ridgebacks make good trail dogs?

[jadster]

i was wondering if RRs would be a good dog to take mountain biking with me, im not quite sure because they'r obviously very fit, strong dogs but i was wondering if they would be to quarrel some and just run of after a rabit or something on the trail (by the way im talking about downhill biking here with jumps and fast riding so one of those bike dog leads would be no good) it also says in an article i read that the trails put quite a bit of stress on there joints (running over rocks and logs etc) so do you think it would be possible to train one to do this and could they handle it? thanks.

[Micah]

I am not an expert on this subject, and I do nott mountain bike, but I would think you could do it. Make sure you have excellent off leash control of your dog before trying it.  We take our dogs hiking off-leash and haven't had any problems, but I am able to call them off rabbits, squirrels and deer.  I usually let them start the chase and call them off when they get 20 yards away or so.  It took a LOT of work to be able to do that.  Unfortunately, this has led to my dogs being failed lure coursers.  They will chase the lure about 20 yards and turn around and look at me.

If you aren't sure you will be able to call your dog off if it starts a chase, you might try a remote controlled training collar.

As far as stamina, the breed was intended to keep up with rider's on horseback for long distances.  I doubt mountain biking is going to be any more strenuous, though just like a person, allow your dog a training period to get into shape for these rides.

Good luck,
Micah

[Karen]

Hi,

Well Micah had great points about control over the dog.. We do Mountain bike, husband is a fanatic.. I would never take one as there is every imaginable fun thing to chase.. From bunnies to mountain lions. The deer abundant.
No amount of recall is going to stop mine from chasing especially when we are already on the move. On hikes they do just fine.

So you just have to know your dog, take it baby steps, but have as Micah said something in place in case the dog ignores the command.

Karen

[Marie]

I so obviously do not mountain bike, so this is going to be a dumb question I am sure.  Can you not use a "springer" when you mountian bike?  Maybe the terrain is not conndusive for it I don't know, however I hear that a springer will keep you up when the dog pulls especially if it is attached to a halti .  Might be an option while training anyhow.  then you could go to a harness  etc...

Marie

[Micah]

The problem with using a springer while mountain biking would be obstacles.  If you go over a log and the dog goes under, lthe springer will break away anyway and the dog will be free.  Either that or you'll be looking up at your Ridgeback from the dirt after he pulls you to a stop from the other side of the log

Micah

[jadster]

ok thanks, well follow this link there is a video of exactly what i have in mind, so it can be done (you can also see why a springer would be no use) watch the dogs following the riders http://broadbandsports.com/node/956

[sarah yates]

i did a bit of mountain biking with my RR, but she was WAY TOO YOUNG. I would not do this type of exercise before the dog is at least 2 years old.

In addition, i would not to the extreme down-hill type mtn biking as (i stongly believe) this would be detrimental to all the joints. I would also work up to the milage of your ride, i.e. don't take the dog out for a 5km ride first time out, start small, let the RR get used to the terrain, pace, etc. Also, be very aware of the temperature as dogs can overheat in hot weather. Carry extra water and be prepared to go slowly or stop all together.

Honestly, I originally wanted a dog to go mountain biking with because i don't like walking but because of the chasing risk (and also she would nip at my legs!), the heat and several other factors i stopped trying to make her mtn bike with me and started walking/jogging with her.

i have heard that RRs can go on 20km horse rides with their owners but i wouldn't push my dog that far.

[maxkimba]

I used to do alot of mountain biking on pretty challenging trials with the dogs...they did great off-lead and loved it.  I still trail run 3-4 mornings a week with Opus and Aero.  Opus runs three paces behind me (my shadow), but Aero does take off after deer, squirrels, etc.  He always returns in about 5 minutes or so.  We've been doing this for years so I trust them.  But when Aero first was allowed off-lead in the woods, I kept him close to me (voice control and treats!), and allowed him a little more leeway as I began to trust him. 

You may want to work with your dog on foot initially so that you can keep an eye on him and train him.  Kind of hard to do when you're navigating downhill on a mountain bike around tree roots, logs and rocks.  One sideways glance and it's an end-over!

There is more stress on the joints (human and canine) when running on the roads (asphalt, concrete sidewalks) from the repetitive motion on unforgiving surfaces.  Trail running is actually gentler on the joints in that regard...yes, there is more torque from the lateral movement involved in trail running as opposed to road running, but the muscles build and adjust to the lateral movements.  The surface is softer and more forgiving and the joints don't take the repetitive pounding as on the roads.

A Springer is a death wish on the trails!  Rails-to-Trails, fine.  But real mountain biking, deadly.

Susan Sarubin
kimba, Opus & Aero

[lmarcotty]

I agree with most of what the folks posted above, but would emphasize what Sara said about heat and joints.  In my experience, some dogs will just go and go and go until they fall over rather than fall behind, and they won't give you any sign when they're in pain or discomfort.  I think the urge to stay with you is strong enough that they'll hurt themselves trying to keep up - I had to watch that with one of my dogs, Bazi, who overheated easily.  Make sure you carry water for your dog with you if you're not going to be near a lake or stream or something.

Also, please don't use a head collar/halter on your dog when riding!  You could seriously injure your dog if you had to make a sudden move or stopped suddenly - the momentum his body body has when moving at a run could break his neck.  This is also why you shouldn't use a retractable leash with a head collar.

Louise-Annette

[caro]

I used to take my first Ridgeback riding with me.  Her problem was that she would find a groundhog hole and sit there for hours thinking the groundhog was going to emerge and into her jaws and she wouldn't watch where I was going.  I can't count the number of times I had to backtrack to pick her up so she wouldn't get lost!  She also figured out very quickly that if we were going around the fields, all she would have to do would be to cut across the middle and then she would shorten the distance she had to cover.  Talk about lazy!

She also was very good when it came to dealing with heat.  She would find a mud hole and coat her belly and sides with wet mud.  Then when she lay in the sun, the mud would harden and she didn't get sunburned.  I think hippos do it in Africa and I know elephants do it.

Caroline

[Rosebud]

I don't mountain bike anymore, but there is no way I would have put a lead on my dog on any of the trails I was on.

Alot of mountain bike trails are only wide enough for one biker and then there are the gullies that you have to get a running start on just to be able to get up the other side, plus there are the ones you can jump. Not to mention the unexpected fallen trees that you have to pick your bike up and over.


As for recall, it depends on your dog, Sally and Rocket have good recall, but get me on the phone or with a garden trowel in my hand and they KNOW momma is not paying attention and will sneak off out of site to chase the squirrels or go play with (hold at bay) the neighbors GSD.

I agree with another poster, get your re-call down while walking on some trails, then move on to shorter more-open trails with lots of breaks for treats.

Take plenty of water and KNOW your dog.




Michelle

[WAARHEID]

 I am a fairly experienced mountain biker and I have spent countless hours in the woods with Ridgebacks. It's funny that I have never combined the two. I have lost count of the number of times I have almost run deer over while on the trails, so that would probably be my biggest concern. If you want to do it, I would have a few recommendations:

1.) Wait until your dog is at least 18 months old - preferably older, 24-30 months.

2.) Train your dog to HEEL

3.) Train your dog to RECALL

4.) Correctly E-Collar Condition your dog and then never let your dog hit the trails without the collar freshly charged, turned on, secured on the dog, and the transmitter with fresh batteries secured to your person (not the bike) and turned on. That way, if the need arises, you can reinforce your recall command with the collar if the dog gets 'selective hearing'.

5.) Put a high quality rack on your bike. Secured on the rack should be a cheap pre-paid cell phone (your regular expensive cell phone should be left in the car where it won't get smashed, as backup), a collapsible water bowl, a bottle of Tuff-Foot (or equivalent), and a small K9 first aid kit that includes EMT Gel (or equivalent) and Vet-Wrap.

Other than that, I think your Ridgeback will make a great companion on the single track! 

Keep the rubber side down!

[k9crazyrr]

Ridgebacks with selective hearing.  That is perfect.  My Tanzi could never be trusted loose like this or every small animal for miles would be eaten.  My boy on the other hand has been in several fields loose and wont leave my side.  Needy should be his middle name.  I do think the collar is important though.  I know alot of people that have bird dogs and have heard the collar has saved a dog or two.
Angie