Yes I agree that having the dog out in front is better. The conventional scooter looks like fun so get your helmet and knee pads ready if you need some ointment I will send some along <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I like having the dog out front. The springer works good for getting that extra energy out not really much of training. Have fun with that scooter keep me posted <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Well, the new "Torker" scooter arrived from dogscooter.com and I assembled it and hit the trails. I hooked up a skijor line and a dog and off we went. The scooter rolls very easily and rides stable on dirt and gravel and is very easy to jump on/off so it makes it convenient to get to a dog and reposition or correct, so is a very good tool for leader training. I had a little 42 lb alaskan husky pulling and we had her going at a good clip without much effort. I think the scooters are a nice, easy way to work one or two dogs. Pretty fun without the dogs, too. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Only problem is that little devil on your shoulder whispering "if you hooked up more dogs you could go WAY faster!" oh oh....

hi....uh, this is my first post, so if i write anything wrong, please be gentle! LOL

Well, i have actually met the guy who makes the scooters in the first link that Cindy posted. Although pricey (too much IMO) the scooter is a great product. Me and a few of my friends got together for a early afternoon try out one day. There were about four of us, 3 Staffy bulls and my lone AmStaff. The dogs took to it pretty fast, and once the dog gets going, you can pretty much simply hold on while the dog powers you around. You can easily steer, since the dog is beside you, and the way the arm is set up, the dog sort of "floats" there, with little to obstruct him/her or to get tangled in.

One dog can easily power you around, too. My friend isn't a small woman, but her dog is. He's about 36 pounds and he sped through the park with no problem at all.

i would guess that most dogs might take a week (at most) to get used to it. It is a great product, but i think he's simply asking way too much for it. Best idea, to find a cheap scooter and just buy the arm part. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

I'm ordering a Torker this weekend. I'm glad to here from someone who has one and is happy with it. How long did it take to get it and was it hard to put together?

I'm ordering a Torker this weekend. I'm glad to here from someone who has one and is happy with it. How long did it take to get it and was it hard to put together?

Good to hear from someone who has seen and used it! It sounds like a pretty workable set-up from your description.

If you are brave, you can have a really cheap setup:
Stakeboard
4 foot leash on harness (go)
6 foot leash attached to prong collar (stop)
Helmet

My brother has done this with a long line attached to a harness and no prong collar. Can't recommend it.

Personally, I have a springer and really enjoy it. Auster has been known to jump to the side after various critters and I haven't fallen off a single time. More than paid for itself the first time that happened and I avoided the hospital. I probably shouldn't admit to this, but I have fallen more jogging her (looking at the dog instead of the branches in the road) than biking.

Hmm the springer is cheap -- reckon IT would attach to a scooter......?

Hi Sharon - it only took 10 days to get my "Torker" but it had to come to Canada and do the customs thing. All I had to do to assemble was install the handlebar and the front tire - you will need a 6mm allen key. You might need a stem extension if you are tall. I am 5 foot 8 and am going to install one as I think it would be a little more comfortable.