Bicycling is a very big part of our lives. I’ve always loved to ride and my husband Rob is more bicycle than man. He started riding a two wheeler later than most, about age ten, yet from that moment on he was hooked. He rode and raced BMX for years. He was a highly skilled bicycle courier by trade in his twenties. Now he is an avid mountain biker and dirt jumper. Our first trip in the K9 Camper was to a mountain bike park for opening day. He humors me by riding paved trails with me, which is much more my style, yet I am also always happy to hop on a bike and go.
Since dogs are also a very big part of our lives, it has become time for the two passions to become one! I asked for the Spring Leash to Go for my birthday. I had no idea what I was getting into but hoped for the best. What we discovered is a product that is well made and which the dogs took to quite naturally.
The Spring Leash hooks to the bicycle seat post via a heavy duty, stainless steel mounting bar and spring; the included leash itself actually hooks to the end of this spring and thence to the dog’s harness. The mounting bar removes easily when not in use via quick lock buttons. This also allows the bar to attach to another bike if you purchase an extra set of mounting hardware.
Our three pups range in their adaptability to new things. Fiona was a natural and took off running; I had to slow her down to make sure I could maintain control. Secret was nervous but willing. Lobo was willing but easily confused. With a little time and practice, each dog will gradually become more and more comfortable with this new and exciting activity.
I thought I would get a good workout too, but having huskies who love to pull, I did not pedal much at all. It is a great way to exercise them at what they love best – pulling and running. They all were smiling and panting happily as it gives them a tremendous amount of freedom, yet in a controlled manner which keeps them safe. I felt totally secure that the dogs would not get loose. We are also going to teach them left and right commands like true mushers, so we can navigate more freely and easily.
It does take time to get used to it. Occasionally the dogs would try to switch sides behind me and that wreaked havoc. The spring and leash are not long enough to allow it but it does stop you from going forward. Fiona got excited by a neighborhood beagle puppy who was out in his yard and I had to practice her “leave it” command very sternly to make it past this “obstacle”. Lobo stopped to raise his leg at a fire hydrant which was on the other side of the bike and we had to stop. None of this is a fault of the product, but of my control of the pups.
For riding at night, the company sells their “Halo Lights” which are USB rechargeable, light up collars. You can purchase them separately or as a package with a Spring Leash.
I am very excited for this new way to spend time with the pups. They enjoy letting loose and really running. I love seeing the pure joy on their faces!
Where to buy: You can fine more information and order online at http://www.springleashtogo.com
Price: Solo packs start at $49.99. You can also run two dogs, one on either side of your bike (this sounds awesome but I am not ready for this yet!). The two dog or “chariot pack” is $79.99.
At Woofus, we love to see dogs on the go! The SpringLeashtoGo is a fantastic way to spend time with your pup and give him or her some much needed exercise. As an added benefit, you can both spend more time in the great outdoors!
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