| Re: Riding with my dog running beside me
Maggie wrote:
|| The dog I had prior to my black lab (a little mutt) used to follow me
|| when I rode my bike and pull at my pant legs and get in front of the
|| bike, under the bike, in the wheels...it was ridiculous. Today I was
|| riding my bike around our property. Its a very big yard for suburbia.
|| My Labrador Retriver ran right along side of me in perfect harmony
|| with the bike. I never imagined a dog would do that. She knew when I
|| was going to turn, she stayed right at my side, and I was amazed.
|| When I turned a corner I fell over and on my ass and she quickly got
|| out of the way. I have seen dogs ride next to their owners on
|| bikes...but I thought it was something they were trained to do. My
|| lab just started running along side of me and never once
|| misinterpreted where I was going or which way I was turning. I was
|| wondering if certain dogs have a natural instinct because they run
|| with the pack. She ran with me as if she were keeping up with the
|| pack and maintaining her own space. My other dog never did that.
|| My whole family was amazed. Does it have something to do with big
|| dogs who run with the pack? I wish I could take her out when I ride
|| in the park, but we have leash laws. I doubt if I could hold a leash
|| and ride. Plus if the dog sees a squirrel I will be road kill. Do
|| any of you ride with Fido beside you?
That trait is probaby why they make excellent guide dogs for the blind. And
as they need plenty of exercise, it is no wonder he was willing to run along
beside you. I suggest you continue this activity. You can always get a
retractable leash and let it go if the dog runs off (haven't tried this
myself, though)
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