Do you enjoy biking as well as spending time with your companionable pet? Consider taking your dog with you on a bike trail! It’s a great way to spend time with your precious pet, as well as getting exercise and the joy of being outside.
Before you even consider taking your dog with you on the bike trail, you will want to make sure you dog knows to stay away from the front of the bike. This can be easily taught. Simply walk your dog around your neighborhood or a local park with your bike. Walk with your dog, and every time Rover gets in the way of the front of the bike, gently nudge him with the front wheel. Make sure to nudge him gently in the rib cage or on his rump, staying away from squishing his paws or bumping his joints.
Before beginning any physical activity, you will want to make sure your dog is in the proper physical condition to embark on a serious cycling outing. If your dog does not run around much outside, or if you don’t usually take your friend with you when you run or cycle, you will want to start off slowly. First, start by simply taking your dog on walks around your neighborhood or a local park. Work up to increased pace and mileage. Once you feel confident in your dog’s physical fitness, go ahead and take them with you on the bike trail. Again, you will want to start off slowly, increasing the length and intensity of your ride. Also, keep in mind that there will be lots of people, and most likely other dogs around, so your dog will need to adjust to all of the sights and sounds.
Remember that special doggie equipment is available for purchasing at pet supply stores. You may to buy a stationary lead for your dog that attaches easily to the center of your bike. If you choose to use a regular leash, you will want to tie it directly underneath the seat on your bike. If you hold the lead in your hand, you are creating an imbalance on your bike and jeopardizing your safety, should your dog get distracted and pull too hard; this could easily cause you to crash. You may also want to buy a water bottle that has an attaching “water bowl” so your dog can easily drink water. Remember, they need hydration as much as you do!
Finally, be watchful for dehydration or heat exhaustion. Because some dogs have thick coats, it is easy for them to become overheated or dehydrated. If either of these issues are ignored or unattended, they may prove to be serious problems. Just keep and eye on your dog, and give them plenty of cool water for hydration, and your pet should be fine.
And remember: have lots of fun being outside and biking with your dog! It’s a great way to bond, exercise, and get some fresh air doing what you love, with the dog you love.
Article provided by Pet Super Store a site featuring:
dog crates, pet carriers and pet strollers.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Have you heard about the National Canine Weight Check? There’s one week left - it’s a great opportunity to get your dog obesity-checked for free. I know we’re all partial to our own vets, so see if your vet is one of the 4,000+ that are participating in the NCWC during February. Or visit the Find a Vet page to locate another vet in your area, www.stopcanineobesity/findavet Either way, it’s a good cause to promote dog health and our dogs’ health should always remain important.
Good quality pet's health supplements are available at MotherNature.com store with many coupons....!
Post a Comment