I take my dog on long bike rides around my area (galleria). I'm getting kinda bored with the paved roads and scenery composed of building, houses, and stores. I'd be willing to pack the bike and dog in my car and head outside of downtown for a more scenic path in a wooded area. Anyone have an idea where I should go? I know the further away from downtown I go, the more options I have, but I'd rather not drive 30 miles to go biking for 30 minutes. I’m a decent mountain biker and she’s a big dog, so rough terrain isn’t a problem.
Terry Hershey Park could be a good next step. Not difficult or anything, but a move towards more nature-like.
Terry Hershey Park is AWESOME for bike rides, and I see dogs there all the time. And it's close to you (I live in Westchase). The best entrance to it IMO is Beltway 8.
Glad you created this thread. Can you give me tips for running a dog on a bike? I just don't want any accidents! I know the standard like wear a helmet and etc. Is there any special equipment you use for the dog? Hubby took Bo first time on a bike yesterday and Bo loved it.
You live in Westchase? Holla.... hehe I'm a Cancer... I'm sensitive... A lot of folks park right under the beltway to go to the park. Even when it's raining I see them out there.
I usually run on Terry Hershey Park daily. Lots of Bikers/Runners with dogs. Great atmosphere running in the forested areas to.
My dog is an Alaskan Malamute, so I have to deal with her instinct to pull. I don't wear any special equipt, and, knock on wood, the only time I've fallen off my bike was my fault, not the dogs. Just keep them moving and be ready to counter balance the weight if the dog pulls, so u dont eat it. Also, I have my dog on a pinch collar to keep her from pulling.
I read that collars are dangerous and can cause neck injuries so for that reason, a harness is recommended? Hubby said Bo took off sprinting so he was pulling my hubby at first then he got tired and ran alongside him. I just worry that if Bo tries to go in a different direction then hubby will eat it or Bo gets injured. Bo is a crazy mofo. He is a boxer. Hubby did say that the first time went well. We can't really walk/run him anymore because he LOVES to pull. All he needs is some off leash play or running to really tire him out.
^Lady_Di, I would suggest not trying to "counter balance" against a strong tug. Let go of the leash. You can always collect the dog later. I hold the leash very loosely. I do not hold the leash and the handle bar in one hand. I hold the leash in my left hand down to my side and steer wih my right hand. If you are holding the leash and the bike handle in one hand, you'll have a tendency of grabbing it harder on a tug; then the wheel will turn if the tug is hard enough...and you'll have to counter, which is dangerous. Hold the leash to your side, so you have slack. Let go on big tugs. Also, poop and pee the dog first. So they won't stop suddenly to do their business. Slow down and/or stop when another owner and dog is passing.
Thanks for the info! I guess special equipment like this isn't really necessary? http://www.biketowleash.com/
hmmm, don't know. I suppose it being attached in the back is safer. Plus, with so little slack, the dog can't really look around much...to find squirrels to chase and such. Maybe it works. But if it doesn't have some sort of quick release or way to spool out emergency slack to give you a chance to break, I know my dog would take me down.
Yeah, I'm a 27 year old male that works out 6 days a week, I can probably handle the dog pulling better than most. Part of my typical ride is next to the freeway, so I'd sacrafice my body before I let go, since I wouldn't be surprised if she ran into oncoming traffice. If you're going to start training the dog to run alongside a bike, start by walking them a mile first, then bike a mile. That will help tire the dog first. Don't take 2 dogs on the bike at once... I tried that, big mistake, lol.
You know, I never really thought about it. I like the way you think! Why do any work when you have a mutt to do it for you!
My problem is if my hand is on the grip and holding the leash, I will instinctively grab the handle harder, and the dog is very strong and she'll turn the wheel a little. If my arm is loose to the side, no problems. I have enough slack to tug her back....and/or break.
Yea, I recommend Hershey Park as well. A hidden treasure in this city imo. When I was living in town, I would run here daily as well.
