Dogs and Skateboarders

BGC, do you have or have you ever had a dog, specifically one with high energy? I think the kind of people who take their dogs out like this probably know and love their dogs well, and are doing this for the good of the dog.

We currently have our second dog that loves to run along with a bike. He gets really playful and excited when the bikes come out and is panting, but still playful and happy when it ends. He only gets to do it a few times a week, but he is always thrilled.

Several years ago I had a foster dog that was a pointer..she acted strained to go slower than a good run and adored running with the bike, but was never behind. I had to use a head collar to keep her from going much faster than me (a nice 13 mph was ideal--fast enough to get her exercise without making her run very hard, and slow enough to stop quickly). It was the best exercise she got. If I let her pull, that weak (in the beginning), malnurished dog would pull me at least 20 mph.

I think lots of dogs really like running and enjoy going with their people on wheels. My pup also gets to run at off-leash, but I would imagine that for dogs who don't do well there for whatever reason, biking/boarding is their only way to run and are lucky if they have an owner who takes the time.

The treadmill, while something I have not done, can be great. Again, dog's need a lot of exercise and if you can't give them time to run outside it's a great way to help keep them happy and healthy. Even the ASPCA uses treadmills with their dogs.

I'm sure someone could be doing more than the dog thinks is fun, but I think most people I see out on boards with dogs are being good owners.

how old were the owners?

if they are mature and putting their dogs in danger , I think it matters.

I don't think it's about getting exercise for the person, it's about the person being able to go fast/far enough that the dog gets exercise. My dogs could all run much longer and at a much faster speed that I could, so things like biking/skating/boarding allows me (or whoever) to give the dog what it needs.

6 miles at 13mph was like an easy walk for the dog I used pretty much have to bike (the only off leash area was a tiny 1.5 acre dog park where she didn't have room to run full speed). We went that far b/c of my time limits, not her energy.

I think the reason they let their dogs dump on the street and not pick it up , is, because, it's thats the only way they 'll find their way home.

winstonsmith wrote:
That would be nice but dog owners leave it in BUS STOPS, CROSSWALKS AND IN FRONT OF DOORWAYS. They just think that they have a dog that is so perfect that the world should adore it's poop too.

You've met my dog??

I actually thought this thread was going to manage to discuss dogs and not devolve to the usual poop topic. Color me disappointed.