that I don't think it will rub in the dog's armpits (my female is very sensitive about anything rubbing there). There is a better description and picture at Custom-Made Padded Urban Trail Sport Dog Harness but they don't sell them there anymore. They have an adjustable one as well that I am thinking about for my male since he's still got some filling out to do.

ETA: Also, obviously a helmet , I'm getting a new bike computer so I can keep track of distance and speed, and I have heard a mirror for your bike is useful to keep an eye on your dog when you're in traffic etc.

[Syaoransbear]

I've used a prong before and it was fine, but I have a springer bike attachment so if I did dump the bike the little plastic piece would just snap and he wouldn't get tangled with the bike.

I think the biggest danger of using a prong would be if you tie it to the bike or bike handles. If you are holding the leash, you can just drop it if you fall. The problem with holding the leash is that if the dog does lunge or pull, the dog could pull you and the bike over.

[DJEtzel]

Is there a specific reason why an attachment would be more than necessary? I've just never liked the idea of them, personally. They seem... weak and uncontrollable to me. I'd like to be able to move him out of the way if we had any issues with obstacles such as people, dogs, etc. and not have him pull away and break free... or does this not happen? I'll admit that I do not have a lot of knowledge on those attachments, just always thought I'd rather HOLD the leash (not attach to bike in any way).

Frag is also not a bit of a weaver, especially when we're jogging/running. I don't know that he won't do that with a new object like a bike, but I will try it out walking first to see how he does. He learned the hard way that if he walks in front of me, I walk through him, and he stopped that quick. Plus, he's always rewarded in Heel position, so he has no good reason to move elsewhere logically speaking.

I'd really like to get into bikejoring and having him pull it as he has experience pulling weight in harness already, but I really have nowhere to practice such a thing living in the city now, and his directional cues are NOT what they used to be. I guess I'm taking the easy way out for now..

eta; I was not really worried about the holding the leash and him pulling me, because he responds to prong pressure VERY well and a small tug would correct any bit of lunging he ever thought about doing, not that he's ever lunged at anything to begin with. He's so sensitive, if he pulled against a prong he'd probably kill himself emotionally. Just having the prong ON will usually straighten him up more because he's so sensitive. (while he is sensitive, he also bounces back well. He can take a mild correction and get on with it after praise for a job well done, etc.)

[liv]

Originally Posted by DJEtzel

Is there a specific reason why an attachment would be more than necessary?

The only one I have found that I liked was the one I mentioned in my post, since it seems very stable (it attaches at the rear axle) and it essentially keeps the dog in a heel position, and going where the bike is going, even if it wants to head in a different direction. I would love to start bikejoring, and this is my way of easing into it, since with the harness the dog can actually be pulling the bike while being beside me, and the directional cues can be reinforced/taught without the dog actually being in control of my direction. I guess the difference is I WANT the dog to pull, which wouldn't really work with a prong and leash (which is what I would probably use if I wasn't using a bike attachment). My male is also somewhat dog reactive, so I would worry if I was holding the leash in a busy area, I wouldn't have enough focus on both the dog and what was going on around me - this takes out the worry that he will be able to pull me over. I'm not worried about the dog breaking free, since they look to be very well made, and I will probably have them on a flat collar with a leash for my own peace of mind, at least at first.

[Syaoransbear]

Originally Posted by DJEtzel

Is there a specific reason why an attachment would be more than necessary?

It's not necessary, but it feels a lot safer and easier to me. It was after a few weeks of riding around with a leash in my hand that I decided to try an attachment, and I love it because it's so hands free. Instead of having to coordinate a dog and a bike, I just have to maneuver one dog/bike entity.

I didn't like not being able to use both of my brakes, and not being able to use hand signals because I was holding a leash. Also, when I got off of my bike to move my bike and dog around obstacles, it was really annoying trying to get the dog and the bike to go where I wanted them to go when they were separate. It was a lot easier when the attachment made them become basically one unit.

Also, one time Chrono saw an outdoor cat running and he lunged for it HARD. The back tire of the bike moved maybe 2 inches and that was it, and the plastic part never broke. The spring took so much of the force I barely felt it. I was impressed.

If you don't want an attachment and your dog responds that well to a prong collar, you'll be fine riding around with a leash and a prong. But I gotta say, an attachment is rreeaalll convenient .

[Kris10]

Ride Your Bike & Walk Your Dog | Bike Tow Leash


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