7 replies to this topic

[bbeel]

Just wondering how people feel about taking your dog mountain biking?  Especially since it's pretty much impossible to do it on-leash.

[The Krackheads]

In general, probably not safe for either of you and its against the law in about every park I know of in the area.

[bab74]

I do it when it gets around fall and spring when it's cooler and less insects and have been riding with him since he was a pup. It was kind of the whole reason I got bike in the first place because I can't run as fast as him and he is super high energy. I trained him on a leash on the Katy and Bangert but usually ride with one hand on the handlebar and the other free with the leash, probably not the safest but it has worked well for us. I have had better luck trail riding with the retractable and what I have figured out is to get a good one that is double his weight and run it the handle through the seat post then there is some slack (15ft) for him to move around and catch up. Obviously, I can't blast down single track full bore but it's still faster than running with him and we enjoy it. I can't do off leash due at all to his prey drive and stubbornness. Just my experience. I think the majority of dogs that run off leash at LV are well trained but the blue hairs feel compelled to let their Shitzu's run amok at Bangert which can be annoying because they aren't trained.

[msmodo]

I've ridden at binder lake in jeff city, Berryman and grnsfelder with riders and their dogs. Dogs were very responsive to their owners. Guess it depends on if urs is and if u wanna risk any ordinance violations. Didn't mind having a mascot along for the ride.

[bbeel]

My dog is very obedient and he does not chase after other animals so I'm not worried about those issues.  JW but how strict are the park rangers on that sort of thing and anybody know how much the violation would be.  FYI do must of my riding at matson, so usually not that many people if any.

[Woodland Wildlife]

Coming from a Land Managers perspective, I would suggest only taking your dog with you if you have it on a leash.  As mentioned, having your dog off-leash is illegal in all the parks and conservation areas that I am aware of, unless you are in a specific dog park that allows off-leash activities.  It is not just about whether or not your dog is trained well and won't run off or chase wildlife, it also has to deal with safety for trail users and pets.  I have dealt with several cases of trail users and their dogs being attacked/bitten by other off-leash dogs on the trail.  Almost everyone I talk with gives the standard answers of "my dog doesn't bite" or "my dog won't chase deer, squirrels, rabbits, etc." or "I'm sorry I didn't know"--that last one is my favorite!  Bottom line is that having your dog off-leash on the trail is a bad idea and illegal.  Please do your homework about the areas your recreate on and make sure you know the rules, it makes everyone's life easier!  Many thanks!

[user440]

I regularly mountain bike with my dog on-leash. I use a standard metal leash and use a double hook to connect the leash to the frame of my saddle/seat. He is trained well enough that he does not split off and go on the wrong side of a tree and pays enough attention that he can change speed and direction right along with me. Now, I can't blast down Matson at top speed like this but a moderate pace around the trail is just fine. Start on the street or the Katy on an off-peak time and put some miles under you two until you are both comfortable, it's really not that hard and it's never really been an issue for me.

[falasi4]

keep it leashed and away from kids at least... a lot of kids are afraid of dogs, especially ones they don't know no matter how friendly they are - all they see is an unfamiliar animal running up to them out in the wild.

 

clean up after them - way worse that horse droppings for smell and stickyness