Any tips?

[Mirg8101992]

Hi everyone, sorry i havent been on much, a lot has been happening.

I was thinking about how much i want to go sledding, but i hate the cold snow so much, plus, the snow is gone now. Then i realized, why dont i just get some rollerblades and do that? Im sure A.j. would do great with this, since hes already half trained in sledding, but my new adopted dog (from a friend, so ive been around this dog her whole life, shes A.j.'s sister) might not do good at first, so im still deciding if i should train her for sledding or not.

Anyway, back to the point, i was just wondering if anyone had any good tips for me? Or even a site would be great.

Thanks!

 

[Psyfalcon]

How good are you on rollerblades? For the most part, you have no effective brakes, and weigh next to nothing compared to a sled. It could be a fast and wild ride if your dog does something "unexpected."

I skate with our hound, but I'm reluctant to try Buster out, he actually pulls

1. Make sure you know how to skate well.
2. Find some place with few distractions.
3. Pads are probably good.

 

[Bahamutt99]

I've never tried this -- skates are death on wheels for my clumsy self -- but would it make sense to put a halti or prong on the dog for when you have to stop? At least until she learns to stop on command. Again, I don't know much about it. I tried biking with my dog, but the only time she really got hyped was when there a cat in the road. Most rides saw me doing all the work as she trotted sedately along. LOL

 

[Mirg8101992]

Psyfalcon - Im not sure how good i am on rollerblades anymore. I used to rollerblade around town almost constantly, but i outgrew them about a year ago and im going to get some new ones in a few days hopefully. I think im too chicken to tie A.j. to me the first few weeks of it, ill probably just hold onto the leash on his harness. Since ive been training A.j. with a sled for a while, he's pretty good with distractions, but all i know is im staying FAR away from the sagebrush (i hunt with A.j., too)! Thanks for the tips!

Bahamutt99 - Yeah, i will probably use A.j.'s Halti. I usually do when im starting him off on something new that i dont know how he will react to it. I might try it with Sophie for a few weeks, to make sure im good at it, first. I used to bike with Sophie all the time. I accually tried tying her to a skateboard to pull me, too, but she (almost seemed purpously) jerked the leash as she started to pull and fell off.

 

[Psyfalcon]

The problem I see with a prong or halti confusing or hurting the dog. The first could be overcome with some practice, and very judicial use of restraint. You want the dog to pull, and using a training collar might make them want to heel for a while

Worse though would be a fall where you jerked on the lead to it. A sudden snap on a prong would be no fun, and a strong pull like that on a head harness could cause some damage too.

Personally, I'd just find some rather deserted area, and run a quick release if you dont want to get dragged off after a rabbit. On a road, you're going to stop pretty quick if you fall, so I'd just pile the pads on and fall if I really had to stop quick.

 

[oc_spirit]

Personally, I hate rollerblades LOL Never recommend them simply because of the danger factor. With those tiny wheels all it takes is the dog going fast enough and one stone to hit your front wheel wrong to send you flying! And then you say you''re planning on running TWO dogs??? That''s just an accident waiting to happen IMO.

Instead I would suggest investing in a good scooter with the wheel diameter no smaller than 12 inches. That way, the wheel is beg enough to go over a lot of different debris, AND it will actually be easier for the dogs to pull since a bigger rubber wheel rolls easier than a tiny plastic one. With the scooter you can also go off-roading on dirt paths and gravel which is easier on the dogs'' joints whereas the rollerblades limit you to paved areas.

If you do decide to go with rollerblades after all, DO NOT TETHER YOURSELF TO THE DOGS. You should never do this no matter what contraption you are using for pulling. Doing this is very high risk and will result in worse injury if you fall to both you and the dogs. Either hold on to the leash if you are rollerblading or tether it to the scooter if you are scootering.

Good luck!

 

[MafiaPrincess]

I blade with Cider... on a prong. I'd do it off leash, except the trail has enough people on it. I always have the leash loose in one hand so if any pressure happens for some unforeseen reason liek the one time I've wiped out, she goes free. Prong helps remind her not to go any faster than I'm going which hasn't happened in haltis, GL, and 4 anti pull harnesses.

But, it's kind of tricky, and probably not for everyone.

 

[MelissaCato]

Hummm

This might sound a little silly, but my son and I have Skate Shoes that you can skate or walk normal at any given time. We take the dogs out and use the skates to travel faster on the sidewalks or road and we go 5 times as far as we would just walking. The dogs love the fast pace and it's a fun for the kids. Christopher always seems to have no fear and lets Sara take him to the extremes.. this keeps us fit when there's no snow for skiing around here. ) Ok, here's a link http://www.skates.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=23
Have Fun !@! LMAO Here's a How -To - Heely Too Video http://www.skates.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=161857

Your kids will love it !@!

 

[Mirg8101992]

Thank you! Thats a great idea! I will have to get some of those!

I dont have kids, though, im only 14.