Taking my Dog Riding for the First Time.. Advice?

phillychris498

phillychris498

Well-Known Member
Thinking about taking my dog out for a short ride at Nassau today for the first time. He's pretty athletic and I've been working on teaching him how to follow the bike for a while now... I think he's good enough to go. Does anyone else who rides with their dog have any advice for the first time? I know I need to bring some treats and extra water for him, but is there anything else? Thanks!🙂
 
i ride with my pooch for over 5 years now and noticed that humidity is the killer. also bells are a must. if you doog is bigger then a cow bell works, if he's on a smaller side than cat bells. I always hear him where he is. gives me piece of mind.
 
I'd definitely hold off until the temps drop. Even athletic dogs can be pretty wiped after a ride in cool weather. Not worth risking it while still this warm/humid out.
 
I take my dog to Mahlon all the time, just make sure there is a river or lake to lay in about halfway thru. Also be careful going to fast on railtrails or sharp rocky trails, my pooch gets his paws ripped once in while if I push him too hard
 
My wife and I ride with our 2 dogs all the time, for about 4 years now. For us the main issue is determining if Fido will stay with you no matter what, or...will Fido give chase to wildlife (deer / bear). We always come across streams and ponds for them to cool off, but if your dog leaves you mid-ride to chase a deer for 3 miles, then they are at risk for all sorts of injury or death. Some of my friends also ride with their dogs and they don't leave their masters, but our dogs (who are very well behaved in almost every condition / situation) switch into primal mode around wildlife, and did not listen at all round wildlife. Unfortunately, you will need to test your dog to see if the distraction of a deer / bear / whatever will make them not follow commands. If they stick with you...great! If not, you know the problem.

We solved the problem by using hunting type training collars. Our dogs now stay with us even when we ride up on a heard of deer or a family of bear (both have happened more than once).

Second issue is will they be OK with other "strange" dogs who are also off leash? This can go bad very quickly. Make sure your dog is Calm Submissive or Calm Assertive...must get along with other dogs.

Enjoy your rides with your dog. Roscoe and Daisy have deeply enhanced my riding experience, and I wish you the same joy. A well behaved dog is a great trail companion, a poorly behaved dog is a nightmare that ruins rides.
 
A few things.

1. Your dog may be friendly but another dog they encounter might not be. Off leash control is very important. I use a electronic collar with a remote when off leash in the woods. My dog is well trailed but its there just in case.

2. Your dog doesn't know its limits. You need to set them for them. Keep the speed down to a trot and use your best judgment and monitor there behavior.

3. Be careful of mixing dips in the water then back to running. My dog has tough pads but when she stops to get a drink in the water then continues running she winds up getting large blisters. I've heard good things about mushers wax but haven't tried it yet.

Use common sense and have fun. Dogs love this stuff.
 
Hey guys, thanks for the advice, although I didn't read most of it until now. My dog Andy and I did 3 and a half miles in a little longer than half an hour. He definitely enjoyed himself, although he did lay in a river and get all mucky, and my car has suffered a great deal. Oh well. Other than that, he stayed and even led for a little bit! I'll definitely try it out again some time soon.
 
I love riding with mine, but I never take her anywhere crowded. Even though she is well behaved, some people are still deathly afraid of dogs.
 
PonchoTempest said:
I love riding with mine, but I never take her anywhere crowded. Even though she is well behaved, some people are still deathly afraid of dogs.
Click to expand...

I didn't want for it to be crowded when I took him out as well. My dog absolutely loves people; so much that he runs up to everyone he sees and greets them, even if they are on a bike. I knew it would not end well if he ran up to a biker..
 
I really Dnt wanna ride w/your dog. I've had dogs all my life.., they rip. but guess wht, when I'm moving dwn a corner at speed, on the one day a week I have to ride and I see your dog out ahead. They are always out ahead. Now I have a problem.

Sorry but leave fido at home. Dnt take 'em to the beach and please Dnt take 'em to the trail. This ain't Colorado, it's Jersey. It only takes that one owner who doesn't pick up.., dosnt have control to really ruin/impact a good day.

I Dnt wanna hit sparky as he dashes in front of me. Sorry.
 
Beachbike said:
I really Dnt wanna ride w/your dog. I've had dogs all my life.., they rip. but guess wht, when I'm moving dwn a corner at speed, on the one day a week I have to ride and I see your dog out ahead. They are always out ahead. Now I have a problem.

Sorry but leave fido at home. Dnt take 'em to the beach and please Dnt take 'em to the trail. This ain't Colorado, it's Jersey. It only takes that one owner who doesn't pick up.., dosnt have control to really ruin/impact a good day.

I Dnt wanna hit sparky as he dashes in front of me. Sorry.
Click to expand...

When you're riding the trails you should be paying attention and always be looking for someone ahead of you on the trail. Whether its another rider, hiker, horse or dog. I understand about the laws and the idiots who don't have any control over there dog but at the end of the day the owner is responsible. Sorry but the trails aren't just for you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom