Springer Dog Bicycling Jogger - Page 1

IS the Springer the best available product in the market out there to exercise your shepherd while cycling? If there is a better product specifically for cycling with dogs can someone please suggest. My friend is coming from US to India he just might be able to get it for me regards Vikram

All my experience has been with the Springer and it's a great product.....

Yes, the Springer is the best. I have used the K-9 cruiser and the Springer is far safer and works better. I have done more than 6 ADs (and the training it involves) and believe me, doing bike work with a Springer is almost like a miracle. No more being thrown to the ground as your dog lunges for a squirrel or deer etc. The only drawback to the Springer that most people point to is that it must be glued to the bike. However, I did not glue it and the makers of Springer say you do not have to do it and that it will stay on for 5 years without glue and only with pressure from the nuts and bolts. If your friend cannot get it for you on his trip to to the US then you can buy it off the net and have it sent. I did that.

Personally, I prefer the k-9 Cruiser. Check it out at: http://www.adogsbestfriend.com/template_page.cfm?id=12 I have trained several dogs for the AD with the k-9 Cruiser. If the dog is particularly rambunctious, I use a short trial leash attached to a mini-pinch on the dogs neck for greater control. I hold the loop to the lead on the handlebar under my left hand. Judges have never questioned this practice in an AD. Having broken my back several years while roadworking a dog, I appreciate this extra control. The last time I used a Springer, I took a nasty spill when my dog bolted. Louise Penery

You are lucky judges have never questioned the practice in an AD. Pinch collars are specifically forbidden by the rules during the AD. You do not need a pinch collar with the Springer it absorbs nearly all of the shock and impact. I am also surprised to hear you took a nasty spill with your Springer. I wonder if it was mounted correctly etc. Because not only is it contrary to my own and my club members experiences but I have seen a video of the Norwegian Police (the Springer is made in Norway) with their dogs leaping etc and no one was even remotely threatened with a spill. But I guess this is what the phrase different strokes for different folks must mean. I think, however, your experience may be in the minority becausue I do recall some months ago a discussion on this board about the same question and there were tons of responses about the two and those preferring the Springer outnumbered the K-9 Cruiser by something like 5 to 1. Hey, but if works for you, I guess use it. But watch out for that pinch collar, someone will call you on that.

Hi Klossbruhe, I have successfully used a Springer to roadwork my dogs. As you know, the Springer is mounted on the bike post, and due to the very nature of the spring, the dog can pull the bike very hard when forging ahead, as is my dog's nature, which significantly changes the center of gravity. I use a full size pinch collar with short leash in my right hand, and I jerk him if necessary. Despite this, as we were approaching a left turn in the road, he lunged at two little meatball sized dogs on their leashes, snapped the little plastic safety gizmo, and away we went!! Fortunately, I have the strength to control both him and my bike, didn't fall, but you can get a laugh out of the visualization! No worse for the wear, I'm still considering getting the K-9 Cruiser, as he can't get ahead of my bike with the rear hub attachment.

The best thing about the k-9 Cruiser is the lower center of gravity. Louise

A few weeks ago, I inquired about training for the AD and it is true many felt the Springer to be the ideal method. I also tried with my dog on the pinch as was also recommended and found this works very well for us. A week or so ago however, we had an incident for which I was not prepared. We were attacked from behind by an aggressive and loose dog. I wound up falling and still held onto my dog's leash. He was atleast able to move his head and body to put himself between me and the attacker. I later wondered how this scenario would have transpired had my dog been affixed to a device. If it had released and there was no other control the chances of a dog fight ensuing would have been great. If he would have remained affixed to it he would have been defenseless. As it turned out, the Golden only showed teeth, growling and circling us a few times and finally retreated. My dog was under control but could defend us. I now only bike out on remote trails where the squirrels seem to be the lesser evil. Atleast they are not coming at us from behind. Wish you alot of luck in training.

Hi Kerry, You're right about the plastic release mechanism. Once it releases, poof, the dog is free. I have never had this problem. There are 3 settings, supposedly, for release. The one for GSDs being the hardest to trigger, but it is a safety device and must release at some point. Keeping the dog from getting in front of you is easily solved in the mounting of the Springer. Rather than placing it perpendicular to the bike, set it somewhat back. E.G. the instructions say put it at a 90 degree (say 12 o'clock) angle to the top tube which say is going 9 o'clock 3 o'clock. If you mount the Springer at 1 o'clock the dog cannot get in front and keeps the center of gravity with you. It also insures foot clearance on the right pedal and easier access over the top tube. By the way, I am assuming everyone knows that the Spring is to be mounted on the RIGHT side of the bike. The AD is to be done with the dog on the right side of the bike according to the rules as well.

Vikram, I just found the old posting and will bring it up so it follows this one. One of my questions dealt with the necessity of having the dog on the right or left side. I believe Kloss is correct that it is required to have the dog on the right because this protects the dog from cars which pass on the left. Hope you have been saved some surprises. My next major purchases are knee guards, elbow guards, a good helmet. LOL. Sunny