Glacier question about the Springer?

[Glacier]

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]

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]

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.

[tricollie4me]

We have a Springer too -- I bought it for my husband as a birthday gift back in June (I think Bijou was the true recipient of that gift, lol!). The only drawback is putting it on the bike correctly; there are several parts to it and you do need to follow all the instructions and ensure it's properly placed before you use it for the first time. We opted to forgo the permanent gluing of the parts to the bike (the instructions do indicate that permanent attachment is recommended but optional) and it's been fine for us. Bijou is 45 lbs but she's very active and very easily distracted, typically; however, the Springer gives her a wonderful workout without concern for the biker's safety or her own. She absolutely loves it! Hubby enjoys taking her for a nice long ride and Bijou trots along, in heaven. The neighbors always ask my hubby what the heck is on his bike! An added bonus is that when he stops to visit neighbors or what-have-you, Bijou cannot jump up on folks as she'd probably like to - the Springer prevents that and she sits so nicely! It's not only good exercise, but the Springer aids as a training device, as well.

I have a pic or two somewhere from when we first tried it out, I'll try to find them!

Edited to add a photo:
Here's the one shot that (kind of, lol!) shows the Springer in action back in July. I apologize for the look of our street, the city put in a new water main last summer (oh, the joy of three months of construction!) and our little suburban street was pretty messy for a while! By the way, Springer has a great website so check it out for more info/details on how it works!

[RobiLee]

I would love to have one of these also. I need to get a bike too .

[jackie]

I have seen you can also buy dual ones, so you can run two dogs at once.

One thing I have heard though, is that you shouldn't run young dogs a lot until they are the age of two. You can damage the bones and joints while they are still developing.

[anna_66]

We don't have a springer, but we do have a Bikerdog and we love it (or should I say Roxey loves it!!!). Never had any complications what so ever.

Amy (wolf_q) also has one.