How far can I cycle with the dog?

[karen.488walker]

You can and this is the one I think I've settled on.

The ultimate aim is to be able to take him on an easy days XC ride of around 14 or 15 mile. I think this kind of distance is achievable but finding info on training dogs for this is a bit patchy, it's not the kind of thing my vet knows either, hence my question.

Could you attach this to a child's bike? If not does anyone know what you could use to help your child on a longer ride when they're tired. (Not a trailgater, thought that was an awful contraption) and obv. have a tag. Need something inbetween.?

 

[Archie_tect]

Absolutely, share the crisps with

No, make him buy his own!

 

[Jim_Noir]

My little cross can do 15k with me on the bike doing about 12mph... and she is as fit as a fiddle. Shell do 20k runs with me at night... I am fooked when I get home and she brings the football out!

My Greyhound, leaves me for dead, I'm doing about 27 mph and not able to keep up untill she runs out of puff... then we have to sit for hours then head home!

My Rottie, just not intrested and will knock me off the bike as he jumps up and wants to be on the bike.... get the roller skates on and get a harnes on him is a diffrent story and he'll drag you all over the place.

 

[addictfreak]

I married her not taking her cycling too!

 

[Crackle]

I'd do 12 miles of tracks and paths with Big Ears at around 12 kph with stops a couple of times a week - but she's a different dog and it sounds a bit obvious but only you'll know how far is far enough and how far is too far for yours.

You're a caring and responsible owner - keep an eye on him and be prepared to carry him home if need be.

I couldn't have had mine attached to the bike though

I think you're right. I've read lot of anecdotes of other peoples dogs but no hard and fast rules. So I think it's just a question of learning his limitations and recognising the signs of when he's tired as well as watching to see if he's stiff or sore the next day.

 

[Crackle]

Could you attach this to a child's bike? If not does anyone know what you could use to help your child on a longer ride when they're tired. (Not a trailgater, thought that was an awful contraption) and obv. have a tag. Need something inbetween.?

Don't think so Karen as it's designed to release on a strong pull.

The trailgator is a funny thing. I have nothing but praise for them but I know a few people who couldn't get on with it. There is something else caled a Banana bar, don't know if it's still made. I had one before the gator but didn't get on with it but it might suit you better.

 

[purplepolly]

WHY <shakes head in disbelief>

it'll be good exercise for the dog, fun, and a lab should respond well to having to behave in an orderly manner. This should result in a happy dog. Lots of dogs don't get enough exercise and training and it shows in their behaviour.

 

[Lisa21]

Sounds like your doing brilliantly Crackle!!!

Millie is just coming up to 3 now, shes a trained working Weimeraner and comes out with me a couple of times a week. The most I do with her atm is 10 miles as im building her up slowly-we started at one mile! -and she thinks its great fun!!!

Iv always got water for her, and dont take her when it is hot. You obviously know your dog so take your cues from him and you'll have a lot of fun

 

[dan_bo]

I used to take 'enry round t'clough on me MTB. We'd get back t' thouse after 4 or 5 miles and he'd have a big stripe of mud down his nose from my back tyre. Bless.

 

[Crackle]

Well this is all very encouraging.

Do you take Millie on the bike or with the horse Lisa?

 

[snapper_37]

Cracks - ignore the 2 posts earlier . My Piatrou used to love a run up the canal to near Brum and back (good 25 miles) when she was at her best. A few stops obviously, water and food. It was a little pootle on the MTB, not a full on time trial. And she was a retriever cross not a Lab pure.

You've got a lab, that's what they need. My cousin has recently come out of Sandhurst (brag brag brag) and she takes her lab on 30 mile+ runs.

 

[snapper_37]

WHY <shakes head in disbelief>

Well I could show photos of at least 3 really overweight Labs whose owners don't appreciate the need of the breed. So overweight that they can hardly walk.

What is better??

 

[Lisa21]

Crackle, I only take her on the bike, Not my horse!!!!!!!!!!!!

Patch hates dogs as his previous owner had an alsatian who he let chase him and nip his heels and tail and although he seems to like Millie and they lick noses through the gate () I dont let her too near him as its not worth the risk.

Woulddnt it look funny though!!!!! Makes me wish I could

 

[Crackle]

Cracks - ignore the 2 posts earlier . My Piatrou used to love a run up the canal to near Brum and back (good 25 miles) when she was at her best. A few stops obviously, water and food. It was a little pootle on the MTB, not a full on time trial.

You've got a lab, that's what they need. My cousin has recently come out of Sandhurst (brag brag brag) and she takes her lab on 30 mile+ runs.

30 miles We've a bit to go to that then.

Exactly Snapper, easy pace nothing dramatic, it's both the company and a reason to get out somewhere off road. I've waited 'till he's full grown and all his joints are formed because I've heard a few tales of people who've done too much too soon with their dog.

We're all off body boarding tomorrow, so it'll be a day swimming for him. He's only just got the swimming bit but he's gone from refusing to go in, to diving into big waves, overnight.

 

[Crackle]

Crackle, I only take her on the bike, Not my horse!!!!!!!!!!!!

Patch hates dogs as his previous owner had an alsatian who he let chase him and nip his heels and tail and although he seems to like Millie and they lick noses through the gate () I dont let her too near him as its not worth the risk.

Woulddnt it look funny though!!!!! Makes me wish I could

Ah Right. Mine's been out with a horse a few times, one patient enough to allow the dog to lick his nose but he still woofs at them on the lead but not off. I know he's OK to run with them but of course all horses are so different that I always get control of him when we see one.