StanSeven

Maelochs

StanSeven

Maelochs

LOL, quite alright. You know the policeman's creed about youths: "If he didn't just do something wrong, he's about to." I have gotten away with a few, I am sure.

Happy Feet

Hi Sticky,

If you are still around I was thinking of your situation again (more about riding with dogs than vehicle transport) as I made a little video riding with my dog this weekend. I put it in the gravel section but I think it also applies here.

I think having two dogs does create more of a problem overall. As I said in my previous post, two dogs tend to bond and take cues from each other and one thing (I think) you really need to ride with a dog in civilization is the ability to reliably recall the dog on command. That's one of the first things I work on when just walking and letting them off leash. If the dog doesn't return it loses the privilege but part of that success comes from creating a close enough bond in all aspects of life so it wants to listen or having at least one of the dogs obey so that the other one learns by following it.

I do see someone locally running two and even three dogs sled style on a large adult scooter using pulling harnesses. The giant Schnauzer could do that fine (for fun) but it would instill a stronger pull drive which you may not want for walking. But if you got into it it would fulfill the need for exercise and help them bond to you as you direct their travel more directly. Sledders are very close to their dogs.

Or, you could take turns walking one dog beside the bike while the other rides in a crate on a trailer. This reduces the trailer spec need to just an ordinary limit and not double. That would also have the effect of letting you bond individually and correct behavior by crating or running.

This all seems like a lot of thinking and fiddly work but you need to do it initially to develop the right parameters down the road - doubly so for two dogs. Once established the running/riding becomes fun. If you are considering going LCF, and using a bicycle for primary transport, and if you consider a dogs active lifespan can be 10+ years, the initial investment in thought and training can set you up for years of success

I-Like-To-Bike

Nice video, well made and instructive You ain't kidding about your dog's love of running. Unclipping the leash on the run looks dangerous.

Happy Feet

It's a work in progress. I'm currently working on a harness idea that has a D ring that stands proud combined with a clip that releases better under tension. Part of it is planning ahead and not trying to do it when distractions or rough ground are present. I look at each run as a training session for both her and I

My thoughts to the OP are that going LCF and having two dogs means you really have to put some thought and training into making it work.

cooker

You mention that your SO enjoys coming to the park with you "most days" so why not just go on the days that they are willing to go? Don't think of it as depriving the dogs - they're still going to get way more free-running playtime than most dogs, and are in a far better position than they were with past owners.

On the days you don't have access to a vehicle, take them on local walks on leash, or see it there is a closer park where dog owners congregate where they can socialize if they are not too shy or aggressive.

noglider 

@Happy Feet, that's a delightful video. What software do you use for editing? Your dog is so cute and so good, and you are a superb dog trainer.

I've run dogs holding the leash but I don't like using a hand and keeping the bike upright. Besides, the dog tends to run in front of the wheel. I like to use a rod (like a broomstick) attached to the back of the bike and the leash attached to that so she can't come farther forward than my body.

Beautiful country. Where are you?

I can't believe she can do that for 20 km and still have energy. But I don't have experience with high energy dogs. The two dogs I've owned were greyhounds, the lowest stamina dog in creation. I sometimes get my kid's pit bull mix, and she's higher energy, but also doesn't have the stamina your dog has.

Happy Feet

Thanks Tom,

I just use the movie maker software that comes with windows.

I live just outside Vancouver BC Canada.

As to dog training. IDK. If anything I tend to form a very close bond to my dogs that makes them want to respond to direction. Not like orders so much as a working relationship but I am pretty firm on specific boundaries for them. I really like Cesar Milan's ideas about being a pack leader.

badger1

Agree with others; that's a lovely video, Happy Feet. Happy pup, well-minded already. My kind of riding; too old/fragile now for full-on mtb, but I will always prefer off-road of some kind. Oh, and I'm originally from the Island, so your clip is homesick-inducing!

Kudos!