I'm going car free in 2019 for the first time, but have one glaring obstacle...
#26
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If you think it's a "problem" then it's a "problem", for you anyways... That goes without saying for owning two dogs, or owning only a bicycle, or owning a car...
#27
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You should figure out why you want to be car free. Maybe you don't need to be. Maybe you could keep your car and use it for dogs and the occasional haul of big stuff.
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I never gave this much thought but this thread makes me happy I don't have pets (or children) to deal with. And if I can leave Bike Forums HAPPY, that is a GOOD DAY!
#30
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For a while, we had two greyhounds and two cats. We love animals. Over the years, they all died. We put the last of them down a year ago. We're not getting another because we travel a lot, and it was a burden for us and for the animals. I wish we could work it out, and maybe we can somehow, some day. It's easier to be spontaneous now.
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#31
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Well... I've been relying on the better half to get the dogs to the park and everything has gone smoothly. I'm still looking for options to get them there. I think some of y'all misunderstood my post. The dogs are fine (I have kept rescue/problem dogs my entire life. I know how to understand them very well), and the deer population at my local park is not being changed by my dog chasing them around in a field for 30 minutes lol. I'm just trying to get ideas on what I could do. I appreciate the helpful posts.
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I forgot to mention one other option, lol. Get the better half a bicycle and each of you rides with a single dog trailer =). Good for the dogs and good for both of you!
#33
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Another option, but not cheap---get a rickshaw-cycle. I have seen them around---huge gearing so that a rider can pull a couple or a few passengers at a reasonable pace.
The solution you have now is not optimal .. but it is working for now. As time goes on and the bike fund grows, your options will multiply. Ultimately, you cannot count on another to manage the happiness of your pets---eventually someone you love will end up getting the short end. But the assistance of your significant other had bought you some time.
LOL .... I just recalled those treadmills on wheels which were marketed a decade or so ago ... put the dogs on treadmills and let them run themselves to the park.
#34
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As far as deer splitting... one in direction, the other the opposite direction. It happens frequently when I ride up or down the driveway. Somehow they seem to find their way back together. It would be hard on nature if every time a wolf or mountain lion found a herd of deer, they'd get irrecoverably lost.
Frequently bucks are not hanging around with the does, perhaps in part because of our hunting practices.
I don't think I'd let dogs chase deer for miles. But, if they can chase them out of the park (without killing any), then come back to the owner, then really there isn't a lot of harm.
Frequently bucks are not hanging around with the does, perhaps in part because of our hunting practices.
I don't think I'd let dogs chase deer for miles. But, if they can chase them out of the park (without killing any), then come back to the owner, then really there isn't a lot of harm.
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I've seen a video of a person carrying a single dog, maybe a Golden, in a cargo bike. It looked like a good way to go, but again, there becomes the issue of two large dogs.
If one really wants to be car-free, without an automobile backup, then a large cargo trailer is worth its weight in gold.
If one really wants to be car-free, without an automobile backup, then a large cargo trailer is worth its weight in gold.
#36
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You could put two dogs in a big bakfiets.
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Or, with the cargo bike, one dog gets to ride up front, the other gets pulled in a trailer.
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We all realize that the OP could haull two dogs in a variety of ways. The question is, how would he feel about having to pull 200 pounds twice a day, every day, and what he would do on the days when the dogs needed exercise and his body needed rest. i tend to favor electric assist. Or a small farm tractor.
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We all realize that the OP could haull two dogs in a variety of ways. The question is, how would he feel about having to pull 200 pounds twice a day, every day, and what he would do on the days when the dogs needed exercise and his body needed rest. i tend to favor electric assist. Or a small farm tractor.
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Well, my 2CW is first decide why you want to go LCF, why is it important to you and how hard do you want to work at it. There is no right or wrong answer.
Second, as others have said, a good cargo trailer is worth it's weight in practicality for all manner of hauling. My wife and I hauled our kid and groceries, garden center plants etc... all over two cities with one before we ever owned a car.
And third, I actually agree with Tandem about the paradigm idea. If you want to embrace LCF you just need to start structuring your day to day life without driving. The good news is your two dogs are giant Schnauzers and not Greyhounds or Whippets. They do not need to chase any animals or run amuck to be happy. They will learn to enjoy long walks with you no matter where that happens. Instead of thinking you need to transport them X miles in a car to eventually run every day just figure out a route to walk from your house and save the runs for the weekends or a couple of times a week so the GF doesn't feel so imposed upon. Schnauzers are intelligent and were bred to be guard/security dogs and will thrive on obedience/agility training which is stimulating and possible in a more local environment.
That will also help with the human/dog bond so they walk on leash better. Two dogs allowed to run freely will never bond or follow a human command much. They will relate to each other. Ultimately, you want to assume pack leader status and the best way is to control the dogs by leash while walking so they have to take their cues from you. Leashed walking is also the first step in training to run beside a bike if you ever want to get there. Always on the left (if you are right handed), always correct any attempt to cross in front, train to walk beside not pull. That's what you need from them on a bike. If they pull try something called a Halti collar.
You could also try training the dogs on a treadmill. If it works they get exercise daily no matter the weather conditions.
So, depending on the strength and reasoning for your LCF motivation, the solution may be car light and regular runs, seeking a suitable cargo trailer or a compromise that sees some walking with occasional GF assisted car travel. Down the road you may consider only one dog if you want to continue or deepen your LCF goals.
Second, as others have said, a good cargo trailer is worth it's weight in practicality for all manner of hauling. My wife and I hauled our kid and groceries, garden center plants etc... all over two cities with one before we ever owned a car.
And third, I actually agree with Tandem about the paradigm idea. If you want to embrace LCF you just need to start structuring your day to day life without driving. The good news is your two dogs are giant Schnauzers and not Greyhounds or Whippets. They do not need to chase any animals or run amuck to be happy. They will learn to enjoy long walks with you no matter where that happens. Instead of thinking you need to transport them X miles in a car to eventually run every day just figure out a route to walk from your house and save the runs for the weekends or a couple of times a week so the GF doesn't feel so imposed upon. Schnauzers are intelligent and were bred to be guard/security dogs and will thrive on obedience/agility training which is stimulating and possible in a more local environment.
That will also help with the human/dog bond so they walk on leash better. Two dogs allowed to run freely will never bond or follow a human command much. They will relate to each other. Ultimately, you want to assume pack leader status and the best way is to control the dogs by leash while walking so they have to take their cues from you. Leashed walking is also the first step in training to run beside a bike if you ever want to get there. Always on the left (if you are right handed), always correct any attempt to cross in front, train to walk beside not pull. That's what you need from them on a bike. If they pull try something called a Halti collar.
You could also try training the dogs on a treadmill. If it works they get exercise daily no matter the weather conditions.
So, depending on the strength and reasoning for your LCF motivation, the solution may be car light and regular runs, seeking a suitable cargo trailer or a compromise that sees some walking with occasional GF assisted car travel. Down the road you may consider only one dog if you want to continue or deepen your LCF goals.
Last edited by Happy Feet; 01-15-19 at 01:29 AM.
#42
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We all realize that the OP could haull two dogs in a variety of ways. The question is, how would he feel about having to pull 200 pounds twice a day, every day, and what he would do on the days when the dogs needed exercise and his body needed rest. i tend to favor electric assist. Or a small farm tractor.
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Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
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Or a Epa A-Traktor and call it car-free. More Traktors.
And, no, those aren't pickups. They're Traktors... and have a very unique history.
An interesting alternative is the NEV - Neighborhood Electric Vehicle which is a glorified golf cart.
And, no, those aren't pickups. They're Traktors... and have a very unique history.
An interesting alternative is the NEV - Neighborhood Electric Vehicle which is a glorified golf cart.
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Completely upends my understanding of Swedish people.
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Or a Epa A-Traktor and call it car-free. More Traktors.
And, no, those aren't pickups. They're Traktors... and have a very unique history.
An interesting alternative is the ...
And, no, those aren't pickups. They're Traktors... and have a very unique history.
An interesting alternative is the ...
Since price and value are apparently irrelevant, and the label "Living Car-Free" is all important, why not suggest that the OP buy a Real-Deal dog hauling truck and call it living car free?
Last edited by I-Like-To-Bike; 01-15-19 at 12:29 PM.
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If that post had not been serious it would have been hilarious. Instead, it is sad.
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[QUOTE=Maelochs;20749326]If that post had not been serious it would have been hilarious. Instead, it is sad.[/QUOTE]
It is both. As are many posts in this forum. It comes because LCF is just an undefined concept. I say that from the whatever transportation choice allows you to live like you want paradigm . I thought it was funny anyway.
It is both. As are many posts in this forum. It comes because LCF is just an undefined concept. I say that from the whatever transportation choice allows you to live like you want paradigm . I thought it was funny anyway.
#48
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It is both. As are many posts in this forum. It comes because LCF is just an undefined concept. I say that from the whatever transportation choice allows you to live like you want paradigm . I thought it was funny anyway.
I also agree, whatever the reality, the paradigm is all-important. Anyone who won't ruin his or her real life in the service of an undefined concept is undisciplined and beneath my notice.
Last edited by StanSeven; 01-17-19 at 04:04 PM. Reason: Removed insult