Looking For Something Active To Do With Your Dog? Try Roller Blading Or Biking

Roller blading is a great way to exercise your dog. Roller blading is a little more challenging when practicing the street commands, since you may not be able to stop with the same precision at a curb as you would when walking or jogging. Before trying to roller blade with your dog, make sure he can automatically stop and sit at streets for you.

Use the principles of street identification when roller blading - slow your dog down twenty feet before an intersection and give the heel command to bring him back to your side. Roller blading with your dog also takes a little more skill in leash handling since you are moving at a faster clip.

Your dog may have trouble adjusting to you on skates. The sound of the skates and your movement will be a little different. Take it slow with him and work on familiar sidewalks at first. But just like running, it may be easier to practice with your dog in a park or in an empty parking lot where you don't have to worry about stopping at street corners.

Biking With Your Dog

Biking is more challenging than running with your dog since there is more of a distance between you and your dog, and with that distance you will have a little less control. Biking can also be more difficult since you need to bike on the sidewalk with your dog and not on the street. Many cities have laws prohibiting riding a bike on the sidewalk.

It's probably easier to just pack your bike and dog in the car and head to a park instead. In the park, you won't have to worry about car traffic. If you go to the park during off-peak hours, you will have less competition for space with other bikers, skaters and runners. I prefer biking with my dogs at night in the park. I place reflectors on their harnesses as a safety measure.

Since you will want to keep your dog close to your side, you can purchase commercial devices that will keep your dog attached to your bike. Such devices can attach to your dog's harness and have enough give for your dog to maneuver around obstacles. The disadvantage to these devices is that you can't see what is happening with your dog, since they attach to the back wheel of your bike.

Biking your dog for extended periods of time on asphalt or concrete is hard on your dog's skeletal system. Never overdo it. Also inspect your dog's pads from time to time for wear and tear. Make sure the weather isn't too severe when biking or running your dog. Stop for plenty of water along the way.