I haven't done any long touring with my dog but we regularly do longer day rides and I have taken her on one weekend bike trip. I like to ride solo because it's just easier when timing comes into play. But I have found that I really enjoy Jasmine's company on the bike and she enjoys the exercise she gets.
Know though that if you bring your dog along, the ride suddenly becomes more about the dog than about you. It will be slower, harder and will take more concentration. It drives me crazy when I see someone riding thir bike with a dog and the dog looks ready to drop from exhaustion or heat stroke but has to keep running because they're leashed to the person/bike. You may have to move the time of year you tour with her to late winter in order to ride in good weather for the dog.
* These rides should be slow where the dog is at a trot or at walking speeds. Be sure to monitor your dog for signs of any physical stress and stop for a break when needed. As you continue to run your dog, you'll recognize the signs better and he'll likely be able to get faster but always let him set the pace so you know you're not pushing him too hard.
* Dogs drink a lot of water so bring plenty. Your dog will be working a lot harder than you will be...and in a fur coat.
* The 120 rule states that if the temperature (in Feirinheit) and the humidity level adds up more than 120 you shouldn't run your dog. It's been above 120 here in the winter because of the high humidity so beaware of that as well.
* Know your dog. I have three dogs I bike with and each dog is so different. In order to avert disasters you have to know your dog's triggers (like cars, cats, deer, etc...). You know the trigger so before he is able to chase the car, redirect his attention or stop your movement if you can't redirect him and wait to go until it's safe again. But in order for that to work, you have to constantly be on the lookout for anything that might upset her.
* It's best to teach them commands for turning each direction, slow, stop, and wait for better control.
* If the concrete/asphalt is too hot to comfortably hold your hand on, it will be uncomfortable on your dog's paws and could even cause blisters and burns. They have dog booties that are designed to protect their feet. But chances are that if the surface is too hot then you're breaking the 120 rule anyway. But they do have booties that I bring along in case she would have to walk on hot asphalt for whatever other reason.
When your puppy is full grown you can have the vet check for hip displaysia on your full grown dog. Even if they have no problems currently, they can still see on an xray if they are prone to it. They may not suggest biking with a dog with hip displayis in their future. On the other hand, there are certain bone/muscular system defects that biking with them can actually help with, given they're not getting pushed too hard. But it's best to wait to run your puppy until she's at least a year old.
Have you thought about how you'll attach your dog to the bike? I have a bungee leash from
www.shockles.com. I attach that on the down tube. The bungee cushions the pulling and gives me a chance to keep control even when surprised by a tug. With this set up, Jasmine's head is in front of the tire. I do that so that I can see her easily to monitor her condition and also so that she doesn't feel like she has to keep up with me. If she slows down, I do too. If she speeds up, I try to keep up without her having to pull me along (unless I'm on a bikejoring outing). They also have things like a Springer or Walkydog to attach to.
Yes, if your dog is overly barky or yippy, they will not be appreciated at campgrounds. I had a barky puppy and we stayed at a hotel. He barked at every single noise. I finally grabbed him and held him in my arms all night and clamped my hand around his muzzle every time he started to bark. By around 3 AM, he had stopped barking completely. He has stayed at many hotels since then and only barks when someone is messing with the doorknob so it's possible to break them of that annoying habit. I wish I could solve that problem with my neighbor's dog!!!!!
Anyway, as long as you take care and are flexible, you and your dog should have lots of fun!
Tiff
