Glacier question about the Springer?

**Jadapit** · 10-07-2005, 02:03 PM

I was reading your post about what you do for fun with you dogs. You said you take some of them out on the bike with the springer. I have been thinking about getting one of those for awhile. Ebony is a pit bull, she has so much engery. I walk her a lot but she still has engery to burn. Do you like your springer? Do you think it would work ok with a pittie?

**Glacier** · 10-07-2005, 02:11 PM

I love it! I use it alot for Bandit and Kayleigh. Bandit needs to run, but I would never see him again if he got loose. Kayleigh is a 120 pound malamute mix with extreme dog aggression issues. On the springer, I can get her by anything without a problem. She's never been able to tip the bike or get into anything with another dog. The spring absorbs her pulls to the side and she can't go very far, keeps her in the right spot and she can't get in front of the bike. Before I got it, I tried riding holding a leash. I still have scars from that foolishness!

I think it would work for any dog, except a really small breed. You just have to let the dog set the pace.

It comes with a wimpy little rope and a safety release. The release is supposed to let go if your dog decides to go on the wrong side of tree or something. I bypassed that. I use a cable neck line off my dog team lines. I'd rather take a fall than loose Bandit forever because he got loose. It's never been an issue though as it's pretty easy to control the dog and keep them in the right spot. The harness it comes with works well, but it's a pain in the butt, especially if you are using it on multiple, different sized dogs. It's fully adjustable, but can be tricky to adjust on an excited dog who's bouncing around! I bought a tracking harness instead. Easier to adjust and quicker to get on. Sledding harnesses don't work as the dog can get in front of the wheel with them. You need to use a harness that hooks about the middle of the dog's back.

There are a couple different types of bike attachments. K-9 Kruiser is another one. It attaches in a different spot on the bike. I think ramanth uses one for Kia. I've never tried them, but I've been extremely happy with the Springer.

**Jadapit** · 10-07-2005, 02:14 PM

Thank you so much!! I'm going to order one of them. It sounds awesome!

**finn's mom** · 10-07-2005, 02:33 PM

I have been wanting to get something like that for Finn. He likes to take off in random directions, though, when we're just jogging...after leaves, squirrels, people, dogs, you name it. Would it prevent that? Or do I need to wait til he's a little older and calmer? I know, Glacier, that you said Kayleigh can't get into it with another dog while she's on the springer, is that because she doesn't try at all since she's running with you, or because the springer actually prevents her from doing it?

**Glacier** · 10-07-2005, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by finn's mom

I have been wanting to get something like that for Finn. He likes to take off in random directions, though, when we're just jogging...after leaves, squirrels, people, dogs, you name it. Would it prevent that? Or do I need to wait til he's a little older and calmer? I know, Glacier, that you said Kayleigh can't get into it with another dog while she's on the springer, is that because she doesn't try at all since she's running with you, or because the springer actually prevents her from doing it?

Finn could still try to go off to the side, but his movement would be pretty limited. He wouldn't be able to pull the bike over. The spring absorbs the energy of the pull and keeps you upright.

It works for Kayleigh in part because she's so happy to be running that she is better at ignoring other dogs who are leashed. But when a loose dog approachs us as long as I keep peddling she has no choice but to follow along.

**finn's mom** · 10-07-2005, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by Glacier

Finn could still try to go off to the side, but his movement would be pretty limited. He wouldn't be able to pull the bike over. The spring absorbs the energy of the pull and keeps you upright.

It works for Kayleigh in part because she's so happy to be running that she is better at ignoring other dogs who are leashed. But when a loose dog approachs us as long as I keep peddling she has no choice but to follow along.

Well, that really changes everything! That was the only reason I was nervous about trying one out. And, you recommend the springer? I'll be looking to get one soon.

**gemini9961** · 10-07-2005, 11:03 PM

Hmmm...wonder how well this would work for Grant? He needs a lot of exercise and I can jog with him, but this might be interesting to try. Thanks for the info.