dogs and bikes...
 

i was just wondering if it's bad etiquette to bring your dog(s) on bike trails with you?
i am obviously new to this, so please go easy on me. :o
i am not going to be racing/competing in any way, just doing some easy trail riding, and i thought it would be good excercise for the dog too.
also, are you allowed to ride on regular hiking trails? is there some kind of "right of way" thing used?
thanks for any help/answers to my questions.

I've been bringing my yellow lab with me riding since she was a pup! Almost 6 years ago! The only thing I suggest is making sure he/she listens to your commands. I taught mine to get off the trail when other riders approach. I also recommend you teach him/her to "do their business" off the trail. My pup started doing this automatically without my having to teach her! Lastly, teach your dog to drink out of a water bottle. I ride with a Camelback for me and 2 bottles for the dog! I also let her swim wherever there is a stream crossing or a big mud hole with water in it. You don't want to overheat your dog!

With that said, most other people love seeing her run with us, and always enjoy petting her at the car or while we rest! There will always be a few "jerks" out there that will make a rude comment, but they've been few and far between. (Like 4 so far!) The only problem I've had is taking her with us at State or Nat'l Parks. There is a 6'0" leash law, but most Rangers don't enforce it if the dogs well behaved. I usually take her leash and loop it over my shoulder/head while I ride, so it's available if I need it!

There is one trail in the area I've never ridden b/c they strickly prohibit dogs, but there are others nearby, so I don't let it slow us down.

Good Luck & L8R

Nice bike man. I love P3's. Good choice

Haha...I think he might have posted that pic up to show us his dog :D ...but ya..nice looking bike!-and dog!

Funko

http://www.pbase.com/image/1479569/large.jpg

;)

i never ride without my buddy bart(2 yr old queensland/lab mix) i totaly agree with other post, teach your pup to drink from their own water bottle. also be watchfull for sores on your dogs pads, i've had problems with sores caused by very dry, abrasive trail conditions and too many miles. as for trail etiquette bikes and hikers yield to horses, bikes yield to hikers, another words bikes yield to everyone. be courtious, have fun!

My dog minds pretty well on the trail so every once in a while I bring her. All that matters is that she has fun and she stays strong. What others think doesn't matter to me.
http://web1.greatbasin.net/~ajones/p..._a_break_2.jpg
She is in awesome shape but she is more of a sprinter than endurance dog. If she would slow down she could do longer rides with me.
http://web1.greatbasin.net/~ajones/p...ing_brooks.jpg