ARGH vent

[crow_noir]

Well, we know your dogs are happy and healthy. Ever try one of those bike springs for dogs that holds them at a good length from the bike?

Where can you find them and what are they called? I've seen them once in use and have been interested since.

[Glacier]

Where can you find them and what are they called? I've seen them once in use and have been interested since.

It's called a Springer. I use one with some of my dogs. LOVE IT! Even my big malamute mix can't pull the bike over or get in front of the wheel.
www.springerusa.com

[crow_noir]

Hmmm... that's not the one I was thinking of, but that looks VERY nice!!!

The one I'm thinking of is a swivel mounted spring that attaches to the handlebars.

The only thing i don't like on the Springer is the safety release.... I mean, i DO like it... but with Koli, i do NOT want a safety release. I'd rather be dragged to H3!! and back before having her get loose.

Still, the design of this is MUCH better than the swivel mount. Thanks Glacier!

It's called a Springer. I use one with some of my dogs. LOVE IT! Even my big malamute mix can't pull the bike over or get in front of the wheel.
www.springerusa.com

[theterrierman]

There's also a device called a WalkyDog, but it requires a little training because there's no spring or anything. Might work well with some kind of no-pull harness.

ETA: http://www.walkydogusa.com/ Here's the link for it.

[Freedom]

I have to admit, I am so pleased to hear people are actually concerned enough about ANYONE'S dogs to ask.

Their method of showing that concern leaves a LOT to be desired. But, if they are assuming that you are an animal abuser, then I guess they are trying to intimidate you into stopping what you are doing.

The idea of having a handout on bikejoring and your dog's breed characteristics is a great idea and a way to help educate them. A lot of work for you, though.

Since I adopted Sugar, I always carry handouts for the rescue group she came through. I am amazed at how fast I go through them.

I'm not sure the "hand signal" would be a good response. Someone who truly is concerned about the dogs, and doesn't know your sport and your breed, could take that signal as meaning someone in authority needs to be contacted to deal with "the mean dog abuser I saw on the street."

I know you just want to enjoy your time with the dogs. Hey, how about a Tshirt or banner across your back: Caution: Dog Team in Training.

[Glacier]

The only thing i don't like on the Springer is the safety release.... I mean, i DO like it... but with Koli, i do NOT want a safety release. I'd rather be dragged to H3!! and back before having her get loose.

Still, the design of this is MUCH better than the swivel mount. Thanks Glacier!

I don't use the safety release. I use a cable neckline off my dogsled. Same length as the line that came with the springer. I use two brass clips, one on the springer, one on the dog's harness. The dogs I run on the Springer are either incapable of coming when called or aggressive to other dogs. I can't have them getting loose. That said, I've never been in a situation where the safety release would have been any help anyway. I've only fallen once since I got the Springer five years ago and that was going down a big, sandy hill with a malamute, who decided she should chase a squirrel off to the side of us.

You should also check your local by-laws before biking with your dog in any fashion. It may have changed now, but when I lived in Calgary it was illegal to bike with a dog attached to the bike by any means!

[Hellow]

I dont know why the people would yell at you for any reason. Just let people be unless they are doing somthing obviousely wrong.

[cloverfdx]

That sucks Jordan . I use a WalkyDog for my guys for endurence training and they love it. I let them pick a pace, unless it is a little warmer then i keep the brakes on and them trotting .

[crow_noir]

Looking at the design I wondered how easy it would be to do an altercation. Thanks for the tip.

Yikes, sandy hill and squirrel!

Nope, nothing about that being illegal. We just have to have our dogs under "reasonable restraint" and leashes must be 6ft. or less. Looks like the Springer would meet the leash requirement.

I don't use the safety release. I use a cable neckline off my dogsled. Same length as the line that came with the springer. I use two brass clips, one on the springer, one on the dog's harness. The dogs I run on the Springer are either incapable of coming when called or aggressive to other dogs. I can't have them getting loose. That said, I've never been in a situation where the safety release would have been any help anyway. I've only fallen once since I got the Springer five years ago and that was going down a big, sandy hill with a malamute, who decided she should chase a squirrel off to the side of us.

You should also check your local by-laws before biking with your dog in any fashion. It may have changed now, but when I lived in Calgary it was illegal to bike with a dog attached to the bike by any means!

[Tollers-n-Dobes]

It's great that he was keeping the Solo's best interest in mind, but I hate when people are unknowledgeable about something and assume that you're harming your dog. I'm sorry you had to deal with somebody like that.

Biking with your dog whatsoever is illegal here, as mentioned by Glacier above, but I wish it wasn't as it would be the easiest way to keep Tango in shape and tire her out.