Conditioning

[RedyreRottweilers]

Today I went and got my bike out of storeage. It had been in there so long there was no air in either tire.

Got it serviced, and Penny and I set out on our first conditioning run.

After 5 minutes or so of walking her while I walked the bike, I mounted up and we took off. She adjusted quickly to being on the right side.

It took a little prompting and a couple collar corrections to teach her to stay beside me, and not go out in front.

Once she got warmed up she did a great job. She was not too bad in spite of 2 REALLY big distractions....(fenced dogs running and screaming at her).

We did about 15 minutes of brisk trotting, and then a ten minute cool down.

Probably covered about 3 miles.

And, I'm happy to report, no broken bones, skinned knees, torn jeans, wrecked bikes, or dead dogs.

 

[jess2416]

And, I'm happy to report, no broken bones, skinned knees, torn jeans, wrecked bikes, or dead dogs.

Congratulations

 

[Saje]

I've done that with Mikey and Nanook a couple of times. I used a no-pull harness just as a precaution but never had to use it. They get the idea quite quickly! Faster than looseleash walking!

 

[shepluvr]

Good for you! I remember when one of my dogs was going through Schutzhund training I was told he was out of shape. I had to do the same thing with him. I ended up losing a couple of pounds myself!

 

[Zoom]

I wanted to do that, but it turns out that Sawyer is afraid of the bike. Maybe once it gets warm (and stays that way) we'll try again.

 

[Rubylove]

Ooooh I'd like to do that but I'm not even that good on a bike myself, we'd end up in a tangle of limbs, wheels, tails and whatever else was around!!

My bf is a professional cyclist, though - perhaps he could do that with The Ruby when she's older...hmmmmm

 

[tessa_s212]

I considered biking with Marq. He just isn't happy with just a jog... but I fear if I get ona bike, and he sees something he WANTS... haha.. let's just say I don't have good luck on bikes!

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

Tess, I never EVER bike dogs without 2 collars on. The main one is a well fitting pinch, with a good chain slip collar as a backup.

I don't have a springer right now, but will be ordering one in the next several days.

That makes it much safer for all. The dog is attached to the bike at a very low center of gravity, and you can keep both hands on the handle bars with no leash handling.

 

[aelizilly]

That sounds wonderful and something I would love to try, but I haven't accomplished loose leash walking yet, and my puppy is still too small for that rigorous of exercise. Maybe someday, but then again with a Beagle and his nose, maybe never! We'll have to stick to jogging some day so that nobody gets injured.

 

[brock23]

I really would like to start roller blading with Otto. Did you see the skates that Cesar Millan had on the last Dog Whisperer to tire out the city dog? I really would like those skates with the big wheels. Anyone know who makes them?

 

[Doberluv]

Rubylove...I'm like you. I have been in the hospital with three very serious injuries on account of riding a bike...or I should say, falling from a bike. I had horses all my life and never managed to get seriously hurt from a fall. Seriously hurt otherwise, yes, but not from a fall. LOL. I skiied for years and only had one ligament/tendon injury all that time. I can just see me trying to stay on a bike with a dog pulling me. OMG! You're brave Redyre. LOL.

 

[shepluvr]

http://www.landroller.com/

I want a pair too!

 

[tainted_870]

you got your bike serviced for a flat tyre?!?!?!

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

They weren't flat. It's just that it had not been used in so long all the air pressure had leaked out of the tires. So I took it to the local station, and the man aired them up for me.

We continued our road work today.

I got a new cushy seat for my bike as the old seat nearly ruined MY seat. Owwie. It sucks to get old. I've never had any "butt padding", and still don't. The new seat is MUCH better.

I also got a helmet, which I wore, and will wear, each time I'm biking her. Don't want to smash my head so I can't enjoy the benefits of her (and my) conditioning.

I tethered her to the bike today, on the seat post. That worked fine, even tho it's only for the interim.

I ordered one of these today:

http://www.sitstay.com/store/equip/eq6.shtml

It should be here by the end of the week, and then no more tethering.

She did much better on holding a pace this time, and we went slightly further and longer than we did on Monday.

 

[Mordy]

Biking with a dog is great fun.

I've been using a WalkyDog since last year and it is one of the most useful things I've ever bought. I think you'll like it a lot.

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

I can't wait til it gets here Mordy. Could be here tomorrow.

I am going to try to get her ready for an endurance test end of April, so I need to stay on my schedule.

I hate the days we dont' bike. (She needs a day off in between exercise just like we do )

 

[Zoom]

Huh, I may have to look into one of those. I was going to order a Springer because I like the idea of the quick release if they go around a pole on the other side of me.

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

I am not interested in a quick release. I have a big dog. I don't want it loose. I guarantee you, this dog would only "drag" a bike ONE time.

I teach my puppies at a very early age not to EVER split a pole, tree, bush, or any other object with me when they are on lead. It's simple. If they go on the other side, I shorten the leash, and stand there until they figure it out.

I don't help. I DO keep them from going ANY further in the wrong direction.

I have never had a single dog do it more than once.



I would rather have skinned knees and a dog dragging a bike than a LOOSE DOG.

JMO of course.

 

[Mordy]

Getting stuck on any pole or anything with the WalkyDog is much less of an issue than with the Springer, since it keeps the dog fairly close to the bike. It only sticks out about 16 inches from the seat post to which it is attached and then you adjust the length of the leash part attached to it as necessary.

So unless you'd run into something with the handle bar, your dog is out of the way as well.