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Post by susanw on Aug 9, 2012 21:11:31 GMT -5
A quick question folks.
Now that The Quinster is an energetic 1 yr old, I've been doing some research on devices that you can hook your dog to and attach him/her to your bicycle frame so that they are more controlled. I'd like to cycle with him to give us both a better workout but I'm no Olympian and would rather keep both MY hands on the handlbars.
There are 2 or 3 types on the market (the "Springer" being one of them) Have any of you tried them? Any other recommendations? I know a woman who cycles with her 2 dogs on the rail-trail we frequent, but they are older dogs/better disciplined and run along side her off leash. Quin is not that reliable yet.
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Post by hooligan on Aug 9, 2012 21:31:17 GMT -5
Thanks, Susan. If anyone has suggestions, we, too, would be interested in hearing about them. We haven't yet bought a device, but we plan to bike with Jack. So far, we've only spent time introducing him to the bikes -- first by walking both him and one of the bikes, and then with one of us riding while the other walks Jack on lead beside the bike. He's quite used to meeting cyclists on the path and isn't fazed by them. But he was a little wary of getting up close with one of us on a bike. So we're taking it slowly.
BTW, Susan, I think a lot of people recommend waiting till a dog is at least 18 mos. old before starting this kind of activity. You might want to check with Monica to see what she thinks.
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Post by susanw on Aug 10, 2012 12:39:27 GMT -5
Thanks Dyanne. Quin isn't fazed by bikes either probably because he sees our friend cycling with her dogs almost daily,but I haven't been up on mine around him. I need to get myself a bike rack 1st so I can get it to the trail on the car.
As to his age, I will certainly ask Monica about that on Sunday. The section of rail-trail we walk in the morning isn't very long and I hadn't planned to trot him for more than 5-10 mins anyway depending on how he liked it. Just thought it would be something we could do to give him some variety. He loves the dog park but has started to bark a lot at other dogs to try and get them to run with him and its getting really annoying to both the dogs and some of the owners. Becoming a bit of a "Brat-asaurus" must be his age..lol.
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Post by Andreina on Aug 10, 2012 19:07:21 GMT -5
Hey guys, no clue about the bike thing lol but i can offer advice on the age.
Its best to wait until their growth plates close which is around 16 - 18 months I believe. Thats the same advice for starting any agility, vigorous exercise involving constant running and jumping where the dog can't take a break and stop.
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Post by susanw on Aug 10, 2012 19:29:28 GMT -5
Thanks for the clarification on the age vs exercise level thing. Maybe by the spring he'll be ready to give it a try.
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Post by Andreina on Aug 10, 2012 20:24:54 GMT -5
Susan I don't think there would be an issue with cycling with him for a short period of time, I just wouldn't do a full big trail. Monica will probably clarify. But I don't see a problem with you getting him use to it now, and making him comfortable around the bicycle. So that when you guys are ready to go on longer cycles, you would have already made associated him with the bike and he would be ready
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Post by Dobereich on Aug 11, 2012 2:57:34 GMT -5
The Sprenger is great, and yes, you can do some light biking with a 1 year old dog.
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Post by susanw on Aug 11, 2012 12:15:53 GMT -5
Excellent - thanks Monica. Now that the weather s cooling off a bit we'll give it a try.
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Post by dobermoms on Aug 13, 2012 18:38:30 GMT -5
Kerrie looked into it and she felt the Sprenger is a good unit for the bike. Apparently the quick release saves your ass ... literally! lol We are now getting Kazi fit for a harness to pull a couple of oxen for the winter months....lol
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Post by Pekoenut on Aug 14, 2012 14:44:31 GMT -5
Hey Guys, Any of the dogs that I have ever biked with, first I made sure they had decent level of obedience and an excellent recall. Made sure they were used to the bike and other people moving around them. I then started with small distances in quiet areas and moved up to busier/ long rides. I use a martingale collar or choker chain and leash. I get the dog to heel on one side and that is the side they stay on, I don't let them pass the front tire or drag behind (adjust the pace to them) Myself I wouldn't feel comfortable using a device that straps them to the bike if they spook or bolt might be a train wreck waiting to happen. I watch the body langauge and make sure I have good voice control. Never had a problem. Hope this helps you.
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Post by hooligan on Aug 15, 2012 8:58:59 GMT -5
Thanks, Carey. You've put your finger on the debate we're having, although our plan to start conditioning Jack to jogging alongside the bikes was derailed by the stinkin' heat. Now that the weather has cooled somewhat and the temp is a little more cycling friendly, we'll probably restart the program.
As for the Springer, Bill never met a gadget he could resist. So I'm sure that a Springer will appear in the house at some point, even if it ends up being relegated to the gadget graveyard: our garage, which is stuffed with doodads that didn't live up to their billing. LOL.
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Post by susanw on Aug 16, 2012 16:07:13 GMT -5
Yes thanks for the info Carey. We had Quin trotting long offf leash, beside my friend's bike this morning for a few minutes, along with her 2 dogs. He was so funny - giving her this look like "what the heck are you doing lady?" He kept well back from the side of the bike but didn't seem to be spooked at all probably because his "buddies" were there.
FYI - the Springer device we have been discussing is specially designed to "release" tension if the dog should pull sideways or bolt. I wouldn't need it on our rail-trail as it is a controlled environment with fields on both sides but I would want something on a public bike path.
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Post by susanw on Oct 30, 2012 17:18:55 GMT -5
FYI . . .for those of you who expressed interest in the Springer Bike attachment, I just received an e-mail notice that Rens currently has them on sale for less than half price - $59.99 until 6pm tomorrow or until out of stock. Regular price is $124.99 so that's a great deal.
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