What kind of Dog?

[johnnyt]

I'm thinking about getting a pooch. Seems like a lab would be the ideal mtb, hiking, trail running, outdoors, not-to-aggressive to other dogs kind-o-pooch.

What do you think?
JT

[gungywump]

I think this topic may belong in the new "I'm too cool to talk about bikes forum."

Get a Queensland Blue Heeler.

[MMcG]

We have two dogs. Bailey is a Lab/Husky mix (an awesome combination IMO) and Missy is a smaller Terrier/Collie Mix (another great combo!)

I highly recommend going the dog rescue route for your dog and would be happy to provide you with links to great rescue sites in New England if you'd like em. Or if you want to go the purebred route, look into Chinooks! Do a Google search for Chinooks. They are an all american, New England bred sled dog breed that differ from Huskies or Malamutes in that they tend to be much more people oriented and stay at home dogs, but with a strong work ethic. All the Chinooks I've been lucky to meet are also extremely fantastic with people, kids and other dogs. YOu could even harness a Chinook up to your Rig and go Bike-joring!

http://www.chinook.org/index.html
http://home.maine.rr.com/chinook/
http://www.chinooks.org/icframe.htm

Chinooks are still pretty rare, so the wait may be long, but it would be worth it if you don't want to go the rescue route.


In addition to being a Mountain biking freak, I'm kind of a dog freak as well.

Cheers!

[sizlinseagulsoup]

I think this topic may belong in the new "I'm too cool to talk about bikes forum."

Get a Queensland Blue Heeler.

No, he wants a dog that can go biking with.

Don't get a cocker spaniel. Those things were made by the devil.

[fatire]

To take biking with you, huh?
Fattie recommends one of those pretend invisible ones that you can't see out on the ends of those stiff leashes.
Fattie instructs all dog lovers listen up.....leave the pooch at home!
As much as you think your riding freinds don't mind that you bring your pooch, deep inside many wish they didn't have to be involved with your dogs excercise requirenments.
"Oh but poochy's great and no bother at all!"
Yeah...right....sure....whatever you want to tell yourself.
Fattie has NEVER been on a ride with any dog that has been "no trouble". They're either running up ahead of their owner, 3 inches away from fatties crankarms just before a super technical section, or they're way behind and need to be waited for, or they need a drink, etc. etc.
And god forbid you encounter someone else foolish enough to bring their pooch on the trail as well, you might as well just kiss 15-20 mins. of calling begging and pleading poochie to get his nose out of the other dogs ass.
Dogs are a pain in the fatties fat ass.
Fattie asks, no he demands, that you leave them home on the couch where they belong.
And to be sure you do, Fattie is going to whip up a batch of cyanid dog bone treats and put a few in his backpack right now.
There, now fattie will sit back and watch the fur or fat fly! :D
Fattie is also going to post one of those stupid poll posts to see if he's in the majority or minority.
Please post your retorts to my diatribe under that topic

[radair]

Heheheheh - you sure do speak your mind there, fattie.

[fatire]

Heheheheh - you sure do speak your mind there, fattie.


Fattie only speaks his mind when he has a strong opinion about something, which as i'm certain my ridin buddie todd will attest, isn't really that often!
;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)
Fatties next metomorphasis may be to go into the one-line mode. He is spending way too much time at this! ::)

[Big Game]

Pure-bred labs like to stop too much in the middle of a trail, causing great injury to its owner (that's why even though I love him, Vaughan stays at home)

From my experience, mutts (with some lab in them) seem to "get it" and make excellent trail dogs. Its good to have a husky or lab blood in a mutt because they have the #1 and #2 lung capacity of any breed,respectively. However, labs have a slight advantage as they are better suited for warmer weather around here. But still anything over 55 degrees, you really have to watch it with any dog and be sure that where you're going has a pond, river, fjord, etc for your dog to cool off in. But for some reason they prefer the stinkiest swamps.

And Bota: Thanks for the "muwhahaha." I think it gave this post extra power that can only be found in premium laundry detergents.

[MMcG]

JT,

Knowing a little bit about your interests, I think a Chinook would be an amazing dog for you. A Chinook would make a great trail dog, and you could train a Chinook to pull you on your bike, a scooter (check out the Diggler Scooters via a Google Search....they even feature front suspension!), or your cross country skis!

They are different in temperament than Siberians or Malamutes, or even Samoyeds.

They also have an amazing history behind them and some untangible qualities that can't be described but have to be experienced to believe!

I hope to have a Chinook bless our home some day in the hopefully not too distant future!

Check out their working dog versatility here: http://www.chinook.org/working.htm

And their role as family pets here:
http://www.chinook.org/pets.htm

[AGENTGRAPE]

I HAVE 2 DOGS I TAKE ON RIDES A DALMATION NOT A GOOD CHOICE IF YOU WILL RUN INTO GROUPS OF OTHER PEOPLE THEY ARE VERY AGGRESIVE AND HAVE TO ESTABLISH DOMINANCE. THE OTHER IS A HUNGARIAN VISZLA THIS NUT CAN RUN FOREVER HAS THE DISPOSITION OF A LAB THEY ARE GUNDOGS - ALL AROUND HUNTING DOGS GREAT WITH PEOPLE. THEY ARE VELCRO DOGS THEY DONT LIKE TO GET OUT OF YOUR SIGHT AND HAVE TO TOUCH YOU THEY HOWL LIKE HOUNDS WHICH IS PRETTY FUNNY BECAUSE THEY ARE SO LAID BACK

[MMcG]

Vislas are beautiful dogs.........could suggestion AgentGrape!

I wonder how a Rhodesian Ridgeback would do as a trail dog?

[AA]

MMc

PK has a Rhodesian Ridgeback, he is a nice dog and if you can remove your arm from his mouth he may even let you pet him ;) It seems to me Ridgebacks are not great endurance dogs, I have seen PK's dog go on a long distance snow shoe trek but that pace is much slower than biking.

[MMcG]

AA Ridgebacks are hounds, but perhaps they are built for shorter sprints/bursts of speed vs. the long haul.

I would think that Northern breeds would be good trail dogs since they can go long distances at a pop. Sibes obviously would be faster than a Malamute etc.

A Chinook or a Chinook cross would make an ideal trail dog IMO. They are a sled dog breed, but differ in temperament from the others. They are more laid back and people oriented, yet they will work. Admiral Byrd brought Chinooks as sledge dogs on his Antarctic expeditions. They are a freighting breed and built for the long haul type outings.

Gee, can anyone tell that I wish I was blessed to have a Chinook!? :D

[Z]

So, MMc, tell us what you REALLY think about Chinooks! ;)

I agree the Vizsla would be a perfect dog. Or any medium-sized hunting dog would be a good bet.

But one general piece of advice: if you are buying a dog with a romantic vision of taking her with you on most every ride, you'll be very disappointed (or you'll be a cruel owner). I've found very few circumstances where it's appropriate to bring Darwin, even though he's a great trail dog.

When I'm riding with a group, if it's the slightest bit warm out, or I want to ride more than about 12 miles... all of these scenarios are common - and very bad news for a dog.

PS - If you want advice on good dog training books, feel free to drop me a line.

[Mt.A TODD]

Bulletin :o


Fatire Freak rode 17miles with a dog last Sunday.

[MMcG]

So, MMc, tell us what you REALLY think about Chinooks! ;)

I agree the Vizsla would be a perfect dog. Or any medium-sized hunting dog would be a good bet.

But one general piece of advice: if you are buying a dog with a romantic vision of taking her with you on most every ride, you'll be very disappointed (or you'll be a cruel owner). I've found very few circumstances where it's appropriate to bring Darwin, even though he's a great trail dog.

When I'm riding with a group, if it's the slightest bit warm out, or I want to ride more than about 12 miles... all of these scenarios are common - and very bad news for a dog.

PS - If you want advice on good dog training books, feel free to drop me a line.


Z,

I have yet to ride with either one of my dogs. And if I did it would only be on the loop in Schoolhouse Brook Trails that I hike with them on quite often. Trails that we are both familiar with and trails where other hikers and bikers recognize us as friendly humans and canines a like. It's funny how often I run into the same people/dogs while hiking or riding these trails. And I would only take the dogs for a ride only in cool to cold temperatures. My older dog Bailey is a Lab/Husky mix and I swear I see a special glint in his eye when we get our first frost and the mornings and nights get colder.

Thanks for the offer of training books. I use clicker training as the training method of choice with Bailey and Missy (our smaller terrier mix). In my opinion it's the best method out there!

Anyone out there with a sled dog who bikejors with them in harness? Or perhaps skijors or scooters with their pooch? Check out the photos of these Chinooks in action: http://www.chinooks.org/icscoot.htm

[johnbigbooty]

I recommend bird dogs. Their instinct, and it should be a strong one in any bird dog breed, is to stay in front of the boss. I found out just how strong when my Brittany pup passed me when I was going downhill at 22 mph. All breeds except the very smallest and largest can run circles around humans on a bike for a long time. Bird dogs will try to stay in front. Happily, they are safest there. I have two and I love to take them with me. That said, there are some rules to bringing even the best dogs along:

1) Never bring Fido with even one other human ride companion. If the dog comes, the dog should be your only partner.

2) No long (10+ mile for me) rides with a dog

3) No hot rides with a dog

4) You can't just call the dog off the couch and do a two hour ride. They need to build up to it just like we do. Dogs don't stop until they hurt themselves, so it's up to you to plan conditioning for them.

[Pal of pitbulls]

HI!!!!!!! I have pit bulls. I also have a yellow lab. I love them all. partial to the pits though!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Pal of pitbulls]

PS!!!!!!! I have to agree with all the posts about rescue dogs!!!!!!! All of mine are rescue dogs. I am an animal rescue person. I pull dogs that are going to be euthanized from local pounds and relocate them. It is very very rewarding!!!! These dogs are so thankful for being rescued. They are smart too. RESCUE IS THE WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!