Quick Guide: Mountain Bike Dog 21

Mountain Bike Dog

So you want your dog to be a mountain bike dog, follow these steps and your dog could be ready to shred some gnarly single tracks this spring.

Here is my quick guide to getting your dog ready to be a mountain bike dog

1.) Physically fit:

Your pup needs to be ready to run, and if he/she has never done anything close to running along side a bike, then that means start slow! Start with a short run/bike ride around the neighborhood slowly build up to longer and longer rides or runs, go on hikes get your dog use to the trail, going up rocks, loose gravel, and sand. Swimming is a great work out too, even a good game of Frisbee or fetch is another great way to get your dog physically fit. Also take know to your dogs age and breed. Older dogs are gong to fatigue faster then a 2 year old pup. And take inconsideration if you have a short snout dog were they can over heat easy if its to warm out. Best rule of thumb is test your dog out on some short bike rides and see how he or she seems to feel afterwards and the next day. If the dog seems to still be ready for more, then gradually extend the rides you take them on. If you have any questions, check with your veterinarian. **Remember to always consult with your vet before undergoing any strenuous activities and puppies should never run single tracks till growth plates are done growing and they are cleared from your vet .

2.) Training:

Train, train and TRAIN! Having a great mountain bike dog doesn’t happen over night. Goose knows to stay away from the bikes tires and knows to either be far enough head of the bike or stay behind the bike. He doesn’t dart in front of the bike and he has a command I use to send him forward “go” my version of “mush” I guess. Again go slow you want to make mountain biking a positive fun experience for your pup. If you pup is nervous of the bike or the sound it makes, (say shifting gears) use treats and go slow every time you pup is brave treat him/her go slowly and always end on a good note. Short rides around the neighborhood is different then on the trail but still great training none the less. I use a leash (not attached to the bike) and hold my pup while I ride my bike around the neighborhood or park. Your moving faster now prey drive might kick in and your pup might see something fun to chase, if that happens slow down and get off the bike and settle your pup down use a treats or a toy to redirect his or her attention back to you. Then start again. Once you are pros at riding around the park/schools or neighborhood with distractions its time to take it to the trails. You can start with hiking off leash and teaching your do the rules of the trail and to stay on the trail and not run off after a bunny or deer. Use treats and positive recommencement to show your dog how awesome it is to be with you! Then once you feel like your dog has a reliable recall and will stay with you off leash. Add your mountain bike, take your time go to a place were it is ok to have your dog off leash and take your time go slow reinforcing all the behaviors you want and have trained. Remember it takes time!

3.) Trail etiquette:

This is important to remember, you might be sharing the trail with hikers, other mountain bikers, and horses. Your don’t want your dog jumping up or barking at hikers and you wouldn’t want your dog doing that to a horses either! Bikers here in AZ are to yield to all (hikers and horses) so when we see hikers or horses we pull off the trail and call Goose to us keeping him near the bikes until the hiker or horses pass. Also respect the wildlife, don’t let your dog go off trail and chase bunnies or deer, if he gets into the habit of that the next encounter might not be so forgiving such as a skunk or rattle snake.

4.) Breaks:

Ripping down a single track is awesome but remember your pup is working hard if not harder running the whole time! Breaks in the the shade for water are critical here in the AZ desert you don’t want your pup over heating or hurting his self. We break for water regularly when we get a drink Goose gets one too I make sure I bring his collapsible Bivy bowl from Ruffwear I know some dogs are great at drinking out of the hydration pack but Goose wastes to much water doing that, so I fill up his bowl and he gets every drop. If we stop for a longer break and we grab a snack for us I always pack a TurboPUP bar for him, its like having a meal right on the trail. It gives him energy to keep going and gives me piece of mind that he is getting proper nutrition too sense he is working so hard.

Relaxing once we got back to the trailhead, Goose got a nice drink from his Bivy bowl from Ruffwear.

5.) Paws:

Goose has Ruffwear Grip Trex boots that he will wear if his pads of his paws start hurting or if he gets a injury. for the most part he has very tough pads and running around in the desert is nothing to him. We also keep nails trimmed up, long nails can be problematic and can result in a injury. Remember each dog is different, and some dogs hate the booties so much that you’ll never get them to keep them on. Just keep an eye out for limping, and make sure to check their paws after a ride for cactus needles or small cuts. We always carry a comb and tweezers for cactus.

6.) Clean Up:

Leave no trace and always carry poop bags or a plastic bag to clean up after your dog. No one wants to hike or ride threw a big pile of dog pooh. Leave the trails as you found them.

7.) Have Fun:

Go out hit the single tracks and have some fun! Mountain biking with your pup is a fun way to exercise together, try to stick to these guidelines and you and your pup will have a awesome time on the trail, enjoying the fresh air and nature.

Goose is super happy he got to play on the single tracks!