There are a lot of things to consider before you start taking your dog out on rides with you. The most important thing to consider is that your dog needs to want to stay with you on the trail, but not too much. A good riding dog will stay on your tail but at their own pace. Some dogs will run themselves into the ground trying to keep up with you no matter how fast you go. You need to make sure your dog isn't running beyond its limits and that may involve going much slower than you might want to ride.
You also need to consider other trail users. Your dog needs to know how to stay out of others trail users way, and your dog needs to be well behaved enough to leave them alone. You should always clean up after your dog and you should also consider the local leash laws where you are riding.
I have had some great rides with dogs, and some not so great. There's nothing wrong with giving it a try, you just need go into it with the realization that your dog may not be the perfect riding companion.
The problem is that people don’t know a dog’s limits. What is coasting downhill for you is an all out sprint for the dog. It’s hard to do it humanely. Take the dog for a walk and leave them at home when you ride.
I’ve taught my golden to ride with me over the last 4 months. She loves it and has become a great riding buddy, but she is worn out after 30 minutes. I don’t want to ruin a good thing, so my wife will be meeting me at a designated point to pick up the dog. I’ll be alternating nights as well. Walking just doesn’t do it for this dog.
I have a Border Collie and I try to keep up with her. Downhill is my only revenge and she doesn’t seem to care as when we get to the bottom she is ready for more. Her only fault as far as riding companions are concerned is that she will try to herd me like a cow if I am not challenging her enough. If you are looking for a riding companion then the Border Collie is a great choice.
i have a lurcher, a stray that i foung . took him for his first trip along the canal path where i live . prob about 15 miles. watered him along the way with a decent stop. when we got back i thought he’d be pooped. so when i fed him and he wanted to go back out again i realised i had my ideal biking companion. a little bit of training i.e he always follows me…….he is great company and always there to ick you when you have another massive off !!!
choose the right dog and get them fit and they will always love yu for a great run………it is there natural instinct to run in packs for hours on end !!!!!!!!
dogs only get obese and lazy if they become like there owners !!! need i say more …..lol