Video: Kirsten Van Horne with Trail Dog in Tow is a Deadly Combo

 Any suggestions for diet for an active trail dog? Supplements, recovery etc... 2 blue heelers are my trail companions, and they riiiip. Their recovery is just as important as my own.

 @dirtworship: There's a lot to consider. I cook my dogs' diet when I have the time. People can make mistakes by not balancing the diet. But any food that is less processed tends to be better for athletes. Dog Naturally and Whole Dog journal are some resources to look at for home prepared diets. For those willing to listen I spend a lot of time talking to clients about this. I also love variety. Right now I am adding tea(including adaptogens) to my dogs's food. I make the tea for myself , cool it, and pour it over their food. This morning I made Eleuthero, Rehmannia, milk thistle, roasted dandelion root, nettle tea. Also consider Rhodiola. I have about 25-30 ingredients I will rotate. I get the herbs individually from Mountain rose herbs. 2 other old time favorites are a good smal fish oil(such as Nordic Naturals Omega 3 pet which is a anchiovy and sardine oil), and of course turmeric(can get/give a tincture or if giving dried root powder add a dash of black pepper. I also love fresh smoothies that again I share with my dogs. I put all kinds of good stuff. Nuts, fruit, greens, chlorella, collagen peptides, etc. Of course avoid chocolate and xylitol which can be in human protein powders. And the basic list of 'avoid this' also includes macadamia nuts, onions, raisins, grapes. I tend to educate my clients for those that are interested and not recommend packaged/processed treat type supplements. Happy Trails!!

 @drtraildog: A big pot of turmeric chicken and rice with some thinly sliced fresh yams and sour cream, sounds delish right?? I would make this regularly for our Newf and he lived a strong and healthy life with no joint pain. Some say this is a rare occurrence due to the dog’s size, I think it’s more because we tend to give our pets scraps instead of a consistent and well-balanced diet. Great tips!

PS, Any risks associated with the herbs you listed in the tea you brew? I am a little concerned when I add new spices because I would hate to give my pup something they’re allergic to.

 @dirtworship: stretch before and after just like you should do

 @YRneroh: What you have experienced with your Newf has been my experience as well. Way to go! The herbs I mentioned are all safe for pets. I usually discuss diet in the intimate setting of an appointment for those interested. You can see from another post that food is such a hot button topic and invites the loudest parts of people to step up and shout. Something I have seen for my whole career. Strange how if you go to the pediatrician and he/she tells you to feed the same cereal every day for your child's life you would think they were crazy. But veterinarians routinely tell people to feed the same kibble for years. Educated variety is never a bad thing. There are always exceptions such as really sensitive GI systems. If educated people decide to cook all the way(not just add some good stuff now and then) you can balance the food for long term use as well. Best of both worlds

 Are you suggesting rider follows dog ?

 @skiandmtbdirtbag: yes that's the general advice from most vets, like riding with kids if they are in front they take it at their pace - still loads of fun just more relaxed experience

 @tomo12377: It depends, yes if the owner is dumb and rides too fast. Whenever I ride with my dog I go slowly to enjoy being around my dog and I ride slow techy trails.

It also depends on the type of dog and how smart it is. For example, a golden retriever will not be able to follow you as far and fast as a hound or dog bred for endurance and hunting.

This can also be a downside because often hunting dogs are very focused and driven and won't realize they have injured themselves until it is too late. So it would be best if you often stopped to let them calm down, offer them water, and check them over, especially the paws.

 Well they said deadly combo

 Yep, my first thought as well. Cool video, but minimizing running a lab hard like that will do the dog a favor as it gets older.

 @Sethsg: even if you go slower they may follow you while injured, leading to a worse injury than if you stopped because you saw them injured in front of you.

 As someone that has hit a dog at speed causing both of us nasty injuries and the dog nearly getting endex’ed, not a fan of trail dogs at all. Also saw a mates dog get paw injuries from terrain changes.
Dogs and bikes dont mix and its cruel. My view based on my real experience and Im sticking with it.

 @ilovedust: That is why I always ride slow trails, my dog is also well trained so I just call her to my side and get her to sit if there are other riders. I hate it when someone is out on the trails and their dog won’t even come when they call it.

Yes riding with a dog can be cruel, but if your dog exercises a lot they will get fitter, better balance, and their paws get tougher. But each to their own opinion.

 Nah you got to just stop and check on your doggo here and there pretty often. Dogs are like people, they get faster, more nimble, and better at reading trails the more they do it. If you stop pretty often to turn around and check them over they are as happy going flat out as people are.

 Yeah you can tell that dog can't keep up for more than like 100 feet. Labs aren't the best at running long distances at high speed in my experience. A smaller dog like a cattle dog or heeler that was bred to run long distances and carried a lot less body mass is better suited. And, be careful mixing large drops with dogs as they tend to run around into the landing... I speak from firsthand experience... and broken hand experience.

 Man, I have to agree with him... I feel like such a prick now looking back.. I would ride with my dog ignorantly not knowing it's super bad for them...the following day after a pedal, I woke up seeing my dog unable to move on his bed...it was pretty traumatic as I love that guy so much... He had seriously injured his back from running... I never took him out again.... we just go on hikes together.... it's been about 4 years now and he's doing still doing good. Just be mindful-- these guys love us so much and will do anything to be and do life with us-- we have to set the boundaries for them...

 Knowing your pet is key! Many dogs have will regulate themselves with some trail experience. As for the argument of "thanking you when they are older" by having a more sedentary life I disagree. We are mountain bikers and many of us are choosing to use our bodies and deal with some aches, pains, and uncle Arthur come the future because the expereinces are more than worth it. A dog doesn't want to stay home and take it easy...they want to live and giver.

 @freeinpg: The choice is not binary; you're completely missing the point.

 @Mlloyd550: I really dont think he is. Dogs like to run, are built to run, and just like people can do so down a trail safety when they practice their way into it.

 @sonuvagun: Says the the guy who has the most American user name and opinion….

 @Sethsg: Yes, my opinion is so "American." When did Canadians become collectively the stupidest ones on the continent?

 I thought that happened years ago.

 Not offended by the ass. I think it was a clunky bit of titillation thrown in at the end which the edit didn't need, but think Caleb and Aiden really screwed up by not letting us see Kirsten's face so nobody here can actually recognize her.