Originally Posted by
kstephens
I can't imagine working two dogs that much. Even if large healthy dogs - the daily wear on them combined with keeping up with their caloric needs and caring for health in general would be a big task. Even dogs bred and specificaly trained to pull sleds usually only successfully do so for a portion of their life. I truly get the allure of a nomadic lifestyle - it does sound wonderful. But as a pet owner, dog and all animal lover - I would be looking for a way to pull my animals along to enjoy their company rather than expecting them to pull me along. Really - I have a trailer for my two dogs for training and fun rides. (They aren't 100 pounds each though). Just my thoughts on the well being of the animals. I've never met you or your dogs so I may be way off on yours and their capabilities.
I get what you are saying, but it is illogical in my situation, and highly unnecessary. These dogs are bred for pulling, they are both part Siberian Husky, and Timber Wolves (which is also part of their bloodlines) also have a lot of strength and energy. I'm only 100 pounds, and I've tried pulling my lightest dog (80-85 pounds) with my bike on a wagon (weighs about 50 pounds) and I could not get very far at all. There is no way I could pull them both, even on the lightest bike trailer in the world, let alone also be able to haul all of our survival equipment too. It would be different if I was just taking then for a ride around a neighborhood for fun, but that's not what I'm trying to do here. Also, there are many other people who have done bike tours with their dogs, and many of them let their dog run with them. Sure, those dogs aren't pulling weight, but they are much smaller than my dogs which means then have shorter legs and it's harder for them to put in the miles anyhow; and they also aren't a breed designed for pulling or running (maybe running if it's a hunting or sporting breed of some kind). I don't plan on making very many miles each day, perhaps only 5-8 miles, soon sure we can handle it just fine if I get things setup right.