Road working

[GoCougs]

I'm curious if any of you road work, and what is your preferred method? Bike? Car? Treadmill?

I currently use a bike with a "Springer" attached to it. We have some trouble with feet getting eaten up by the asphalt. I'm guess that this isn't unique to biking, and would happen just as much with a car.

I've also heard/read pros and cons of each method. That being that road working on asphalt is hard on the shoulders and hip. Or, using a bike doesn't properly discourage, and may even reinforce, "winding".

Treadmills are pretty pricey, and the few times I've had access to one and put my dogs on it, it didn't go over well.

 

[Kerry Jane]

No road working although I have often been asked whether I put my dog on the treadmill (because she is so muscular). I am lucky that my dog has a great muscular body type - and she gets lots of playing in the back yard, and lots of long walks and that seems to do the trick.

 

[Alisha Mobley]

I bike with mine from time to time and have noticed one will side wind pretty bad if on the left side of the bike...when on the right, he doesn't (I prefer roller blading over biking and I don't notice side winding). I've not had a problem with feet but I don't do alot of roadwork either. I've read that dog boots can be used for foot protection if needed.

I worry something may be damaged or I'll build too much muscle if I do very much roadwork so try to keep exercise varied. A few things I do off road...turn 'em all loose in a large open area to run/wrestle, hiking, swimming (one of the best ways to stay toned without stressing joints), laser light at night, tossing a frisbee (I have to do this with one dog at a time otherwise I'll toss the frisbee once and not get it back ), etc.

 

[Darbysmom1]

I have never tried bike or car. I jog with mine which works nice but I of course get tired way before them and I also do the large open field that works really well but I get Darby chewing on Cami. Over all the treadmills work so great but you are right they are very pricey our Handler has some and they are great but I havent got one yet I was told by a friend to buy a human one they dont cost as much and put two baby gates on the sides I havent tried it yet but I am hoping to get one in the next month or so.