Dutch Shepherd Forum

Today we had some nice weather and we did a family bicycle ride. Up and down some hilly roads, and Sugar had a blast running beside the bicycle. She got to trot, run and full on gallop! So cute.

We started out with the kids in front leading the way, my husband holding the leash and me in the back. Sugar kept looking back at me and barley keeping up with him. It was like she wanted to make sure I didn't get lost. So I took the leash, still following, thinking that may be better. But she wanted to keep up with the boys and boy, did she run! Wish I had pics of her. All and all, it was alot of fun

That does sound like alot of fun!! I don't think I could hold the leash and balance on the bike without falling

I could barley keep up to her when she was going full out. Believe me, I was ready to let go of the leash at any moment!

@Sugars Mom, any tips on traing dog to go next to a bike? I would love to do it with Ozzy but am a little hesitant (OK scared) of him getting tangled up with the bike.

Thalie has been mountain biking with me for 4 years now. Make sure Ozzy has a solid recal. Start riding slow and heal next to you. you can let the leash out, he is going to have to learn to stay away from the bike and that does mean getting bopped with the tire. if you go slow it wont hurt. They arent dumb, as we well know, so they learn really fast. Thalie goes loose and knows to stay away from the tires, but once in a while she will still cut in front. They look at the wheel to gage their space. If you teach them to heal at your leg and to stay there, you should have no problem. You can give a command to go pee or "free" to go run then recall to your leg.

I pretty much did what Lisa said, started slow but she really just got it right away. She knew to not get too close to the bike and just ran along beside. Sometimes she will get a bit ahead of the front tire and I just remind her to heel and she falls back.

I've taken her mountain biking a few times but that is done without a leash and she still needs to learn to get out of the way with that type of riding (no accidents yet - knock on wood). But on the street or regular trails, she is really good.

Thanks for the advice, as soon as the weather clears we will definitely give it a try.

I'm glad you had a great day biking with Sugar and your family....if you decide that that is something you'd like to do on a regular basis you might look into the "Springer"?

I used to bike the dogs while holding the leash in my left hand, but that can be a little tricky (and dangerous!)...I finally invested in the "Springer" a device that is manufactured in Norway (I think??) and it is amazing! I can finally have both my hands where they belong on the handlebars! We have two, one for both our bikes and that way my husband and I can ride together.

http://www.springeramerica.com/

I wish I had broken down and bought them years ago!

Looks pretty cool. Probably won't use it enough to make it worth investing $100 but hey, you never know.

Thanks!

If your dogs are trained with the E collar you can use that. I only use vibrate and it helps with training. Im not really fond of a leash on the bike after the initial training. If im biking where I know there are going to be alot of other people and dogs Ill put the Ecollar on Thalie.

i use a "Walkie dog". Same ideas as the springer without the cool spring. But it also costs around 20.00 I think...
Check this out! This is what I want to be able to do with my girl. I have to build a whole lot of faith in my leave it and heel before this, though!

I wish i knew how to post fancy click and watch links.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=qF ... &vq=medium

Wow, that video was great. He is AMAZING with his pack of dogs!! Something to aspire to for sure! How many people reach that level of control with their dogs...

Thanks for sharing that video!

i don't know what to say - I'm speechless!! Amazing video. He clearly is their leader. How the heck did he train all those dogs? It's like he's the DS herding his sheep.

BTW, did most of those dogs look the same to you? Probably all have the same name

I thought that the whole thing was amazing! horses, bicycles, joggers, cars... nothing phased those dogs!

It did look like a herding stick that we use to direct the dog. But wasn't his petting/playing style odd... gently rolling them all on their side as they came up for love. I wonder if that was a gentle leader dominance move?

maybe ill try it

Yes, VERY impressive!! I was mesmerized! He kind of does the same thing that Cesar does when walking a large pack of dogs. He keeps them behind him at all times and guides them with stick. Really, really great control! Loved the video! I am very curious about what breed those dogs are.....I am almost tempted to say "Lurcher"? Anyone heard of those? They are sight hounds, used for hunting rabbits and the like..

Beautiful dogs, Yeah, id say he is a strong pack leader. One with spots looked like a kind of bird hunting dog but im not sure. Lurcher is a need dog. Ive never heard of them.

I am astounded! What an amazing video

Yeah, the German version of Cesar Milan.

Honestly, I would be scared as hell if 10+ loose dogs would come running towards me.

[quote="Schlussdibusti"]

Honestly, I would be scared as hell if 10+ loose dogs would come running towards me. [/quot

They look like some type of hunting hounds, who would normally hunt in a pack. Nice control, and his dogs seem very happy.