Ken Easterling Webboard User Reg: 01-11-2012
Posts: 83
Loc: The Swamp (Houston), Texas
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Quick question for the health experts here,
I've got a almost 18month old intact Rhodesian Ridgeback, we (I) walk 3 times a weeks (2.9 miles) so 9 miles total. My speed is coming up (I can now shuffle along at 12 min mile. He's off leash for most of this, but here is my problem, I am WORE out! And he's not even close!
I do marker training with him before and after work but he's got a lot of energy still. I can't go any faster or longer (plus I can't afford the time). Can I start biking with him now? I'm not sure he's done growing and I don't want to have issues when he's older. Breeder said they can continue to grow until after they are 3 in some cases! Slow growing dogs, he's got about 10 lbs to go match his dad. Will I be ok to start increasing the pace?
Tresa Hendrix Webboard User Reg: 05-08-2008
Posts: 1473
Loc: Alaska
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All I can say is I started biking my big dutchie (27-1/2") at about that age, possibly younger. Everything is paved here so I never went far and only at a trot...even now I don't do more than 2 miles because of the pavement. All his sprinting is on grass.
If its on dirt I don't see a problem, maybe use the same trail and bike instead of walk, let him run along? If he's running free he can go at his own pace, it should be fine. Later go for a nice walk, that's what I do.
A tired dog is a good dog, a trained dog is a better dog.
Ken Easterling Webboard User Reg: 01-11-2012
Posts: 83
Loc: The Swamp (Houston), Texas
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Thanks, Tresa, I've got about 1/4 mile on the sidewalk until I get to the bayou behind my neighborhood and then it's all grass from there. (I walk/run barefoot, well in virbram fivefingers, so I'm real 'aware' of what we are going on).
He's got such long legs that I have to run to keep up with his slow trot.
So looks like I'm going to get a bike this week! I'm going to see if I can wear my butthead of a dog out!
Tresa Hendrix Webboard User Reg: 05-08-2008
Posts: 1473
Loc: Alaska
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Cool, then I'm not alone, I sprint barefoot at the beach nature preserve, even in winter. On trails/grass I use nike free-run shoes. I want some of those vibram ones.
When he's fully developed you could try bike joring, where he pulls you.
A tired dog is a good dog, a trained dog is a better dog.
Ken Easterling Webboard User Reg: 01-11-2012
Posts: 83
Loc: The Swamp (Houston), Texas
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That's a scary thought, I don't think I want to go that fast, I'm too big of a chicken! He already can keep up with my Dad's UTV mule (20mph) on the farm without his tongue hanging out.
Tresa Hendrix Webboard User Reg: 05-08-2008
Posts: 1473
Loc: Alaska
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LOL It is scary and fun at the same time, less scary when you train for it...squirrels are really scary.
An alternative is to get a skijor harness and a "walky dog" that you attach under your seat...no matter how they pull off to the side, it won't cause you to fall down. He could pull by using that and you don't need to worry about him going the wrong way. No pedaling needed, your own motor.
One thing you have to add for a big dog like ours, is that super sticky double sided tape you get at the hardware store....I recommend using that under where you clamp it down so it doesn't slip...you'll know if you get what I mean.
A tired dog is a good dog, a trained dog is a better dog.
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When to start Biking with teenager?
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