Too much energy — but not mine
Every morning, I have a cycling companion. I’m on my third one now, the last two succumbing to blood cancer. That’s what happens when you get older — your friends start dying on you.
Usually, we use sidewalks when they are available and if not, we use the local streets. But this new friend likes to run and has a lot more energy than I do. If he doesn’t burn it off, he becomes restless and fidgety. He runs a lot faster than I can, so I cycle next to him, since I am really not into running.
Lately, he’s become restless in the evenings around 5 pm. Sundowner syndrome? I guess we need to go out twice a day. Once in the morning and again at night so he can burn the excess energy off.
Here is a good picture of him. Say hello to Archer.
He’s a handsome one!
Eric, he’s a beautiful dog! I’m glad you have a new companion.
Hi Archer!
Such a cute dog! It is so nice that he enjoys the run. My mother in law’s dog named Ono (Pronounced Oh No) loves, loves, LOVES to run next to the bike. And after a spin with the bike he rests and behaves so nicely. My dog on the other hand is a pomeranian and as such she is WAY to small and wimpy to run next to a bike (in fairness to her, her legs are only a few inches long) but she loves to ride in the trailer with my younger daughter. All the best to you and Archer!
Hi Archer!! 🙂 Good boy!!
When I was a young lad, I used to take our St. Bernard (Heidi — 120lbs!!) for bike rides to give her exercise. She was friendly with every person and every dog, but she hated, hated, hated squirrels. I was yanked off the bike more than once when I didn’t see the squirrel before Heidi did and she gave chase ……. 🙂
If anyone is going to try this, I recommend the following things:
1. Let the dog set the pace, even if it means the dog wants to stop every ten feet and sniff everything it sees. If that means the dog wants to walk at 2 MPH (slower than walking speed) then that is what you ride at. Very slow speed riding can be done, it just takes practice and (I think) acquiring that skill helps your balance at higher speeds when you don’t have the dog with you.
2. A harness is better than a collar. This should be relaxing for everyone. “No tension” should be what happens. I read sometimes about “I saw some guy on a bike dragging his dog around” and this distresses me because my dogs trot alongside with a loop in the leash.
3. After some close calls, I purchased a special device for this. Not cheap, it is called “The Springer.” I was fortunate to find one on ebay locally for $8. It lowers and absorbs unexpected pulls. There are others.
4. I always have large dogs that need lots of exercise, which is the point, but I have taken the “not so bright” and overweight neighbor’s beagle out on occasion (not enough occasions, so she stays looking tubular). Her nose went down, her tail went up and we were off, but once again, that dog was bred to run all day chasing foxes.