BikeJoring For Dogs? Need Advice Please(:

[PotterWatch]

There is a good yahoo group that has members from all over the country you can get advice from as well. If you post on there, someone may even have some used equipment for sale.

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/DogsLovetoRun/

The majority of the people in the group use scooters, but I know from personal experience that scootering and bikejoring are exactly the same other than the vehicle you are riding on. You use the same basic equipment and commands for both so any good info you find on scootering can be applied to bikejoring as well.


ETA: I just read your other post and saw that you asked if she is too small to pull you on a bike. The answer is "no"! Especially when using a bike, pretty much any size dog can pull. Using a bike allows you to help out a lot more than on a scooter, so bikes do tend to be better to use with little dogs. We have someone in our mushing group who runs a boston terrier mix. She does perfectly fine with her owner helping her out. The biggest thing you need to watch is that you keep the line taut so it doesn't wrap around your wheel, but help enough so that your dog isn't always have to really strain to keep moving forward. She should be pulling, but not having to pull with all her strength all the time.

 

[BeccaB00]

Ok, I tried to kinda get her used to my bike, shes scared at the moment but getting better. DEFINATLY NOT to small to pull! She pulled me all over the place! But, She keeps 'stopping to smell the roses' ...she wont stop wondering! Even with the lead attached to the bike! How should I go about training her with that???

ETA: she absolutely WILL NOT listen to me.

 

[KimberlyJ]

I have no idea Becca, but at least you're trying. Keep up the good work. I'm sure all the "joring" folks that have already offered such great help will check back in to help you out. I am so proud of you!!

 

[BeccaB00]

Quote:
thankyou so much!!

 

[Moabite]

I take Trogg, my evil Boston Terrier, out on the bike whenever I can. He loves it! He gets a little distracted now and then, but I've learned his triggers. I always make him run on the left side. Sometimes I let him pull me, but usually he just runs along down by the front tire. He can easily run 10 miles without showing stress, but usually we just ride my son to school and back, which is about 5 miles. Both of us enjoy the day better by starting out with a bike ride. We don't have any special equipment. Just his leather collar and a 5ft leash. I hope this new exercise helps, good luck.

 

[Moabite]

Quote:
I don't attach the lead to the bike. I put my left thumb through the loop and let the lead go down across my palm. This way I have an unbreakable hold and I can let go if I need to. Also, I can keep my right hand on the handle bars and able to grab the brake. It is Trogg's job to follow the front tire, if he doesn't pay attention, then I can jerk the leash or swerve toward him to break the distraction. I'm sure if I let him, he'd be sniffing every post, bush, and pile. But, we don't have time for that while riding. Some may think I'm cruel, but my dog doesn't seem to mind that I make him mind. He actually likes it now that he is used to it.

 

[BeccaB00]

Quote:
I don't attach the lead to the bike. I put my left thumb through the loop and let the lead go down across my palm. This way I have an unbreakable hold and I can let go if I need to. Also, I can keep my right hand on the handle bars and able to grab the brake. It is Trogg's job to follow the front tire, if he doesn't pay attention, then I can jerk the leash or swerve toward him to break the distraction. I'm sure if I let him, he'd be sniffing every post, bush, and pile. But, we don't have time for that while riding. Some may think I'm cruel, but my dog doesn't seem to mind that I make him mind. He actually likes it now that he is used to it.

I may do that. But I was wanting her to pull me because it would burn even MORE energy off. But hey, as long as shes getting rid of some energy i dont care what we're doing

 

[Moabite]

Maybe you need a dog sulky?

 

[PotterWatch]

Getting her to stop smelling the roses is just a matter of training and getting her to respond to commands like "leave it" and "on by". One of my dogs like to stop and sniff in every single hole he can find and I have to redirect him from that. Do some ground training with her to teach her commands like "haw" (left), "gee" (right), and of course "on by". Go for some walks and when she starts to want to stop, give her a leash correction and say "on by". If she still stops, give her another correction and say "leave it! On by!" When she stops sniffing and starts walking again tell her "good on by!" in a cheery, praising voice. Ground training can seem a little boring, but it definitely pays off when you are on the trail.

 

[Tala]

Quote:
Yes your dog really must listen to you and obey from the ground, before you add the bike/scooter.
If the flat collar isn't working for you, you may need to bump up to a prong collar (my chow dog actually PREFERS one). You can take a leisurely meandering sniff the roses walk, or you can take a fast paced exercise/power walk. YOU decide what you and the dog are going to do today - NOT the dog.