REI dividend arrived + 20% coupon, there's not much else I need or want at REI, so Gidget now has a trailer. Her short-legged toy poodle friends likely will be the first to use it. This is something I think will be great as Gidget gets older (she'll be six this June). Meanwhile, I'll use it at camp to run down to the campstore (1 mile away from our usual campground) and to take Gidget on long bikejoring treks up the C&O Canal.

The brand is "Croozer" - a Canadian company. It's solid. 20" wheels. Lots of ventilation. Had it sitting on the floor before putting the wheels on and she climbed right in, curled up and made herself at home.

It's easy to set up. Will post pics when we have it out and about sometime. This weekend, perhaps.

There's another dog trailer -- Doggyride -- that looks nearly identical to the Croozer. Better, actually. If REI sold Doggyride I may have bought that instead. And the well known bike trailer brand -- Burley -- also has a couple dog trailers. The Burley dimensions look tight though, for Gidget. And they are quite a bit more expensive.

I'd prefer the Croozer came in a more vibrant color but khaki should be cooler in the sun.

Anyone else using a bike trailer to haul your pup(s) around?

http://www.croozerdesigns.com/croozer_dog.html

at REI

http://www.rei.com/product/751977

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/414Mda0%2BuXL._AA280_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B000P7NK0U/ref=dp_image_z_0/002-2103863-3940812?ie=UTF8&n=3375251&s=sporting-goods)

You mean Gidget can't walk???? LOL.

Hey HC--I bought a trailer today. After much searching, I went for the Fleetwood Cobalt. Just seemed like it had the features I want for not too much money (unlike the Aframes or ultralight trailers that I also looked at).

You mean Gidget can't walk???? LOL.

Hey HC--I bought a trailer today. After much searching, I went for the Fleetwood Cobalt. Just seemed like it had the features I want for not too much money (unlike the Aframes or ultralight trailers that I also looked at).

Fun! Your pup will definately fit, too! ;-)

Where are you taking it on its maiden voyage?

We want pictures of you, the bike, and of course Gidget in her new carriage.

Fun! Your pup will definately fit, too! ;-)

Where are you taking it on its maiden voyage?


I don't pick it up until Saturday, so it's maiden voyage will be the following weekend. My girlfriend--who has towed full size travel trailers and horse trailers--will be coming along to show me what I need to know about backing up, using the brake controller, etc. I show dogs, so we are camping at a fairgrounds where we will both be showing our dogs.

Fleetwood has a deal this month where they give you a full side awning and VERY nice screen house with the purchase of any new trailer. So rain or shine, we will be OUT THERE!

I could use one of those bike trailers as a teardrop for me. :rolleyes:

I'll be getting a bike trailer for our old & creaky guy probably this summer. The Aussie obviously still needs TONS of exercise (and will for a long time) but Gonzo is slowing down and needs his easy life. Put a few cushions on the bottom and he'll be right at home :razz: I have an insider at REI, I'll see what kind of deal I can get...

Yep, we have a bike trailer for our pups.(Boxers)
Hiker Chick, I saw the trailer you have at the bike show last year and secretly lusted after it. But in the end we used a older Yakima trailer (yes, they used to make kids trailers) and modified it for doggie use.
The cool thing is we tow it behind our Santana tandem, with one dog running beside while one dog rests, then the both get worn out and end up in the trailer for the ride home. These jaunts are usually 10-15 miles, which leaves us all very tired.
Next time we go I'll get some pics to post.

Yep, we have a bike trailer for our pups.(Boxers)
Hiker Chick, I saw the trailer you have at the bike show last year and secretly lusted after it. But in the end we used a older Yakima trailer (yes, they used to make kids trailers) and modified it for doggie use.
The cool thing is we tow it behind our Santana tandem, with one dog running beside while one dog rests, then the both get worn out and end up in the trailer for the ride home. These jaunts are usually 10-15 miles, which leaves us all very tired.
Next time we go I'll get some pics to post.

Definitely, gotta see pics of this :razz: I gotta get biking this summer and taking the Aussie along to get her damn tired out!

i would like pics of that too---also---Does anyone use bike attachments that allow you to safely bike along side of your dog? I have seen these advertised, but i can't track down anyone who has used them. I have read they are safe, but i am wondering how the dog can not lure you off course if it decided to turn or bolt. thanks

janice

i would like pics of that too---also---Does anyone use bike attachments that allow you to safely bike along side of your dog? I have seen these advertised, but i can't track down anyone who has used them. I have read they are safe, but i am wondering how the dog can not lure you off course if it decided to turn or bolt. thanks

janice

I believe there's no way to prevent that :lol:

Especially with a wolfhound...:rolleyes:

we have also used the "Bike Leash" you are referring to. (Similar to the pic below)
It will keep the dog from getting too close to the wheels, but it takes a VERY well behaved dog to stay this close to the bike and stay calm. (Boxers are not good candidates):rolleyes:
I opted for just using mu superior bike handling skills (lol) :Dand hand carry the leash. But it is super easy on the tandem, cuz my wife holds the leash (she doesn't have to steer):)
But, I would recommend you use some sort of stand off leash, maybe the Springer Brand (http://www.springerusa.com/)? Even better to use a bike with coaster brakes rather than hand brakes. This lets you focus on the task at hand (and your cute puppy next to you)
I hope this helps :)

I bought one of the "Springer" brand bike attachments that the dog then leashes up to. It didn't fit my small framed bike--it's been a while, but I vaguely recall it got in the way of the pedals.

i would like pics of that too---also---Does anyone use bike attachments that allow you to safely bike along side of your dog? I have seen these advertised, but i can't track down anyone who has used them. I have read they are safe, but i am wondering how the dog can not lure you off course if it decided to turn or bolt. thanks

janice

Met a guy last weekend at the Washington Monument when Gidget and I were taking a break from bikejoring. He said that he had tried that attachment for his dog to run alongside but the dog was wigged out about the bike being so close. It's a Husky.

He's going to try bikejoring now.

The thing with bikejoring (scootering is a safer way to begin) is that unless your dog is a hard-core sledder -- as Gidget was from the get-go -- then I think the thing to do is walk the bike with them hooked up to the front until they are accustomed to a bike behind them. It's easy to walk a bike with one hand on the handlebar stem and the dog hooked up front for bikejoring

You need to be comfy on the bike, though. And the bike's brakes need to be in excellent condition.

www.alpineoutfitters.net sells shock-corded "ganglines" for dogscootering/bikejoring

Single-scooter line ($25)
http://alpineoutfitters.net/Secure/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=45

Custom harness ($27) with name embroidered.
http://alpineoutfitters.net/Secure/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=155

After years and years of biking him, my oldest brittany (now almost 12 years old) is the greatest biking dog I have ever owned. He is a pleasure to bike with. He and I can get in synch, and I hardly need to watch him (but I do). He loves every last minute.

Once upon a time things were different. I recall that time he thought some animal (squirrel, fox, whatever) had scurried into the brush alongside our gravel roade. He took a sharp tug to the left in chase yanking the handlebars along with him. I grabbed the brakes for dear life. Took months for my shoulder to feel normal again....


I bike three other brittanys. They are also decent biking dogs. One is great but also tends to bolt at the sight of a bird, squirrel, etc. I have really good biking skills from years of biking, so far nobody has dumped me yet. But they have scared the heck out of me many a time.


My trick is to always fold the leash and place the folds under my hand lightly as I grip the handlbar. If they were to REALLY pull, I can choose to allow them by letting the lead to slip away. Or I can squeeze and choose to keep holding.

I only bike on roads or bikepaths with zero to extremely little traffic. I am fortunate enough to be not far from undeveloped gravel roads that are very well suited for biking--even if the dog were to break loose. I yell, they stop, we re-group and keep on going.

well, thanks for al the help guys. i think i am out of luck though... i am training for a tri, i would have loved to take them with, but i think it would be disasterous. perhaps i will try my luck on abandon back roads so they can just free run.

well, thanks for al the help guys. i think i am out of luck though... i am training for a tri, i would have loved to take them with, but i think it would be disasterous. perhaps i will try my luck on abandon back roads so they can just free run.

Given that they're hounds and the trouble you've had recently, I'd say the "let them run free" is probably your best bet. Anything else and you're asking to take a tumble...:rolleyes:

I joked about getting one of those trailers to put Peanut in, but that is an extra 100 lbs+ to tow. Good workout though. I can't wait to see pictures!

I have taken Peanut out with my bike and just a regular leash (when I've had to leash her). I started out hanging onto the leash very loosely in case she bolted one way or another. After a while she ran just fine with it. I never ran her very far and she's good with voice commands. Maybe starting with something like that would help to figure out if a leash that hooks directly to the bike would be a good idea.

Also in the summer I've seen people bikejoring but they are also the same ones that do the skijoring in the winter with the same dogs.

... so Gidget now has a trailer. Her short-legged toy poodle friends likely will be the first to use it. ...

Cool idea but I thought it was pretty funny that you would be using it to haul around Gidget's friends while she walks!

:)

Cool idea but I thought it was pretty funny that you would be using it to haul around Gidget's friends while she walks!

:)

Friends -- canine and human -- often use my gear.

The poodles' owner will be pulling them.

Gidget will be leaving them behind in her dust.

:)