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whiskydry, you are absolutely right, you know your dogs better than anyone else!  I had some one calling me cruel for riding a bike with my dog, telling me I'll 'exhaust' him and 'how will I know when he's tired' - duhhh  If people don't know by just the flick of an ear or the position of the tail that their dog is worried, sick, stressed, sad, happy, hungry, tired etc - they shouldn't own a dog!

You must come down to the New Forest to camp if you haven't already, it's total doggy heaven and our favourite place.  You'll probably spot me down there - two kids, two dogs and a pyramid tent (usually flying a flag!)

Quote: Originally posted by whiskydry on 24/9/2010

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The thing is, I get called cruel for having dogs who never get to run off lead. And now I'm getting called cruel for suggesting a solution to that. So I'm just going to go with my own instincts on this. I know that my dogs can run like the wind. I know how long they are likely to keep that pace up for, and I know when they look tired. I'm not a bad dog owner, I love my dogs and believe me their welfare is my primary concern.

I can't afford the device yet, but when I can I'm going to get one and give it a go with my younger bitch. She will totally love it, this much I know. My older dog prob won't get a go because he is older and less "keen" on the lead, so I'm pretty certain he is indeed quite happy to just mooch along on our walks.

Thanks for all the advice, both positive and negative. If we could just refrain from actually calling me cruel, that would be great.

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I find that dogs get the emotions burbling just like children do!  You are absolutely right of course, you know your dogs and want the best for them so are looking for the best method of combining your hobby with the welfare of the dogs.  I love my dog to bits and everything we do when we take him is done with his best interest at heart.  However, I have learned that not everyone will agree with my opinion (i.e there is usually a good argument about leaving dog for an hour or so in van alone) and I respect other's opinion and always take them on board for consideration.  Opinions are just that - not right and not wrong.  However, I tend to ignore the comments when they become too heated or personal and go with my own gut instict.  You have done the right thing, you had a thought and sought advice and have now weighed up.

To get back on course - I would love to be able to cycle but my dog is arthritic so we have to be really careful - I had thought about using a doggy trailer type thing.  Hubby is worried about his image though so it is on the back burner for now - but can be resurrected at any time LOL!. 

Quote: Originally posted by No Faff on 24/9/2010

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I used to ride my bike around the New Forest off road tracks with my two jack russells.  They just followed me off the lead.  I always had leads with me if I needed to cross a road or join it for a while to get to the next track, then I would walk and push the bike.  Surely most sensible owners know their dog's fitness levels, age and likely behaviour and want to take their dogs out to enjoy the countryside, not train for the Tour de France! I would just trundle along at a slow speed enjoy the view and take pleasure in watching my dogs have a good time. When I got my bike out, my dogs used to get excited because they knew they were going out with me.  You do need to be able to call them in at any given time though.  One of my dogs is too old now so only has a quiet walk, the other, young one would love to go out with the bike but I'd feel guilty leaving my oldie behind, I'm sure he'd be miffed.

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Quote: Originally posted by whiskydry on 24/9/2010

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The thing is, I get called cruel for having dogs who never get to run off lead. And now I'm getting called cruel for suggesting a solution to that. So I'm just going to go with my own instincts on this. I know that my dogs can run like the wind. I know how long they are likely to keep that pace up for, and I know when they look tired. I'm not a bad dog owner, I love my dogs and believe me their welfare is my primary concern.

I can't afford the device yet, but when I can I'm going to get one and give it a go with my younger bitch. She will totally love it, this much I know. My older dog prob won't get a go because he is older and less "keen" on the lead, so I'm pretty certain he is indeed quite happy to just mooch along on our walks.

Thanks for all the advice, both positive and negative. If we could just refrain from actually calling me cruel, that would be great.

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Just want to clarify that I certainly didn't call you cruel - nor do I think you've said anything to make me believe you are ! I do think these things could be dodgy, & possibly cruel in some cases as I said earlier - that's not quite the same thing.

I'm sure you're very responsible & kind too. As you said, it's your decision, things vary with different dogs, people, & situations.

dear whiskydry - wot a lot of emotion and blood's been expended!!

i do sympathise with wanting to do this,  tried just the once with ordinary lead for 10 secs then abandoned before serious injury!! just visualise the tiny contact you have with the ground - physics of weight (no insults intended) balanced on this.....

similarly off the lead down a track but it's too dodgy

 - feels like a super idea - was often tempted to do so with my beloved late lamented collie - but knowing that it wd only take something exciting for him to dash off in front of me and brain me.....

comments about dog's safety and well-being are very pertinent!

shame - looks like you'll just have to run alongside him..... ho ho

lizzy t f