Cycling as a training tool

[BG and Gavin]

My DH and I just got new bikes and thought we would try cycling with Gavin on leash.  I had DH hold the leash as I haven't biked in years (but like they say, just like riding a bike...you never forget!) so did not have the confidence.  I followed behind.  Gav did pretty well for his first time out I must say.  We went at a fairly leasurely pace, but I noticed Gav had to keep checking in with DH as they moved.  A few times he checked over his shoulder looking for me, but DH gave some well timed leash corrections to keep him on track and watching where he was going.  When there were dog distractions we gave the "leave it" command and DH sped up a bit which required an extra bit of concentration from Gavin.  It seemed to me to be a very good mental as well as physical workout for him.  After he cooled down he finished up his breakfast and ate his whole dinner ration without a topper (unheard of, lol) and flopped down to sleep. Does anyone else cycle with their dogs?  Thoughts about cycling as a training tool?  Tips?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I couldn't do it in a million years, but I wish I could, it sounds wonderful!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Two million for me : )

[Leslie and Halas]

It sounds great! But I just have this vision of Halas either trying to cut in front of me or being too freaked out to move at all. The only tip I have for you is to wear a helmet, just in case a certain furry someone causes you to take a header over your handlebars, lol.

[BG and Gavin]

Yep, we wore out helmets.  Safety first.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I always worry about the dog when I see them running along side of a bike. How do you know when they have had enough? Now, granted I am thinking like I would if I had to run along side of a bike for any reason....LOL!

[BG and Gavin]

When I said a leisurely pace, I really meant it.  It was not much more than a quick walk for him.  I was bringing up the rear and coasting alot.  We knew Gavin had enough as we neared home because he lagged back a touch (no longer in line with the handle bar, but more with the pedal) so we slowed even more.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

BG, I need you to tie me up along side your bike and make me run at any pace. I am sure I will need plenty of corrections, but I know you can handle it. LOL

I don't worry about you or Gavin, because I know you are a smart, sensible, and loving dog owner, but I have seen some real idiots running with their dogs in 100 degree weather and dragging them behind their bike. I really think sometimes you should have to pass a test to own a dog :)

I actually have a bike carrier for a dog that can attach to our bike. We bought it for our old Lab that could no longer walk long distances. She hated that thing.

It sounds like Gavin enjoyed the bike and it will be a great way for him to get his exercise.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I agree Laurie, when is enough--enough?  I think the human needs to make this a dog experience and not a work out for themselves.   They can leave the dog at home if they want to ride at a fast pace for miles and miles. So far, we have only done a half mile and Spud is pretty tired.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Yes Yes Yes.  We have just introduced this again too  ( I tried during the first year and crashed hard--it was too early)

While reading this discussion it sounded like I wrote the experience. It is the exact same.  I too, followed behind.  Spud really had to concentrate on F.J., which I thought was a great thing.  We took it slow.

We only had one mishap.  F.J. saw a cat out of the corner of his eye and thought that was what Spud had focused on.  When the cat went the other way, F.J. gave a Good Boy.  WRONG.  The squirrel bolted in front of the bike and things got messy for a few seconds.  But I really think this can work with a dog that has matured and is trained.

I'm looking forward to more of your experiences, BG

What type of collar are  you using in this exercise?

[BG and Gavin]

LOL we encountered a cat too on the first block.  Gavin did not bother with it until DH stopped his bike.  He was waiting for me to catch up as I jogged along side to begin with to ensure it would go smoothly before grabbing my bike and joining in. 

We just used a flat collar.  I have been using one almost exclusively since just before Gav's TDI test as this is the only collar that they allow.

Once Gavin got in the zone, it was a beautiful sight.  One correction we made after starting out was that I had my DH put Gavin on the curb side.  We are used to walking him on the left, but putting him on the right was the thing to do as if he did decide to bolt at least he would pull you away from any potential traffic.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I get the " Zone" part. I never saw so much concentration from Spud.  He really had to and wanted to, pay attention.

Spud is a tad  hyper, or so I thought. I was amazed at his focus.  Really was a great site to see staying back and watching it all take place.

Collar--Spud has always gagged, choked easily, and it is hard to train him to anything restraining his neck. We even took him to the vet last Monday for increase in these symptoms again.  So, we have to stick to a Prong or Gentle Walker.  But it seems to work for us.

Love that Gavin is still on a flat  :)

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

If you continue to like biking with Gavin you might want to check out one of these.  I haven't personally used one but have seen others use them and it seems that it might be a good idea. 

http://www.thedogoutdoors.com/walkydog-dog-bike-leash.html