Trail dog

hi, was wondering if anyone knows if a staffy would make a good trail dog? i go out on the mountain bike and do around 10-15 miles depending which course i go to, i see people say they take their dogs with them, i know they say a staffy is a high energy dog but i am unsure if they are upto something like this? mines is around 20 months, on the bike i dont have the greastest pace so the dog would get plenty of rest would be nice to take him out and get some company for a change

It would be fine, I think you get a special adapter that fits to the bike

Is this the kind of thing you mean ???


http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/dogs/dog_cages_carriers/biking_accessories/biking_leads/140001

i think the dog would love it. there is someone on here takes their dog when their family goes on bike rides and they have an adaptor its like a bar that stands away from the bike that you attach a lead to but if your dog is great at recall etc and doesnt run off you might get away without it. worth looking into any way. good luck with it let us know how you get on

kathytake2 wrote:Is this the kind of thing you mean ???


http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/dogs/dog_cages_carriers/biking_accessories/biking_leads/140001

yeh something like that

thanks for the replys, he is fairly well behaved and comes back (most of the time) when shouted on, he would be off the lead to run with me as i go where there are no cars, i was more worried incase the distance would be to far for him as i have no idea how much stamina a staffy would have if he had to run more

so long as you take along a water bottle one for you obviously and one for the dog and have a rest if needed. i think it will do you both good for the bonding aspect some one to one time never goes a stray bless them. and like you said if its trail riding then you will be on soft ground too so his feet should be ok

well. they are just like people, if you train them for it they should be able to do it, but dont exspect them to be able to do it off the bat. i would slowly work your way up, starting on smaller trails and over time taking harder longer roots. staffs are athletic, but just like any other breed they need to build their stamina over time

paul_75 wrote:i have no idea how much stamina a staffy would have

Lots and lots, my friends goes jogging with him and always looks as fresh as a daisy afterwards apart from the loling tongue. Only prob with some staffy's is that they have a great knack of breaking pain barriers and will just keep going so keep a close eye on him and break him in gently.

I wouldn't use the bar on mountain bike trails as the dog can't move about enough to avoid potential problems. I would opt for a longer more flexible option like "the buddy system" hands free leash. The bar is great for in town, but some trails have sticks and brush right up to the trail and you wouldn't want the dog to be forced into that stuff. Unless of course you do more wide open trail rides without fast turns or obstacles.

If you want to do this a lot and in all weather i think another breed of dog would suit you better such as a dalmation or something. Staffys are energetic but overheat easily and are not built for endurance, and as said have a high pain threshold. if it got a thorn or cut its paw on a rock it wouldnt tell you. they also cant go very fast and if it pulls on the lead trust me you will be pulled with it!

As long as you build up to it over time and avoid the heat it should be just fine

sounds fun, i took russell for a bike ride (only short maybe 15 minutes) and he ran the whole time and I (unfit) was stuffed! I thought he would be wrecked when we got home but he wanted to keep playing when we got inside!

I dont see too much of a problem as long as you condition your dog (like any athlete in training). Remeber what has been said before about overheating and tenacity. They will keep going until they drop so you will need to set the pace and take frequent rests and check paws regularly. have fun