How far can I cycle with the dog?

[Crackle]

Now he's full grown, I've been taking him a lot more on the bike and the last few weeks he's done a few rides, culminating in a 7 mile forest ride the other day.

I make sure I've got a foldable water bowl for him and some water, we stop every few miles, I don't go too fast and sometimes I get off and walk so he can sniff a bit.

He's also used to being attached to the bike now, when the need arises and trots next to me at 5 or 6 mph, so he's getting really versatile. He seems to really enjoy it and he's good company. I figure with training, he can go further but others experiences would be useful.

He's a lab, from a working line, whose parents and Grandparents all had very good hip and shoulder scores. He's very lively and athletic and I don't think I've ever knackered him out yet.

 

[numbnuts]

WHY <shakes head in disbelief>

 

[Archie_tect]

Has he never cut across you or other cyclists or stopped to check something out making you swerve or pull you off yet?
Sounds good fun and great for keeping him [and you] fit and healthy!

 

[Crackle]

Has he never cut across you or other cyclists or stopped to check something out making you swerve or pull you off yet?
Sounds good fun and great for keeping him [and you] fit and healthy!

He has. It's all part of the learning process. I've nudged him gently a few times with the front wheel so he's learning to get out of the way and a shout of 'go on' gets him moving. When we see other cyclists, I either bring him to heel or we stop.

 

[redjedi]

Have you trained him to pull you up the hills yet?

 

[Gromit]

I thought this was not allowed?

 

[Archie_tect]

He has. It's all part of the learning process. I've nudged him gently a few times with the front wheel so he's learning to get out of the way and a shout of 'go on' gets him moving. When we see other cyclists, I either bring him to heel or we stop.

I was starting to think he wasn't normal
It'll be great when he's learned your commands and just runs alongside... just like dalmatians running beneath carriages in the 18th century!

My brother in law has a black labrador who he takes running and they go for miles [he says] but the dog never looks tired... good excuse to call in at the pub on the way home though!

 

[Arch]

I thought this was not allowed?

Not that I've ever heard. In fact you can get specific attaching thingies to connect dog and bike, that quick release under excessive strain to prevent the bike being yanked over.

Obviously, you want to take care, but it sounds like Crackle has it sorted.

 

[Arch]

WHY <shakes head in disbelief>

Assistance up hills? I may get a dog 'specially for that....

 

[Crackle]

WHY <shakes head in disbelief>

I thought this was not allowed?

I don't understand either of these two coments He's not on the road Gromit, trails and forests.

Have you trained him to pull you up the hills yet?

Unless you've got some kind of harness you serioulsy don't want him to do this. I've clocked him at 25mph on the flat, a collision at that speed doesn't bear thinking about. I've had to train him to stay back while attached to the bike.

My brother in law has a black labrador who he takes running and they go for miles [he says] but the dog never looks tired... good excuse to call in at the pub on the way home though!

Absolutely, share the crisps with

 

[Hilldodger]

Assistance up hills? I may get a dog 'specially for that....

Or a certain baby elephant

 

[Crackle]

Not that I've ever heard. In fact you can get specific attaching thingies to connect dog and bike, that quick release under excessive strain to prevent the bike being yanked over.

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.

 

[Arch]

Or a certain baby elephant

Well, it would be slower, but I suppose it could work...

Crackle, get a recumbent trike, he can pull you at 25mph happily and you'll be able to just sit back....

 

[Crackle]

Crackle, get a recumbent trike, he can pull you at 25mph happily and you'll be able to just sit back....

Once he's trained I can hire him out to you.

 

[longers]

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