Anyone else ride with their dog?

willtsmith

I ride with my 70# Cattle Dog mix. He's a 5 and has gotten a little fat. But he's still in excellent shape do to the running.

I only ride with him by rivers and creeks so he can dive in when he gets too hot. In the highland sections, he drinks from my Camelback.

He outruns me in tight stuff and uphills. On the twisty stuff, he just cuts over to the next trail section (cheater). On dowhills and flats, he lags behind. I typically let him because he knows where to "meet me".

At the beginning, mine would try to herd me. He had an annoying habit of peaking a hill, moving on than coming back in a challenge stance just about the time I was cresting the hill. I also had to break him of his desire to go herd the other riders when we were taking rest brakes.

Only one injury suffered. I took him out for some pavement walking than biking on a hot day. Some of his pads had worn down. We walked back to the trailhead.

Being out on the trail is basically what my dog lives for. If you have a breed that WILL run trails and stay with you, do it. Just remember to WALK him on the course first. Than start introducing off leash training ON FOOT with treats before you go biking with fido.

Natural breeds are herders and sighthounds. They will instinctively follow you. Hunters (sporting dogs) will need some training. Terriers and hounds (beagles, bloodhounds, etc..) will require a LOT of work since they are bred to be led by their noses. You may not be able to keep them off-leash without some kind of radio collar.