Bike riding with my staffy - advice needed!

So I have been thinking about getting a bike attachment to start riding with Maxi, because she loves to run and have heaps of energy. I have started going for runs with her but she still has a lot more energy than me lol.

Anyone used any of these bike attachments and can recommend one? I have had a fair few accidents on my bike before (not with a dog) so I wanna avoid any more injuries . Maxi is a bit unreliable if there is a good smell or a dog/cat around so I would need something that keeps her from bringing us both down if she sees something and tries to take off. When there is no distractions she runs beside me without pulling.

I have seen two different bike attachments so far:
The Walky Dog Bike Trainer
http://www.ozpetshop.com.au/product_info.php/products_id/1876

The Springer Dog Exercise Bicycle Jogger
http://www.petsprovidore.com.au/Springer-Bike-Attachment.html

So far I have seen some good reviews for the Walky one, has anyone tried any of these or other ones? Tried it with a dog that pulls occasionally?

Any other tips on how to get started with this? I know I have to start slowly and shorter distances and then gradually build it up. I saw somewhere that someone put some balm on their dogs paws before/after running?

EDIT:

Found one more, not sure I'll be able to find this/get it shipped to AU though:
http://store.bikerdog.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Bdog

And another one, seems really good, but pricey:
http://www.thedogoutdoors.com/dog-bike-leash.html

I'm not really sure but I'm sure someone here will have an idea. If not you could always ask your vet. As long as you start slow and very gradually build up she should be okay.

Hi Annie

Up until Tommy came along I was cycling with Tilly and use the Walkydog, find it great and convenient as it will easily clip and unclip off the bike, but you have to make it really tight or it will slip under pulling , if you don't mind marking the seat stem then wrap some emery tape (like sandpaper for steel) around the stem first to give you good grip and make sure it doesnt hit your leg whilst pedalling so set it back a little.
As long as your dog is over 18 months (I see 7 years in your post) and in good shape then should be fine.
Personally I wouldn't do long runs or fast runs and think about it more as a good work out for Maxi and some gentle exercise for you.
We do plan to get another attachment in 6 months or so and start with my daughter and both dogs.
1 last comment I found the rope part a little on the short side so made a new one as Tilly isn't really that tall , it's like its made for a lab or similar

EDIT - I did try first off to see how she was to cycle and hold her on a flexi but the moment she saw another dog and decides to run across the front of me so definitely do it with the correct equipment

Dave wrote:Hi Annie

Up until Tommy came along I was cycling with Tilly and use the Walkydog, find it great and convenient as it will easily clip and unclip off the bike, but you have to make it really tight or it will slip under pulling , if you don't mind marking the seat stem then wrap some emery tape (like sandpaper for steel) around the stem first to give you good grip and make sure it doesnt hit your leg whilst pedalling so set it back a little.
As long as your dog is over 18 months (I see 7 years in your post) and in good shape then should be fine.
Personally I wouldn't do long runs or fast runs and think about it more as a good work out for Maxi and some gentle exercise for you.
We do plan to get another attachment in 6 months or so and start with my daughter and both dogs.
1 last comment I found the rope part a little on the short side so made a new one as Tilly isn't really that tall , it's like its made for a lab or similar

EDIT - I did try first off to see how she was to cycle and hold her on a flexi but the moment she saw another dog and decides to run across the front of me so definitely do it with the correct equipment

Thanks Dave, I actually just ordered the Walkydog, can't wait for it to arrive!
How do you find it if Tilly pulls to the side? I'm sure Maxi will heal next to me as she does when we run but she is DA and also loves chasing cats etc and my only concern is that she will pull me over or that she will run into the wheels if something is on the other side. Have you had any issues?

TBH when she is like this and restricted she just focuses on running , she could get clipped by the pedals but cannot go into the wheels , that's the idea of it really

I'm hoping it will be the same with Maxi lol!

Can I also ask how long were your bikerides?
I was thinking thinking to start with 1km in jogging pace because thats what we have been doing this week and I know she still has heaps of energy after that and I can work my way up from there. Does it sound realistic to be able to work our way up to 4-5km?

Also - how long did it take your dogs to get used to it? Where did you practice?

Annie and Maxi wrote:I'm hoping it will be the same with Maxi lol!

Can I also ask how long were your bikerides?
I was thinking thinking to start with 1km in jogging pace because thats what we have been doing this week and I know she still has heaps of energy after that and I can work my way up from there. Does it sound realistic to be able to work our way up to 4-5km?

Rupertsbooks wrote:Also - how long did it take your dogs to get used to it? Where did you practice?

There's a nice straight level track very close to me where we can go in the car , nice gentle pace and build up , I would never run her really fast but you need to build up slowly for a little more endurance , the kind of distances you are talking about seem fine. I would say aim for the cooler times of the day though , take plenty of water and make sure you stop frequently and MOST IMPORTANT as I said above it's Maxi's exercise not yours so not Tour de France stuff or you could do her some serious injury

Personally if you see this as an opportunity for you both to get seriously fit then the jogging would be better than the cycling as it will work you harder without overworking Maxi, but only my opinioin. I'm a big fat guy that can't cycle very fast anyway so no harm done for me

Dave wrote:

Annie and Maxi wrote:I'm hoping it will be the same with Maxi lol!

Can I also ask how long were your bikerides?
I was thinking thinking to start with 1km in jogging pace because thats what we have been doing this week and I know she still has heaps of energy after that and I can work my way up from there. Does it sound realistic to be able to work our way up to 4-5km?

Rupertsbooks wrote:Also - how long did it take your dogs to get used to it? Where did you practice?

There's a nice straight level track very close to me where we can go in the car , nice gentle pace and build up , I would never run her really fast but you need to build up slowly for a little more endurance , the kind of distances you are talking about seem fine. I would say aim for the cooler times of the day though , take plenty of water and make sure you stop frequently and MOST IMPORTANT as I said above it's Maxi's exercise not yours so not Tour de France stuff or you could do her some serious injury

Personally if you see this as an opportunity for you both to get seriously fit then the jogging would be better than the cycling as it will work you harder without overworking Maxi, but only my opinioin. I'm a big fat guy that can't cycle very fast anyway so no harm done for me

Haha, don't worry I am very unfit but the riding will be for Maxi's benefit only. She just seems to love to run so thought she will enjoy this! The jogging is for us both but Maxi is in a lot better shape than me so my pace and distances does not tire her out very much at the moment lol. Hopefully within a few months I can tire her out while jogging a bit more as well

I saw a woman biking with her GSD a few months ago. Suddenly the dog darted after a squirrel & dragged the woman and her bike half way across the park!

Caryll wrote:I saw a woman biking with her GSD a few months ago. Suddenly the dog darted after a squirrel & dragged the woman and her bike half way across the park!

This is my worry lol
Did she have a bike attachment or just holding the leash?

took bruno out yesterday on my bike, never again.lol, it was awful, kept running in front of the bike, trying to leg it to say hello to other dogs, i just might get one of these doggy things for him, he can't run to much yet because he is only just coming to 18 months, but once we got going he loved it, after all the drama to start off with

[quote="Annie and Maxi"][quote="Dave"]

Annie and Maxi wrote:I'm hoping it will be the same with Maxi lol!

Haha, don't worry I am very unfit but the riding will be for Maxi's benefit only. She just seems to love to run so thought she will enjoy this! The jogging is for us both but Maxi is in a lot better shape than me so my pace and distances does not tire her out very much at the moment lol. Hopefully within a few months I can tire her out while jogging a bit more as well

Sure she will love it , Tilly did , just like I say now waiting for Tommy to get a bit older and me n the daughter will do it together or might put a walkydog each side of the bike and travel staffy power

[quote="Dave"][quote="Annie and Maxi"]

Dave wrote:

Annie and Maxi wrote:I'm hoping it will be the same with Maxi lol!

Haha, don't worry I am very unfit but the riding will be for Maxi's benefit only. She just seems to love to run so thought she will enjoy this! The jogging is for us both but Maxi is in a lot better shape than me so my pace and distances does not tire her out very much at the moment lol. Hopefully within a few months I can tire her out while jogging a bit more as well

Sure she will love it , Tilly did , just like I say now waiting for Tommy to get a bit older and me n the daughter will do it together or might put a walkydog each side of the bike and travel staffy power

I'll give you an update as soon as it arrives!

Annie and Maxi wrote:

Caryll wrote:I saw a woman biking with her GSD a few months ago. Suddenly the dog darted after a squirrel & dragged the woman and her bike half way across the park!

This is my worry lol
Did she have a bike attachment or just holding the leash?

She had a bike attachment - the dog just shot off at right angles to the bike & took everything with him!

Caryll wrote:

Annie and Maxi wrote:

Caryll wrote:I saw a woman biking with her GSD a few months ago. Suddenly the dog darted after a squirrel & dragged the woman and her bike half way across the park!

This is my worry lol
Did she have a bike attachment or just holding the leash?

She had a bike attachment - the dog just shot off at right angles to the bike & took everything with him!

Oh no, well fingers crossed there is nothing distracting around lol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwCI9b4hzkk&feature=youtu.be

Good video, but hated the music!

Annie and Maxi wrote:

Dave wrote:

Annie and Maxi wrote:I'm hoping it will be the same with Maxi lol!

Can I also ask how long were your bikerides?
I was thinking thinking to start with 1km in jogging pace because thats what we have been doing this week and I know she still has heaps of energy after that and I can work my way up from there. Does it sound realistic to be able to work our way up to 4-5km?

Rupertsbooks wrote:Also - how long did it take your dogs to get used to it? Where did you practice?

There's a nice straight level track very close to me where we can go in the car , nice gentle pace and build up , I would never run her really fast but you need to build up slowly for a little more endurance , the kind of distances you are talking about seem fine. I would say aim for the cooler times of the day though , take plenty of water and make sure you stop frequently and MOST IMPORTANT as I said above it's Maxi's exercise not yours so not Tour de France stuff or you could do her some serious injury

Personally if you see this as an opportunity for you both to get seriously fit then the jogging would be better than the cycling as it will work you harder without overworking Maxi, but only my opinioin. I'm a big fat guy that can't cycle very fast anyway so no harm done for me

Haha, don't worry I am very unfit but the riding will be for Maxi's benefit only. She just seems to love to run so thought she will enjoy this! The jogging is for us both but Maxi is in a lot better shape than me so my pace and distances does not tire her out very much at the moment lol. Hopefully within a few months I can tire her out while jogging a bit more as well

Ok so it have arrived but it was already dark today so I have not had time to try it yet unfortunately However I have installed it on my bike and the walkydog does not move when pulling but my whole seat does (it's a quick release)? I don't seem to be able to tighten my seat enough for it not to move?
In terms of the length of the lead I think I need a longer one as well, for the moment I am gonna use a collar as an extension until I get to the shops.
I might just move the attachment and attach it a little lower on the frame so it can't pull the seat around and that will prob solve the lead problem as well!
I walked around the drive way a bit with her attached and I have to say that when she pulled sideways it did pull the bike a fair bit, but I wasnt on it so hopefully it will be better when my weight is actually on the bike

Keep us posted on how you are doing so far. I do see a lad biking with his staffy along the canal sometimes. Not for a while, due to weather. I am sure it was on a normal lead, he just held on to???? But I have to say how well behaved the staffy is when the lad stops or bikes on or cross the road. So I guess they must have done it for ages. Hubby tried it with Pixee last summer just up the canal, but she didnt like it, that was just with a flex lead just to see how it went. Pixee is one that likes to run under your feet, so I am glad she doesnt like it..............

Staffy lover wrote:Keep us posted on how you are doing so far. I do see a lad biking with his staffy along the canal sometimes. Not for a while, due to weather. I am sure it was on a normal lead, he just held on to???? But I have to say how well behaved the staffy is when the lad stops or bikes on or cross the road. So I guess they must have done it for ages. Hubby tried it with Pixee last summer just up the canal, but she didnt like it, that was just with a flex lead just to see how it went. Pixee is one that likes to run under your feet, so I am glad she doesnt like it..............

i will for sure! I'll take her first thing tomorrow morning! Hopefully I'm not too bruised after lol

Tilly would pull away at first as she was unsure of it but fine once we got going , think you might find though if you attach it lower down it will catch your leg or foot when you are pedalling

Sorry if I'm being condescending , but you do realise the quick release is adjustable , all it is is a nut with compression on so if you pull on the lever to release it fully then turn it 1 or 2 full turns and then reclamp it should be fine
If there's another problem then sorry but I can't see your bike

Dave wrote:Tilly would pull away at first as she was unsure of it but fine once we got going , think you might find though if you attach it lower down it will catch your leg or foot when you are pedalling

Sorry if I'm being condescending , but you do realise the quick release is adjustable , all it is is a nut with compression on so if you pull on the lever to release it fully then turn it 1 or 2 full turns and then reclamp it should be fine
If there's another problem then sorry but I can't see your bike

Hehe, yes i do know it is adjustable (even though it took me 5 min to figure out how haha) but its probably that I dont have the right tools because when I try and tighten it with the lever the other side is spinning too and it does not tighten at all, if that makes sense? I tried with my the wrench from my ikea toolkit to hold the other side while i turned the lever and it worked a little bit but not enough. Sorry as you can tell I am not very good at these things and would really need a man in the house lol! I'll have another go at it in the morning, I'm sure I can figure something out

pop it round to my house and I'll sort it out for you

Or maybe go and see the nice man at halfords

It has been raining for two days but today Maxi and I could finally have our first bike ride and I am happy to say we are both alive and unbruised!
I think she loved it! When I unclipped her and let her off leash she kept on coming back to my left side of the bike
These are photos of her after our ride!

Thats great Glad to hear you are both alive and well Thanks for the pics too

Thats brillant and well done to you both. Maxi looks so happy. Happy biking days ><

Thanks! Went for another ride today and went great! Really happy with my Walkydog!

Aww I'm pleased its going really well, sounds like your both enjoying it , great pics

Great pics
Will be looking at doing this myself again this summer. I've always just held the lead so was looking into getting one of these. How was it? Did Max pull you to the side or do they work really well?

Mike wrote:Great pics
Will be looking at doing this myself again this summer. I've always just held the lead so was looking into getting one of these. How was it? Did Max pull you to the side or do they work really well?

Definitely recommend it Mike , made it so much easier for me , trying to hold a flexi and ride the bike whilst Tilly crosses in front of you is not the easiest thing in the world

Mike wrote:Great pics
Will be looking at doing this myself again this summer. I've always just held the lead so was looking into getting one of these. How was it? Did Max pull you to the side or do they work really well?

It worked pretty well actually, I would definitely recommend it! I tried walking with her first to get her used to being attached and she pulled a bit and that made me a bit concerned, however when we got going she was focused on running. When we slowed down in the end she did pull once to the side but the springs took most of it and I didnt feel that much so that was fine. However if Max would really pull hard towards the side I am pretty sure she could pull me over but I just try and keep her focused with a lot of encouragement when she is beside me!

Sounds great. Need to finished my garden first and build my shed so I have somewhere for my new bike to go, but looking forward to getting one and taking Blue out. thanks for the advice

I just wanted to make another update on our bike riding!
I absolutely LOVE my walkydog. Or more so riding with Maxi but I would had been to scared to do it without the attachment. We have been on 6 rides so far and we both love it on a sunny nice day! Maxi now gets so excited when I get the bike out, highly recommended!

Glad you are both enjoying it Can't wait till steff grows up a little more to try these kind of things

I guess I was just lucky with my dog. I used to work very early (5am ish) , but to get to work I biked to the train station. Poppy would run along with me, off lead. She would run in line with the back wheel, so she would know when I was stopping or turning. As this was very early I never had the problem of dog distractions, but she was so intent on running along she did not stop when we saw the occasional squirrel or early morning cat . This was all done along pavements. I have been considering getting another bike to do it again, so I would be interested in how you get along with these products as during daytime I would not do it off lead, as the dogs seem to love it !

There is a few different products available (see my initial post). But I was recommended the walky dog and it was well priced as well. I definitely recommend it! If she really wanted too she could pull me over but it dampens most regular pulls and makes it a lot safer!