Cycling with your dog
I mostly just wanted to share that because we've been having a good time but I also wanted to ask all you rugged outdoors-with-your-dog types what kind of boots that you'd recommend for heavier duty outside stuff for the colder weather? Our show boots aren't going to cut it for this kind of activity. I've been looking at these but (of course) they only show a bunch of bald dogs wearing them so I can't tell if they'd actually work for a big furry leg. Measuring the paw size doesn't seem like it'll be enough for me to tell: http://www.thedogoutdoors.com/ruff-wear ... boots.html Dawn, I noticed you had some little footie looking kind of boots on Chewie in some of his escapades. What are those? How's the fit? |
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| I used to use the Walky-dog with Maggie in Philly -- she loved it! Was much easier than holding the leash. It was very good at absorbing the pulls and keeping her back and to the side (instead of crossing in front) but I still was always a little nervous about squirrels. I don't know anything about boots. Have fun! |
Yeah, squirrels are sometimes a challenge with him, too. He gets interested but usually controls himself. Usually... Luckily, we usually go in the evening and into an industrial area so it's a more squirrel-free zone. There's a cat that keeps taunting, though.  |
Given your location description, I'm guessing Owen is running on pavement? That really isn't the best idea.  We never do any of our carting runs on any kind of pavement. Runs that involve distance, over time on a hard surface are not good. It's really hard on their bodies. We (humans) may do it, but we have super cushy, engineered footwear to help absorb impact - and even with them it is hard on the joints and connective tissue over time. Is there anywhere you can go with any kind of gravel or non-pavement trails? Pathways or roads with grassy edges? As far as boots - he shouldn't need any for regular running beside the bike. The pictures I have with Chewie in the boots are because we were out in clay after rain - in farm fields that turned into the nastiest quagmire imaginable. Even the wheels on the carts got gummed up and had to have it poked out of the fenders for the wheels to turn. It sounds like you've been increasing distance nice, so his feet should toughen just fine. The boots I have are made of polar fleece - it is prefered by many mushers because it stretches and allows the pad to function naturally. Anything with a hard /rigid sole is not good. Even in the mud, his feet were damp (they aren't waterproof) but it filtered out all the gunk....thank goodness. I was able to have him wade in a tub with a few inches of water and his toes/lower legs were all clean. Mine are from Kondos Outdoors. They make them in 3 fabrics, but the fleece are the ones you want. I have used/seen the others, and they aren't as good. http://www.kondosoutdoors.com/mm5/merch ... y_Code=DB7 I think we have XL...the velcro is color coded by size - mine are black velcro. If you have questions, you can call them, they are very nice. If you are thinking towards winter (however I can't see you biking in the winter!) the ones that are like rubber gloves for dog feet would work. I have some, but I can't remember the brand...and they are misplaced at the moment... but they are totally waterproof and would keep salt out. Another thing to consider for his feet are sprays that protect the pads. We do use them often, especially this time of year when we are just starting to get going and increasing miles with the cooler weather. The one I have now is called Pad Guard (how original...lol) and comes in a 4 oz pump spray bottle. You put it on before planned activity. There are many similar products, but the key ingredient is benzoin. We are going carting tomorrow morning, and I will be spraying Chewie's feet. We were going out fairly often earlier - before Nationals, but then it really got warm and we haven't been out. So back to toughening pads Good luck...and where are the pictures????  |
| Well, no worries on the long distances. We only go short and I don't expect it'll ever be more than a mile or two at a time. My intention with him is to give him something more challenging than a walk but nothing outrageous. I can gear my bike so I can pedal really fast and go nowhere so we don't have to go crazy fast to make it an okay ride for both of us. The industrial area has a lot of grass at the curbside so he can always hop up there, too. I've been trying to do a little interval training with him so he does a block sprint, then we slow down to a trot, sprint again, then walk. That way we get good cardio benefits in a shorter distance, too. I do the long distances by myself-- I actually ride quite a lot-- and we actually probably will continue in the winter. I have a hybrid bike with good enough tires for mild snowy weather. We won't be going out in storms but some snow and salt, yes. I have to admit, I'm not worried about his paw pads too much since I know they'll toughen up, I'm more concerned about keeping his feet and forelegs as clean and dry as possible, since we're back in the conformation ring again. His show boots don't seem like they'll offer enough waterproofness so I was hoping to pick something up that will stay on well, too. I wonder if the rubber glove boot under the show boot might be enough? And there's no pictures because I need one hand to steer the bike and the other to hold Owen, lol. I'll get James to take some or I'll drag out a tripod. Oh, and in case anyone's wondering, yes, I did try to include Clyde in riding. We went about 50 feet and he slowed wayyyyy down and looked at me like "Yeah, you've GOT to be kidding if you think this is gonna happen." I tried going as slow as a slow walk and he still did everything in his power to make it as unenjoyable as possible for both of us. Bear isn't starting an exercise program until he gets a vet check up because he's been getting very winded lately doing mild exercise and I'm a little worried about his heart. |
If you are going short distances and when off pavement on grass, I think the shorter fleece boots (the ones with 2 velcro strips are a bit taller than the single velcros) would be good. They would give protection from grass stains and roadside dirt. Anything higher would give little cleaning benefit, and cause friction matts and hair breakage.  As for the pictures, I was thinking of James. Not you on the bike!  |
got sheep wrote: If you are going short distances and when off pavement on grass, I think the shorter fleece boots (the ones with 2 velcro strips are a bit taller than the single velcros) would be good. They would give protection from grass stains and roadside dirt. Anything higher would give little cleaning benefit, and cause friction matts and hair breakage. As for the pictures, I was thinking of James. Not you on the bike! I felt like such a pansy for coming right out with: I just want my dog's hair to stay nice! |
ButtersStotch wrote: got sheep wrote: If you are going short distances and when off pavement on grass, I think the shorter fleece boots (the ones with 2 velcro strips are a bit taller than the single velcros) would be good. They would give protection from grass stains and roadside dirt. Anything higher would give little cleaning benefit, and cause friction matts and hair breakage. As for the pictures, I was thinking of James. Not you on the bike! I felt like such a pansy for coming right out with: I just want my dog's hair to stay nice! No comments from me...as I was balancing it all while showing Chewie...    We had to quit doing carting and sledding, as coat considerations had to take precidence for long enough to seriously show and finish. Luckily the little bit of movement and friction generated for weight pulls was safe...so we got to still do that. And we did LOTS of packs and long walks and hiking. I never used boots, and his whites stayed good. I just avoided the real obvious dirties and the coat damaging activities. |
| My Walkydog came today and it's awesome. It makes the bike ride so much more fun now that I'm not worried about getting pulled over! It really stabilizes the ride and keeps the dog from pulling. I highly recommend it! |
| Very cool! Get James to take some pictures of you and Owen in action |
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