Trail dogs....

[Dirkitech]

guys moaning about dog poo when you blast through cow pats in races.

 

Dogs can be allowed when on a leash and not near the trail (several meters), especially single track. i've nearly crashed into 2 dogs, once at rietvlei once at thaba, and both times they were on leashes held by the owners who themselves were strolling on the single track. I won't feel bad if you walk your dog on a cycling trail and have it's ribs crushed. Will be less happy about crashing the bike

[Sidewinder.]

I have to confess to being a Labrador freak, so, here is my very biased take on them:They are extremely easy dogs to live with and because they are not at all aggressive, it is easy to run and cycle with them. They are highly trainable. If you like the beach or swimming, no other dog even comes close. They take 2 years to mature, until then they chew things like you can't believe and they shed hair like you can't believe. They don't mind small properties and they cope well with being left alone. Because they are smart, they need regular stimulation and exercise. they tend to get fat if you overfeed them. They are medium distance runners, not marathon runners.

 

Also look into something called a Vizsla. It is a Hungarian breed of gundog. Smart, trainable and very good at running longer distances. Difficult to find a puppy.

 

Rhodesian Ridgeback. Great company, athletic, great temperament. Lots of energy, but not (quite) as smart as the others we talked about.

 

The Huskies run incredibly well (hardcore marathon dudes) but they have a tendency to keep on running and get separated from you and get lost easily if not on a lead. They are also more difficult to train and you have to watch that they don't overheat (actually, that goes for all breeds).

 

This guy knows whats up.

We have a labrador/chow mix who is more lab than anything and built like a brick shithouse but he's happy to do 20km+-

Theres a grey vizsla at fun gaalens that did 16kms with us once without even panting.

I'd recommend a lab, just don't feed it till it resembles a seal.

[Mousea]

 

 

This guy knows whats up.

We have a labrador/chow mix who is more lab than anything and built like a brick shithouse but he's happy to do 20km+-

Theres a grey vizsla at fun gaalens that did 16kms with us once without even panting.

I'd recommend a lab, just don't feed it till it resembles a seal.

The grey Vizsla is a Weimaraner slightly bigger build than a Vizsla, but very similar looking

[DJR]

There are several things you have to keep in mind when riding with a dog

 

Where?

Nowhere near traffic. On farm roads and trails where dogs are welcome. Farmers are often very sensitive about dogs, so ask beforehand. (Mine runs with me on the front of Table Mountain)

Temperature:

It is not a good idea in hot weather. They will overheat long before you. In summer I like to let my dog swim beforehand to get him wet. Go early.

Water:

If there is no natural water, you have to carry it for them. If there is a stream, you'll have to stop to let him drink and cool off, otherwise he'll often just keep running to stay with you.

Feet:

Stay off the tar if you do any distance. Be careful with hardpack gravel. Their pads wear down, especially if you start doing longer distances on consecutive days. Check their pads regularly. Booties are available (I kid you not)

Distance:

Like any athlete, they also have to build up to peak fitness. You have to decide how much to let them do, because they often will run themselves to a standstill just to stay with you, that's how loyal they are. Most of the above breeds will be fine for 10km, some will do 30. Very few will do 40 or more at mtb pace.

Speed:

On the uphills they will mostly outrun you on the bike, but on long downhills you will be faster. You will have to slow down or wait for them on the long downhills. Otherwise they will have to sprint at top speed for too long. Not even Greyhounds can run at that speed for more than a few hundred metres.

Age:

Young puppies of up to a year should not run long distances. (The exact age is open to question) It is not good for their normal skeletal and muscular development. Any vets want to comment?

Training:

You have to be in firm command. The very minimum the dog should be able to do is "sit" (also meaning "stop wherever you are"), "come here" (calling them away from danger) and "heel" (meaning "stay right next to me") This can be done long before you start taking it out running and is mostly done on the lead. You can teach it everything it needs to know while out walking or jogging with it. Initially when you start riding, they will often run across your path, so be aware and wide awake. Going over the bars over your own dog isn't fun. They follow their noses and a delicious scent will make them change direction when you least expect it.

[Brian Fantana]

guys moaning about dog poo when you blast through cow pats in races.

 

Dogs can be allowed when on a leash and not near the trail (several meters), especially single track. i've nearly crashed into 2 dogs, once at rietvlei once at thaba, and both times they were on leashes held by the owners who themselves were strolling on the single track. I won't feel bad if you walk your dog on a cycling trail and have it's ribs crushed. Will be less happy about crashing the bike

 

If a trail is specified for MTB only, dog-walkers should not be there.

 

But if it is a multi user trail, mountain bikers HAVE TO give way to runners, hikers, dogs, dog walkers and horse riders. In addition to being part of IMBA guidelines it is just plain manners.

[Amanzi]

Golden retriever for the win. I take mine trail running and she is a great companion. My dad has a collie and they are a lot of work.

[Guest]

Probably a collie. Father in law recently got one and as much of a hand full as they are i.e. bounds of energy, they learn very quickly and seem to also have the stamina/agility.

Ride with my Collie and she loves it. Not on public trails though.

[Skylark]

Man I miss not having a dog, that's a goal I need to work towards, not cheap looking after a furry friend!

Whippets apparently make for really great dogs, excellent temperaments, probably not the best guard dog in terms of being intimidating though. I love seeing dogs on the trails, just as long as they aren't overly aggressive.

 

[outoftowner]

Go Local-get a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Despite their name, they were first bred here,and used on the frontiers to keep predators at bay. -known then as a boerhound. Further north they build a reputation for baying lions, therefore the breed was registered in Rhodesia.

They are less likely to get tick-bite fever,because of their coat,and make top notch watch dogs.They are aloof to strangers,and on trials/walks very social with other dogs, because of their pack mentality. They need serious amount of exercise and stimulation,so if you live in a small property or apartment, stay clear of this breed. They are very intelligent, and therefore very stubborn,and not interested in any ball games. It is out in mother nature where they come into their own-Fearless. I have had experiences where they will not back down to an angry bull or a cobra.This breed will not adapt to your lifestyle, and you will need to make sacrifices. You will have to adapt a healthy fitness orientated lifestyle,or face the consequences.(severe destruction of your property).

They do have a fantastic engine,and is incredibly powerful. My male dog has snapped many a leash,as well clearing 2meter fences,and even caught quite a few guinea fowl mid air. Any gun dog on trails can be problematic. Any scent they pick up, and instinct takes over. My 9 year old female still goes wandering despite my best efforts to subdue her urges. But i would not want it any other way. Luckily here in the country side they do have the freedom to express themselves.It is their incredible power,athleticism and stamina I admire. A long dog walk/run can be more rewarding than a stage race.That's just my humble, very bias opinion

[Albatross]

That sucks, I mostly ride there... Will see who I can confirm with, but there is still time, so maybe things will change..

 

Also I think a major factor relating to how owners/other rides/people take to a dog on their land/the trail is how well the dog is trained and controlled. A dog that has almost army type command training will received far better than one going totally out of control... This could be the same for wildlife, with enough training the dog should just ignore?? Yes no?

No dogs at Meerendal either (sorry to be bearer of bad news)

[MTB-BFK]

why not get a rescue from SPCA or any of the rescue centres? Too many unwanted bred puppies in SA which are just being put down. Rescue dogs tend to be tough - less vet bills, and are very grateful for any love and attention. It feels really good to do it as well. Nice karma

[Raydek]

Thanks all for the info and feedback/advice, there's still a lot to think about and a big decision ahead...

[FrankoP]

I have and live dogs too. I think they are limited in endurance compared to cycling and keep mine in 5 km with a decent part on a trot and 2 dips into the local river and 2 short sprints. It is easy to run them off their legs which would be cruel. So when i ride i do so for my health and theirs separately. Where i live o come across packs of dogs used for hunting...those make me very nervous but thus far had none worry me.

 

Good on you for caring bout animals specially dogs.

[popcorn_skollie]

http://i.imgur.com/2FwQ1yu.jpg

Moscow and Alpha.

Perfect dogs if you live on a farm.

But...

I cannot take them riding.

I cannot take them surfing.

 

When I take them running its ALWAYS on a leash.

They are trained. But my authority means very little once we leave home.

 

Luckily, they have alot of free space to run at home.

So when I take them for a walk or run its more for a change of scenery than actual excercise.

 

I wouldn't consider them a good choice of breed for trail riding companionship.

But smart lovable dogs nonetheless.

[DJR]

This is Coco, she taught me how to ride with a running dog. As you can see from the bike, it was many years ago and sadly, she is now running the trails where crashes don't hurt.

[Pieterg]

Love dogs but can be a problem running loose