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?

[Jeanie and MacKenzie]

We just started biking with Kenzie a couple of weeks ago!  She LOVES it! I also have not biked in years and with her penchant for squirrels and lizards I knew there was no way I'd survive intact if I tried it with her and a leash.  So, I looked up different bike attachments and read several reviews.  I saw the Walky Dog, but I didn't think it would work for me (squirrels...nuff said right?).  After watching the videos on this one, http://www.thedogoutdoors.com/dog-bike-leash.html with a 170lb great dane attached that was lumbering and jerking around along side the bike and it stayed stable - I decided to give it a try even though it is kind of pricey (but I figured it would cost less than the vet or hospital bills...).  Anyway = we are in love!  We have taken several rides - we are limiting her right now to every other day as much as she would love to go every day 5 times a day!  She took to it easily and when she does start to go for a lizard, etc. the leash won't let her and I barely feel it in the bike - which is fabulous! I also love that I finally feel like I have a way to truly get her the exercise she needs to get all her energy out when I don't have the same amount!  Love it!

[Lynda Kamrath]

LOVE IT!  I think I may even try riding my bike with my dogs.  This looks fantastic.  Thanks for sharing this with us.

[Jeanie and MacKenzie]

I'm so glad!  I hope you do - it is soooo much fun! 

[BG and Gavin]

It looks like a very nice product Jeanie, but the price of $150...yikes.  That is nearly as much as I paid for my new bike.

[Jeanie and MacKenzie]

I know it is definitely expensive...I thought about it for a couple of weeks and spent hours reading several different websites and reviews before I finally bit the bullet and bought it! The reviews I read were always great and mostly 5 stars (the 3 and 4 star reviews raved about the leash and complained about the price!) and I knew there was no other way I could safely ride with her and feel confident.  So I decided for me it was worth it.  Just a funny side note...I don't actually own a bike, I'm borrowing my mom's!  ;p

[Lynda Kamrath]

It may be a little pricey, but have you paid a visit to an ER or got x-rays lately?  Definitely more expensvie.  Our question was how it would work with two dogs.  My husband said one of each side of the bike and I could have doggie training wheels.  HAHAHA.  I said one for his bike and one for mine - sounds more like it to me.  We decided it would be best on mountain bikes and then we just have to find the right wide trail, single tracks won't work.  So, do I get one or get two?  I think I will start with one and put the younger dog with me and let Groucho run along side Charlie as they have been doing frequently.  Now just finding the right trails.

[BG and Gavin]

You would definately need to post a picture of the doggie training wheels should you go that route Lynda!  LOL

[Lynda Kamrath]

I think that was a joke!   My husband loves to tease me, especially about biking.  But I will post a photo with the dog-bike leash when we get it up and working.

[BG and Gavin]

Yes it was a joke Lynda - but I can picture it :)

[Lynda Kamrath]

Me too - unfortunately!

[Lynda Kamrath]

Thanks so much for this information.  I just ordered my dog-bike leash.  I had my husband (mountain bike racer) look over this one and the bikeyleash and he definitely liked this one better even though it is more expensive.  BTW, it is the same people on both videos so I think the bikeyleash came first and this is an updated model.  The problem with the bikeyleash was that the center is on the seat post and the dog-bike leash is down on the back wheel.  It lowers the center of gravity and makes it much more unlikely that you will be pulled over by your dog.  I have only ridden my bike a couple of times with the dogs chasing me and I want to do more riding (for me and the dogs).  I also have some balance problems and need to ride on wider trails.  Single tracks do not work for me so this should be great.  I'll let you know how it goes.

[Jennifer and Jack]

I used to piddle around with Jack on an extended leash and harness just a little. He was to ADD and it was not safe. If I get well enough i have a pet carrier to trach to my bike to strap him into!