Riding with the DOGS!!!!

[Ginger]

Hello Everyone: I am a huge dog lover! Dogs and biking are my favorite things!! (Oh yea next to my teenage children of COURSE) LOL. I am interested in knowing if anyone has ever taken their dogs out onto the trails to ride with them? Is it safe for the biker? Being a female, I would feel safer with my dog if I were alone on a trail. I have never done this before because I am afraid that the dog will cut me off and I will do a flip flop in the air! However, My dog can mind his manners. He has been through a very intense obedience program. Can anyone recommend a nice trail where dogs are allowed maybe with a swimming hole nearby? I am from Rhode Island. I did notice at Pet Smart that they carry water bottles for humans but with a dog dish attached at the bottom so you both can enjoy a drink. Thanks for any input :D :)

[Mt.A TODD]

I do not ride with my dog, he's a boston terrier, not quite a trail dog. My riding partners do bring dogs, and there are few problems. The dogs love it, but be prepared for some sad looks if you grab your bike and don't take him or her. Most of the time they stay out of the way, they learn quick. Stay away from hot days or riding super fast, because the dog will try to keep up no matter what, don't push em! Wildlife could also be a issue, depends on how well they listen to you. Be aware of trapping season, they bait with hamburger close to trails. Our land manager's dog was caught in a trap last Fall. Bottom line it depends on how much control you have over your dog out in the woods. I have ridden with dogs that are a total pain in the ass, and some that can blow away the fastest riders. If you ride alone, it seems like a good idea to bring your dog and train him to be a good "trail runner".

[johnbryanpeters]

I have ridden with dogs, and while they seem to enjoy it, I don't think they are really designed for that sort of sustained effort.

They learn to stay out of the way by getting hit by bikes, which is mutually hazardous...

Some riders and other trail users get upset about dogs taking a dump on trails; depending on the number of dogs on the trail over time, this can become quite an annoyance.

Some people are also just not comfortable with dogs, no matter what the circumstance.

There's many a flame war on various MTB forums over dogs on trails.

I'm really comfortable with dogs, and enjoy meeting them, but on the balance, I guess I think they should not be accompanying bike riders.

J

[fellsbiker]

I don't come across many bikers with dogs, but I DO come across lots of walkers/hikers with them. Though it is illegal for them to be off a leash, I don't think I've ever seen someone walking their dog ON one. The bottom line to ME is that if your dog will walk past people, then its OK, if your dog chases people, lost most do where I ride, then don't bring them. Grrrrrrr don't even get me started!

[johnbigbooty]

It depends on the breed and the dog and you. I have two Brittanies. They are bird dogs. They love to run and are good for 10+ miles on trails. I have trained them to stay with me. They're pretty small and non-threatening looking so they don't seem to bother other folks. That said, there is nothing those dogs would rather do than go mountain biking. It's a blast to see them stretch their legs as they were meant to be stretched. We ride in Foxboro mostly. Any state park will do. As to the owner, you just have to be one of those people who can and does control their dog. If you aren't you will make yourself and your fellow humans miserable. The dog always has fun.

[Kenquig]

A long time ago we were staying at the Covered Bridge Campground on the Kancamangus Highway. We had my dog and our road bikes with us. My friend and I were going to ride the Kanc but my dog would follow us when we tried to leave. So we rode around the road at the campground as fast as we could with the dog close behind. When we passed our campsite the dog went behind the tent and laid down for the rest of the day.

Anyway, I hate to come across dogs on the trail. First then can startle you. Second I am afraid of hurting the dog if it comes too close to my wheels.

Ken

[Paula]

I have ridden with my dog for many years. However, she is getting older- 13 now, and doesn't have the stamina that she used to have. I don't take her out with groups, becuase she gets confused, and I don't pay enough attention. I only take her on off hours when there are not so many people on the trail, and tend to stay away from areas with lots of walkers. She has had lots of obedience training off leash, and it was three years before I took her in the woods. She used to back pack with me, too, but she can't carry a pack anymore, and she gets tired after about 1/2 day on the trail. As far as water goes, always take some for the dog. I've seen people train dogs to drink from the stream of the camelback. Mine won't do that, so I carry a little cloth bowl, and extra water for her. Some areas do require dogs to be on the leash, so I stay away from those places :). Have fun.

[knucklebuste]

you could slip in **** as well :o

[Z]

Just one more suggestion: be really careful about overheating.

Early last season, a friend of mine came across a mountain biker at the Fells whose dog died of heat stroke (TRAGIC!) and it was probably only about 70 degrees. Another friend of mine's dog got heat stroke a couple years ago, and they had no idea the dog was hot.

Just remember, your dog is working a lot harder that you are, and they are less adapted to cooling down since they can't sweat. We generally don't take our dog riding if it's above 60 degrees.

But the cool fall weather is perfect for taking him riding with us! We just try to keep it under about 10 miles (and he's in shape).