A springer success story....

[finn's mom]

So, in a situation like that, do you have to do much except just ride? I mean, I guess I'm just asking what you had to do to keep control over him while the coyote was there. Because I want to get one for Finn, and, hearing this story really makes me think it will be a good investment. I just was curious if you had to lean a lot or do anything yourself to keep Deuce in the right place, or if the Springer itself basically does "all the work."

[Glacier]

So, in a situation like that, do you have to do much except just ride? I mean, I guess I'm just asking what you had to do to keep control over him while the coyote was there. Because I want to get one for Finn, and, hearing this story really makes me think it will be a good investment. I just was curious if you had to lean a lot or do anything yourself to keep Deuce in the right place, or if the Springer itself basically does "all the work."

Nope, usually I can just keep peddling and get the dog by whatever is distracting them. The springer absorbs most of their energy, especially if they try to go sideways, so you can usually just keep riding normally. I've gotten Kayleigh past squirrels, other dogs, grouse, ect without incident. If we'd been on a flat section this time, I probably could have done the same thing. Since we were going downhill and gaining speed, I just stopped and waited until Deuce could focus again. I woudn't have been able to stop safely if he'd been on a regular leash. He'd have made us crash for sure at the very least and I'd have probably lost him in the process!

I bypass the safety release that comes with the springer. I use a cable neckline instead, same one that hooks my leaders together on the sled team. With the dogs I take on it, I'd rather take a fall than loose them cuz the release broke. I've fallen once with it and it was fairly minor, no injury or scar inducing crashes since the springer. I also threw out the harness that came with. I use a tracking harness instead. Much easier to put on. I'd highly recommend one.

[cyber-sibes]

That must have been pretty exhiliarating! Deuce looks like he's a very strong dog, that's pretty amazing that he didn't drag you off after the coyote too! Maybe you should write this one up for the Springer company as a testimonial! You know, kind of like the gorilla that can't destroy the luggage? maybe you'll end up in ads!

[lv4dogs]

What a scare, I am glad yous were not injured.

I've been wanting to get one of those for years now. I haven't though because first of all I haven't had a dog (until now, Kaige) who would be able to keep up with me, but more so because I was afraid they'd be able to tip me over. If you had that experience & ended up safe & sound I think it's safe to say I could do it too!
Now I just have to wait till Kaige is a little older so his body can fully handle it, which is good cause I have to save up some money.

[finn's mom]

Nope, usually I can just keep peddling and get the dog by whatever is distracting them. The springer absorbs most of their energy, especially if they try to go sideways, so you can usually just keep riding normally. I've gotten Kayleigh past squirrels, other dogs, grouse, ect without incident. If we'd been on a flat section this time, I probably could have done the same thing. Since we were going downhill and gaining speed, I just stopped and waited until Deuce could focus again. I woudn't have been able to stop safely if he'd been on a regular leash. He'd have made us crash for sure at the very least and I'd have probably lost him in the process!

I bypass the safety release that comes with the springer. I use a cable neckline instead, same one that hooks my leaders together on the sled team. With the dogs I take on it, I'd rather take a fall than loose them cuz the release broke. I've fallen once with it and it was fairly minor, no injury or scar inducing crashes since the springer. I also threw out the harness that came with. I use a tracking harness instead. Much easier to put on. I'd highly recommend one.

Thanks! I wonder if I'll be able to bypass the safety release...I'll figure something out, or I'll call on you for your advice when the time comes. I will for sure be buying one of these for Finn. Yay!