PB, please don't glorify trail dogs to Joe. Most can't train, care for or respect the work it takes to have a good trail dog. (and no, your dog being friendly doesn't make it a good trail dog)
Awesome! Just remember that biking with your dog is a good way to injure them. If you are going to take the pup out be sure to take plenty of breaks and do not go on a long ride.
The best advice.
Nothing more heartbreaking than seeing your best friend struggle with their legs when they get older because of the mileage they put in when they were younger.
I don't regret my aches and pains. But I did feel bad for my trail pups when they got to the point that walking was tough.
Don't get me wrong. I still have a trail dog that loves to come on rides with me. I just keep rides with him slow and short. That's all.
one of the best memories i have was a day 5 years ago with 6 humans and 8 dogs on squirrel gap near brevard NC. crashed twice because of the hounds but who cares. nothing but smiles the whole day...
If you're reading this, a trail dog doesn't happen over night. It's a pain in the f*cking ass. Tons of hours, many lost rides, many shorter rides, and a huge investment of time, energy and dollars. You better have time to read books on dog training, lose days of riding, and work hard to build a bond with your dog daily. I love my dog, he's an aussie Sheppard and 110% my best friend now but I spent the last year consistently working with him and it wasn't fun or easy. Just like all things social media these videos show what people want you to see and nothing they dont.
@themouse77: dogs have an opportunity cost. I'm not going to argue on the internet, but based on your spelling of "hole" you haven't lived long enough to have enough life experience to understand yet. Your time will come.
it's a hard task for a dog to learn to be a trail dog. It's an easy task for it to learn to follow you on a trail. Plus, it's an easy (yet maybe painful) task for dogs to learn that bikes can hurt them. I just told my dog to stay behind me (yes, I did bump into it in a controlled manner two or three times when it didn't. And yes, I told others to do the same). It wasn't a big deal, and now we've been riding together for 13 years, and maybe even more to come. It pays to teach a dog to become a trail dog. I got an excuse to go biking every day
This is huge. I have a four month old catahoula puppy that I'm just beginning to trail for a trail dog. I dont expect to actually ride with her for at least another 6 months. Gotta make sure she's 100% obedient before I take her to any real trails off leash
I must be lucky then, because mine was born a trail dog. Since day one out in the woods she figured it out and loves it. She gets all excited if she sees me grabbing the bike at any time, and even knows when it's weekend and the day to ride has come.
@b-mcclelland: no need to try and offend there mate. I am just quietly suggesting maybe one who thinks the way you do about raising a dog probably shouldn't.
Also, some dogs just innately know what to do out there. The herding breeds are an added challenge for sure hahah. Once you can trust your dog on the ride it is the BEST!
I’ve had trail dogs since I got my first dog at 19yo, buried more than a dozen, all but a couple were working breeds. Currently got four trail dogs, two retired Ausies 16 and 17yo, an English Shepherd 5yo and a Healer 5yo.
The Shepherd wanders, so he’s more of a hiker, the Healer is my go to for riding cuz he’s fast, he listens, and he’s got trail mojo.
Trail dogs don’t have much more than ten miles in them even at the slowest speeds, so you gotta take care to avoid burning out your dog.
My biggest concern and what makes me cringe when watching these vids, is how close these dogs are allowed to be to the bike.
Please train your dog to stay away from the bike, I’ve seen too many injuries to good dogs owned by careless riders.
I cannot understand why people don't train their dog to run behind the bike. Taught mine "get in behind" before we even hit the trail and he still tasted of my front tyre several times. He is now tail end charlie and pulls over to the side of the track to let riders past, last thing I want is for him to be getting in the way of other riders.
Yeah, it seems awfully dangerous to have them in the front, or side anyways, regardless of wether there are other riders. Dogs cannot predict how we are going to jump/land/berm/any of these things. Imagine going on all fours, and chasing a DH’er down a trail. I would die, before the edit even was finished.
I dont have time to make cool vids like this but, I sure as heck could. My d o g LuLu rocks... she's 8 n change now so, not as fast as she used to be, can't go at for more than about 90 minutes but, she's still awesome. minds the trail, minds other dogs and people... just like to chase the critters
Walking, hiking, jogging and then biking. Did that with my current dog, he’s almost 7 now, and he’s a natural trail dog. I have to leave a leash in the car, otherwise I won’t remember to bring it when we are in public somewhere and he’s supposed to be on leash. Plus, with all the physical activity we have zero issues with him chewing, digging or just overall being a pain in the ass. Most unusual for a black lab mix... Good luck with your new pup!
I’ve got two GSP’s that come riding at 7 and 13 years old. One leads, one follows. They definitely started as terrors in the house, thankfully now thats just outside! Enjoy your pup.
@DHhack: got a GWP black lab mix, he’s shaggy tall slim and powerful , not very agile but really good endurance and absolutely loves the trails and providing he’s built up to it-will cover massive distances. I only go on remote trails with him though where there is soft ground and plenty of wilderness for him to roam whilst he waits for me. Group rides and trail centres are not fair on him or other riders. But rides with him are my absolute favourite.
@kipvr: our regular ride is 10 or so miles. Anything under 8 is a waste of time. He’s the mix of endurance, strength, agility but also some common sense. His herding instincts kick in on group rides which can be annoying for some. He’s starting to slow down, he used to hit 31mph...
Please don't make me responsible for avoiding running into your dog. cause I won't choose to kiss a tree or graze a boulder in order to create a line around your dog. thanks for thinking of us other riders.
@flipoffthemonkeys: they dont think of other riders. Most of the trail dogs, even when hiking that I've come across are behind the owner. Letting the rest of us deal with their dog and the shit that comes along with it. I know I know...."It's not my dog" though right.
Rideing with a dog’ or dog lover, expect a broken bone, Paying for a child’s face bite. Dog people won’t pay for their pets mishaps. Try to buy dog insurance. I dare you. Enjoy the vids!
@mtb-scotland: well it’s either a two way trail and they were riding as if it was empty, or they are trying to ride at race pace on a busy day. Also, you’d think they’d learn after the first time... people riding over their heads typically don’t learn after the first time.
@TheSpangler: pretty pathetic come back TBH. Dogs are not undercontrol on trails. They are for bikes. If you want to walk your dog take it some where else.
@kipvr: I'm assuming purpose built trails here. But even if you were to be out in the country you still have a legal responsability to keep your dog under control.
@mtb-scotland: I agree I think purpose built trails should be bike only but that’s just a small fraction of the trails ridden. I don’t think anyone would argue that you shouldn't always have a dog under control.
I just told my dog to stay behind me (yes, I did bump into it in a controlled manner two or three times when it didn't. And yes, I told others to do the same). It wasn't a big deal, and now we've been riding together for 13 years, and maybe even more to come.
It pays to teach a dog to become a trail dog. I got an excuse to go biking every day
The Shepherd wanders, so he’s more of a hiker, the Healer is my go to for riding cuz he’s fast, he listens, and he’s got trail mojo.
Trail dogs don’t have much more than ten miles in them even at the slowest speeds, so you gotta take care to avoid burning out your dog.
My biggest concern and what makes me cringe when watching these vids, is how close these dogs are allowed to be to the bike.
Please train your dog to stay away from the bike, I’ve seen too many injuries to good dogs owned by careless riders.
Trail Virus videos should appear soon...
I dont have time to make cool vids like this but, I sure as heck could. My d o g LuLu rocks... she's 8 n change now so, not as fast as she used to be, can't go at for more than about 90 minutes but, she's still awesome. minds the trail, minds other dogs and people... just like to chase the critters
If you ran into my dog, I’d bury your arse.
Keep your dogs on a leash! If I crash avoiding your dog. I beating the shit out you.
Paying for a child’s face bite.
Dog people won’t pay for their pets mishaps.
Try to buy dog insurance. I dare you.
Enjoy the vids!