Mush! Ha! Ha! Mush!
January 31, 2011 4:10 PM Subscribe
Am I hurting my dog with our bike rides?
My hyperactive 1.5 year-old Springer Spaniel and I go for nightly bike rides in my little Pennsylvania town. We average about 1.25 miles, with an average speed of about 12-14mph. The surface is asphalt. We've been doing this for about six months now.
In that time, a handful of people have yelled at me as we went by, or have stopped me, to tell me that I was being cruel or inhumane to my dog. And last week, a woman pulled over in her car to tell me I was "going to kill him". (Mind you, a far greater number have stopped me to tell me how awesome we are. Or, that seeing me and Orion ride by makes their day.)
I'm inclined to ignore the naysayers. But, still... I have my dog's best interests at heart. So, I'm left wondering. Am I hurting him?
I'd like to be clear on a few points:
1) I'm definitely, assuredly not dragging him. He pulls me; except at the very end of our trip when he's tired, or when we're going up a hill, when I pedal and he trots alongside. I've even taught him mushing commands. He sets the pace and the duration of the ride.
2) I'm not talking about acute injury. I regularly check his feet for injury, and watch his stride to make sure he hasn't hurt himself. The one time he started limping, we walked back home, and he was right as rain within two hours hours.
3) He fucking loves our bike rides. When I put him in the traces, he leaps and squeals with anticipation. He never shows the slightest reluctance to go. Sometimes when we're near home, he resists my commands to turn in, runs faster, and attempts to extend our ride.
4) We ride in all sorts of weather, but never when it's below about 30°F. When the weather is hot, our ride is shorter, I don't let him push himself too hard, and we take a break every few blocks. I don't carry water with me, as we're not usually out for more than ten or fifteen minutes, but he gets as much as he wants when we return.
5) When I asked my first vet about it, she only said that I shouldn't run him too far while he was a puppy, but that it was otherwise just fine--and possibly quite good for him, exercise-wise. My current vet has had no negative reaction when I've mentioned our rides. His health is excellent.
So, do y'all think I'm hurting him? And, if so, how can I mitigate the risks?
My hyperactive 1.5 year-old Springer Spaniel and I go for nightly bike rides in my little Pennsylvania town. We average about 1.25 miles, with an average speed of about 12-14mph. The surface is asphalt. We've been doing this for about six months now.
In that time, a handful of people have yelled at me as we went by, or have stopped me, to tell me that I was being cruel or inhumane to my dog. And last week, a woman pulled over in her car to tell me I was "going to kill him". (Mind you, a far greater number have stopped me to tell me how awesome we are. Or, that seeing me and Orion ride by makes their day.)
I'm inclined to ignore the naysayers. But, still... I have my dog's best interests at heart. So, I'm left wondering. Am I hurting him?
I'd like to be clear on a few points:
1) I'm definitely, assuredly not dragging him. He pulls me; except at the very end of our trip when he's tired, or when we're going up a hill, when I pedal and he trots alongside. I've even taught him mushing commands. He sets the pace and the duration of the ride.
2) I'm not talking about acute injury. I regularly check his feet for injury, and watch his stride to make sure he hasn't hurt himself. The one time he started limping, we walked back home, and he was right as rain within two hours hours.
3) He fucking loves our bike rides. When I put him in the traces, he leaps and squeals with anticipation. He never shows the slightest reluctance to go. Sometimes when we're near home, he resists my commands to turn in, runs faster, and attempts to extend our ride.
4) We ride in all sorts of weather, but never when it's below about 30°F. When the weather is hot, our ride is shorter, I don't let him push himself too hard, and we take a break every few blocks. I don't carry water with me, as we're not usually out for more than ten or fifteen minutes, but he gets as much as he wants when we return.
5) When I asked my first vet about it, she only said that I shouldn't run him too far while he was a puppy, but that it was otherwise just fine--and possibly quite good for him, exercise-wise. My current vet has had no negative reaction when I've mentioned our rides. His health is excellent.
So, do y'all think I'm hurting him? And, if so, how can I mitigate the risks?
Do you use a fixed-length leash or one of those leashes that expands and retracts depending on how far the dog is from you? The latter could help ensure that you're never pulling on him (they expand quite far so you'd notice and stop/slow down before he got to the limit) and also prevent the leash from dragging or getting tangled in the bike because the excess length gets sucked back into the handle when the dog is closer to you.
The only other concern I would have would be running him on pavement during the summer. Take off your shoes and put your bare feet on it. If it feels like it could burn you, then it's probably burning him too. But I live in Las Vegas (where you could insta-fry an egg on the sidewalk in summer) so I'm probably excessively worried about burning dogs' paws.
posted by Jacqueline at 4:17 PM on January 31, 2011
The only other concern I would have would be running him on pavement during the summer. Take off your shoes and put your bare feet on it. If it feels like it could burn you, then it's probably burning him too. But I live in Las Vegas (where you could insta-fry an egg on the sidewalk in summer) so I'm probably excessively worried about burning dogs' paws.
posted by Jacqueline at 4:17 PM on January 31, 2011
If after whatever answers you get (I don't know the answer to your question) you decide to continue the rides, consider putting him on a preventative joint-care supplement, since running is a high-impact activity that could damage his joints over time. This is something you can consult with your vet about and ask them to recommend/prescribe a specific supplement.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 4:17 PM on January 31, 2011
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 4:17 PM on January 31, 2011
There might be some danger with other dogs, other people on bikes, pedestrians not paying attention, etc, with regard to running into your leash if your dog is not right next to your bike. If your dog IS right next to your bike, there's the possibility of you running over his feet, I suppose.
posted by sageleaf at 4:19 PM on January 31, 2011
posted by sageleaf at 4:19 PM on January 31, 2011
Response by poster: Oh! We use one of these fixed length bike leashes.
posted by Netzapper at 4:22 PM on January 31, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Netzapper at 4:22 PM on January 31, 2011 [1 favorite]
You are not hurting your pup. He likes it, you make sure he is taken care of. Keep being awesome.
posted by Mister Fabulous at 4:23 PM on January 31, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by Mister Fabulous at 4:23 PM on January 31, 2011 [3 favorites]
He fucking loves our bike rides.
Asked and answered. Seriously, dogs are insane. They LOVE running. They LOVE exercise. They're insane because they love so much of it and can't get enough. Mush commands are from SLEDDOGS that run for miles in the fucking snow. I think he'll be alright, if the asphalt isn't brutally hot or cold on his paws.
posted by disillusioned at 4:34 PM on January 31, 2011 [1 favorite]
Asked and answered. Seriously, dogs are insane. They LOVE running. They LOVE exercise. They're insane because they love so much of it and can't get enough. Mush commands are from SLEDDOGS that run for miles in the fucking snow. I think he'll be alright, if the asphalt isn't brutally hot or cold on his paws.
posted by disillusioned at 4:34 PM on January 31, 2011 [1 favorite]
You may want to give him some water during the summer. I know it's only 10 or 15 minutes but keep in mind he's working harder than you and has fur!
posted by unannihilated at 4:42 PM on January 31, 2011
posted by unannihilated at 4:42 PM on January 31, 2011
Some years ago, a woman pulled over to take me to task for my low visibility at night. I had four lights on my bicycle and another three on my person, plus a variety of reflectors, and I was riding in an area bright enough to read by.
Three days ago, a stranger yelled at me from his car that I was a fat slut who should get off the road. I grant I could stand to lose a pound or two, but it was a city-designated bikeway and my sex life is none of his business.
Drive-by expressions of misplaced indignation ought not be taken literally.
Two vets have okayed the activity. Your dog loves the run, you love the ride, and you are attentive to his ability and needs.
posted by gingerest at 4:46 PM on January 31, 2011 [16 favorites]
Three days ago, a stranger yelled at me from his car that I was a fat slut who should get off the road. I grant I could stand to lose a pound or two, but it was a city-designated bikeway and my sex life is none of his business.
Drive-by expressions of misplaced indignation ought not be taken literally.
Two vets have okayed the activity. Your dog loves the run, you love the ride, and you are attentive to his ability and needs.
posted by gingerest at 4:46 PM on January 31, 2011 [16 favorites]
Isn't 12-14 mph really fast? The distance seems perfectly fine, but if he's really running that fast the impact would be quite high. A lot of people run with their dogs, but those people are going at more like 6-9 mph.
posted by bread-eater at 4:47 PM on January 31, 2011
posted by bread-eater at 4:47 PM on January 31, 2011
You are doing it correctly. A dogwalking/dog behavior group here in Philly encourages people to bike-walk their very high energy dogs. They offer classes, too. Don't worry what other people say!
posted by two lights above the sea at 4:57 PM on January 31, 2011
posted by two lights above the sea at 4:57 PM on January 31, 2011
I have a crazy blue heeler that I'll strap on the bike and he'd pull me all day long if I let him. We usually do 5 or 6 miles. If you don't have access to water along the way, bring it. If it's hot (and remember, for some dogs, 60 degrees F is hot), keep an eye on them so they don't over do it.
I had trouble initially because he would pull really hard (and I use the WalkyDog leash) and tear up his paws (Yup, I broke my dog. I felt horrible for a week). Being a heeler, he really didn't indicate any problems until after the damage was done.
So.....I'd really watch their pads if you have to go on asphalt (we've since moved to ski trails which he loves) and try not to let them pull too hard.
About the Walkydog - My heeler would just love to grab every cat, other dog, skater, or child while we're riding. The walky dog keeps him right where he needs to be and the few times that he did lunge, the shock absorber saved me from going over and gave him enough time to correct and keep going.
My heeler *loves* the bike. I *love* him when he's really tired. So it works well for us.
Good luck.
posted by GoodPuppy at 5:01 PM on January 31, 2011 [1 favorite]
I had trouble initially because he would pull really hard (and I use the WalkyDog leash) and tear up his paws (Yup, I broke my dog. I felt horrible for a week). Being a heeler, he really didn't indicate any problems until after the damage was done.
So.....I'd really watch their pads if you have to go on asphalt (we've since moved to ski trails which he loves) and try not to let them pull too hard.
About the Walkydog - My heeler would just love to grab every cat, other dog, skater, or child while we're riding. The walky dog keeps him right where he needs to be and the few times that he did lunge, the shock absorber saved me from going over and gave him enough time to correct and keep going.
My heeler *loves* the bike. I *love* him when he's really tired. So it works well for us.
Good luck.
posted by GoodPuppy at 5:01 PM on January 31, 2011 [1 favorite]
Sounds fun!
If he's pretty thirsty when he gets back, maybe he'd like a water break in the middle of the run. I watched a friend give his dog water out of a regular human-sized water bottle - he just cupped his hand and slowly poured the water in there - thirsty pup took about two seconds to figure it out. On warm days you might be able to give him a drink just fine using your regular bike water bottle this way.
posted by fritley at 5:03 PM on January 31, 2011
If he's pretty thirsty when he gets back, maybe he'd like a water break in the middle of the run. I watched a friend give his dog water out of a regular human-sized water bottle - he just cupped his hand and slowly poured the water in there - thirsty pup took about two seconds to figure it out. On warm days you might be able to give him a drink just fine using your regular bike water bottle this way.
posted by fritley at 5:03 PM on January 31, 2011
Don't ignore the naysayers: have a solid stock response so as to prevent them from hassling others like you.
Suggestion: "Are you a vet? 'cause the two I know have told me that [ you're full of shit / such exercise is in fact extremely good for my dog ]. Have a nice day [ sir / madam ]!"
posted by astrochimp at 5:26 PM on January 31, 2011 [8 favorites]
Suggestion: "Are you a vet? 'cause the two I know have told me that [ you're full of shit / such exercise is in fact extremely good for my dog ]. Have a nice day [ sir / madam ]!"
posted by astrochimp at 5:26 PM on January 31, 2011 [8 favorites]
Tons of people do this in Alaska (not sure why here in particular, but more than I've seen anywhere else). The only time I would even consider thinking it was a problem / saying something is when people use regular leashes and end up dragging or jerking their pups. If you're using a purpose-built leash and he likes it, have fun out there!
posted by charmcityblues at 6:04 PM on January 31, 2011
posted by charmcityblues at 6:04 PM on January 31, 2011
I go biking with my dog all the time here in the city, and while I'm no clairvoyant, I think it's safe to say my dog LOVES it. She got the hang of it really fast, too- without any particular training, she learned she can't let any trees or poles get in between her and the bike, she learned to deal with sharp turns, and to always stay on the same side of the bike. I never have to pull her, if anything she is bounding ahead trying to get us to go faster. We go biking on the asphalt and I've been inspecting her paws since we started, and they're in good shape. Vet says she's in great condition and I know she is calmer and happier after a good bike ride.
posted by Aubergine at 6:27 PM on January 31, 2011
posted by Aubergine at 6:27 PM on January 31, 2011
I assume you're running in the street?
My innate instinct is that the naysayers are being silly. But one of my neighbors on the block where I grew up used to do this with his dog, and his dog was hit/run over by a car. So I was kind of brought up to believe that it was dangerous. You may be behaving in a safe manner, but drivers might not see the dog.
So anyway, my concern isn't the speed that you're running the dog, but the hazards in the street.
posted by iguanapolitico at 7:00 PM on January 31, 2011
My innate instinct is that the naysayers are being silly. But one of my neighbors on the block where I grew up used to do this with his dog, and his dog was hit/run over by a car. So I was kind of brought up to believe that it was dangerous. You may be behaving in a safe manner, but drivers might not see the dog.
So anyway, my concern isn't the speed that you're running the dog, but the hazards in the street.
posted by iguanapolitico at 7:00 PM on January 31, 2011
(When I said running, I meant "running the dog" ... I know you're on your bike, but the dog is running. :)
posted by iguanapolitico at 7:04 PM on January 31, 2011
posted by iguanapolitico at 7:04 PM on January 31, 2011
As long as you are allowing the dog to set the pace, and pay attention to his fatigue level, go for it. People think they should have an opinion about all kinds of things, my dogs are Swedish, they have super-thick double coats and ADORE the winter, and I have had people tell me I should put coats on them when I am out walking them in the winter (I tell such people that my dogs grow their own). Most pet dogs don't get anything like enough exercise, and far fewer dogs would have behavioral problems if they got the kind of exercise your dog gets.
posted by biscotti at 8:29 PM on January 31, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by biscotti at 8:29 PM on January 31, 2011 [1 favorite]
But one of my neighbors on the block where I grew up used to do this with his dog, and his dog was hit/run over by a car. So I was kind of brought up to believe that it was dangerous.
It is dangerous. But cycling is inherently dangerous. If the rider and the dog love it, and take steps to minimize the hazards, then the risk is worth it. That said, you should look into some dog boots, as their often tender pawz will benefit.
posted by PareidoliaticBoy at 9:14 PM on January 31, 2011
It is dangerous. But cycling is inherently dangerous. If the rider and the dog love it, and take steps to minimize the hazards, then the risk is worth it. That said, you should look into some dog boots, as their often tender pawz will benefit.
posted by PareidoliaticBoy at 9:14 PM on January 31, 2011
I used to have an Australian Cattle Dog who absolutely lived for our nightly bike rides. In Phoenix. I took water for her every night, and she wore shoes in the hot months. Best exercise partner ever. Over several months, we worked up to biking about 20 miles a night (but at a fairly slow speed). She kept right up with me (we rode along paved/unpaved irrigation canals in the desert and I rarely used a leash when there weren't cars or other people around, so she had a choice). Whenever she got hot, she would take a dip in the canal. It was so much fun- she was such an awesome dog. Thank you for reviving those memories!
I don't believe for one second that you are hurting you dog, particularly since he is excited about going. Dogs are made to run! I used a blinking light that hung from the dog collar so I could find the dog in the dark if she fell behind and so others could see us better- this might be something useful so that motorists can see your dog when you are out in the evening. Maybe even a reflective vest. I like the retractable leash idea-I didn't have the forethought to do that, though it would have been a good idea for us (I recognize how dangerous/unsafe off-leash dogs can be and would not do that today). I probably should have also carried some snacks for the dog since we went so far-this is probably not something you would need to worry about, given the shorter length of your rides.
posted by LyndsayMW at 9:19 PM on January 31, 2011
I don't believe for one second that you are hurting you dog, particularly since he is excited about going. Dogs are made to run! I used a blinking light that hung from the dog collar so I could find the dog in the dark if she fell behind and so others could see us better- this might be something useful so that motorists can see your dog when you are out in the evening. Maybe even a reflective vest. I like the retractable leash idea-I didn't have the forethought to do that, though it would have been a good idea for us (I recognize how dangerous/unsafe off-leash dogs can be and would not do that today). I probably should have also carried some snacks for the dog since we went so far-this is probably not something you would need to worry about, given the shorter length of your rides.
posted by LyndsayMW at 9:19 PM on January 31, 2011
You are awesome to do this with your dog. My dog just whispered in my ear that he's jealous.
Here's what I would say to critics, with as big a smile as I could muster, "This is vet-approved!"
posted by bluedaisy at 10:31 PM on January 31, 2011
Here's what I would say to critics, with as big a smile as I could muster, "This is vet-approved!"
posted by bluedaisy at 10:31 PM on January 31, 2011
Your dog probably loves you for doing this, but I have seen dogs (note the plural) run over while running alongside their bike riding owners. I would never yell out the window at someone, after all, dog owners react to criticism about as well as parents do, but the people who are yelling probably feel as if you are making the road less safe. Dogs love running and it's healthy for them, but there are so many safety issues.
posted by betweenthebars at 11:11 PM on January 31, 2011
posted by betweenthebars at 11:11 PM on January 31, 2011
This is a popular bike leash attachment (with a spring coil and safety release). Some reviews.
posted by iviken at 5:11 AM on February 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by iviken at 5:11 AM on February 1, 2011 [1 favorite]
The mush commands probably don't help. You seem clear on your dog enjoying it, but it might look to a nosy passerby that you are forcing your dog to run. The fact that he pulls you helps give this impression.
I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm trying to explain why someone might form that view.
Also - you say you're checking his paws, which is good. I knew a collie that would chase balls till his feet would bleed. I know a labrador which was almost put down because it was useless as a working dog and my sister-in-law vet rescued it, gave it a leg operation. But she, the lab, will run until she her leg almost gives in given the chance.
Your dog might be enjoying it, but your dog also might not know when it's hurting him. Again, I'm not saying you're wrong, but be sensitive that it is possible to overdo things *and* the dog still enjoy it.
posted by MuffinMan at 5:37 AM on February 1, 2011
I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm trying to explain why someone might form that view.
Also - you say you're checking his paws, which is good. I knew a collie that would chase balls till his feet would bleed. I know a labrador which was almost put down because it was useless as a working dog and my sister-in-law vet rescued it, gave it a leg operation. But she, the lab, will run until she her leg almost gives in given the chance.
Your dog might be enjoying it, but your dog also might not know when it's hurting him. Again, I'm not saying you're wrong, but be sensitive that it is possible to overdo things *and* the dog still enjoy it.
posted by MuffinMan at 5:37 AM on February 1, 2011
I'd trust a vet's opinion over some random passer-bys.
For what it is worth, I had Springers growing up, and from what I can see in the photo your friend looks happy, and is in beautiful shape. Most of the Springers I see around the city today are fat, sad looking sausage dogs.
It took ours at least two years to settle down, and even after that - [Forrest Gump Voice]They just felt like running![/Forrest Gump Voice]
posted by csmason at 7:25 AM on February 1, 2011
For what it is worth, I had Springers growing up, and from what I can see in the photo your friend looks happy, and is in beautiful shape. Most of the Springers I see around the city today are fat, sad looking sausage dogs.
It took ours at least two years to settle down, and even after that - [Forrest Gump Voice]They just felt like running![/Forrest Gump Voice]
posted by csmason at 7:25 AM on February 1, 2011
I let one of my heeler crosses pull me around on a skateboard a couple times a week -- she loves it! In an effort to intimidate would-be lecturers, I wear headphones, move fast and try to look as scary as possible.
posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! at 8:16 AM on February 1, 2011
posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! at 8:16 AM on February 1, 2011
I took my brittany spaniel for a 4 mile bikeride and realized that she let me know when she was exhausted (around mile 3) by looking at me tiredly, panting, and slowing down. I've seen people with exhausted dogs and quietly thought they were mean, but I'm quite sure they'd gone farther.
The distance you're doing sounds Perfect for Happy, Happy exercise. Nthing just tell the haters the vet is all for it and go on your happy ways.
posted by ldthomps at 1:40 PM on February 1, 2011
The distance you're doing sounds Perfect for Happy, Happy exercise. Nthing just tell the haters the vet is all for it and go on your happy ways.
posted by ldthomps at 1:40 PM on February 1, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by decathecting at 4:14 PM on January 31, 2011 [4 favorites]