Thread: Mountain Biking Dogs

Yep, need to keep an eye on the dogs and make sure they are not been overworked or worse overheated, dogs will go until they drop. I always check feet condition and am aware of hot pavement after spending many a year in WA where the roads can cook your feet in summer. Not all dogs will have the tank to do a 4 hour ride. My current dog has a big tank and at that go fast trot covers ground at ~8-10km/hr and doesnt seem to tire. I have also built up to the longer rides with her and didnt run her long distances until over 2 years old.

Ziggy has a "get-in behind command" that i use for high bike traffic areas or down hills and a "way you go" for out in front, which she loves racing in front 30m, trying to head you then off again.

What I did notice on the weekend was we were going a bit slower than the average riders, so as not to overwork the dogs, and I need to teach a get off the track command or a left/right heel to get her off the track to let others pass. As she will just run mid track when I slowed down to let others pass.

The beardie that came with us had the habit of running back to find my Sister (her owner) which wasnt good, as you mention, but had a great heel / in behind and no tendency to head like Ziggy does (which is in her bread) - Assume Beadies are more of a hunt type (in behind) breed?