Mountain Biking With Your Dog

Do you mountain bike? Do you have a four legged friend that watches you pull out the driveway as you leave for your ride? Your dog can also enjoy the fun and benefits of being in the woods or on trails as well. Dogs have a lot of energy and require exercise just like you or I. Depending on the type of dog you have will determine the extent of running they can do. Most medium to large size dogs from the hunting or working class groups (or a combination there of) do well with biking. Obviously a little dog with short legs will have a tough time trying to keep up. If you have a buddy you want to take out on the trail for the first time it would be a good idea to talk to your dog’s veterinarian about what you have in mind for him. It is important that your dog can deal with the rigors and intensity of a trail run. Mountain bikes can move right along at a good pace and cover many trail miles. If your dog has a lot of hair you really need to be aware of the outside temperature and humidity. It’s a good idea to see to it that the dog has had a good drink of water before you head out and also carry a water bottle just for him.

This summer has been warmer than normal and my Siberian husky has not done well with the heat. Some of the rides have ended early or slowed considerably with frequent stops. Sometimes for his own good I leave him home. He does not like that but during the dog days of summer that is what needs to be done. There will be plenty of cooler days ahead.

If the dog is just a puppy, it’s recommended to leave him home until he is least 6 months old. After he has become a little older, start your first ride slow, short and someplace where you can work out the details. Dogs are instinctively pack animals and if you lead they will follow. Since he will be off the leash for the ride/run he needs to know a few important commands. The most important ones are “stay” and “come”. Control of Fido is very important because of all the distractions on the trail. Distractions come in many forms, such as other people and possibly their dogs, horses, deer and vehicles. If you start your ride from spot near a busy road, it might be a good idea to keep him on a leash until you are ready to leave for the ride.

I have found that the best way to break him in is to take him on a group ride with other well behaved dogs. “Other well behaved dogs” is important, because you don’t want him to pick up any bad trail habits. While out with the group he will most likely be so excited to be in the woods, around you and the other dogs that he will follow without question; again it’s the pack idea.

So, you and dog are headed down the trail, now what? Well you’ll find that while you are following some kind of trail, your 4-legged buddy will be running from one side of the trail to the other, smelling all those scent’s that drive dogs nuts. Some dogs can put on half again as many miles as the rider, so keep that in mind when watching your mileage because he will have more. If your dog is new to trail running or not in good shape, you will have to keep a close eye on him so as he does not run himself into exhaustion. Even a seasoned trail dog can have problems on hot and humid days, so frequent rest is good practice. I like to use trails that have streams close so they can get in it and cool down.

Most dogs will want to be out front, but because of their sniffing, they may lag for a few seconds and then come charging up thru. It’s important for you to hold your line, because that is what the dog is expecting. A few things that the new trail dog must learn and that is to stay away from the bike’s front wheel or even stopping in the middle of the trail, not good! Usually if you shout “Go!” works, but sometimes a collision happens. Both you and the dog need to be alert and aware of what is going on. Sometimes a friendly low speed bump from your front wheel to the dog’s rump or tail can quickly bring this point clear. A few applications of this can burn it into his mind. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Before you hit the trail you should have a check list for Fido. Your list should include a water bottle just for him, a leash, and some first aid supplies and maybe some treats to lure him back when he strays. I also attach a bell to his collar so I can keep track of him when I can’t see him. This may also help the other forest critters know he is around and hopefully stay clear.

Mountain biking with your dog can be a challenge, but patience and time will make it worth the effort. Just remember, that it will be difficult to pull out the driveway without taking your riding buddy along. If you are a cross country skier, this same kind of fun can continue when the snow flies.

Happy trails to you!