walkydog vs springer bike harness - Page 2

Thanks Vikram i have contacted them and hopefully I shoud be able to get this worked out with them, REDCAP email them on their contact and then you can get in touch and order the stuff, thats what I have done!

I've used a Springer and a device called K-9 Cruiser, which goes out the back of the bike, on a short tether. I just finished an AD this past weekend, with my Springer attached, but unused. The Springer has a few faults. First, if you try to attach it where the directions say, that is, to the frame under the seat tube, you won't be able to pedal very well, as your foot will hit the loop in the Springer every time it comes around. I had to attach mine to the seat tube itself, which is okay, but you can't lower the seat any, unless you remove the Springer. Also, the Springer is made with a four hole nylon type holder on which a short cord is attached, which then hooks up to the dog. If the dog pulls too hard on the cord, it will snap off the first hole on the nylon, which is how it's designed. The first time, my dog bolted while using the Springer, that nylon piece and the cord snapped back and hit me in the leg real hard! I got a nice welt. The cord is a bit too short. The Springer is good for helping build endurance, as the dog will strain hard against that too short tether. For the AD itself however, I use just a leash, and keep them off the Springer. It's a lot less tiring for the dog.

dcw, I can see your points. I think the mounting will depend on the bike itself, as I have not had a problem with it on my bike, but my husband couldn't mount it on his bike....and with the varying styles of bikes out now, I can see there being issues. My springer did not come with any type of attachement at the end to hook it to the dog, just ended in a metal loop. I am thinking because it is older, and the newer ones have the attachment like you described? I used a strong cord (parachord) to tie to the metal loop, and attached a french clip to the end of it, so that I can quickly attach and detach it from my dogs collar. Not sure if that can be done to the newer ones, but works great for me, and we made it a length we felt would work good for us. Kristina

Hi Wizard, I don't know if this helps, I also live abroad (South America) and tried a lot of companies for the Springer, in the end I got it through SitStay.com in the US, I hope you can find this company,if not let me know I and will look up the details. The springer is definitely worth getting.

I have used both and personally think that the WalkyDog is superior to the Springer leash. This is not to say the Springer is bad, there are many people out there that enjoy it as well. These are just my thoughts below:

Springer Pros:

• Good shock absorbtion while riding
• Somewhat easy to switch between multiple bikes

Springer Cons:

• Pricey
• Takes quite a bit of time to install
• Size and shape of attachment limits ability to fit on some bikes
• Dog tends to be able to run in towards the front tire (I ran over my dog's foot several times :(
• Comes in several pieces and cannot be easily detached and used as a normal leash
• Cord that comes with product is short and you have to tie your own knots to connect to the unit

WalkyDog Pros:

• Great price
• Good shock absorbtion from internal spring system
• Installs on bike in less than 5 minutes
• Quick lock and release system
• Easily switches between bikes with additional jaw clamp purchase
• Does a good job of keeping dog to the side of the bike and away from the front tire
• Low rider attachment (sold separately) gives the option of attaching to the rear wheel as well
• Can easily be detached and used as a normal leash

WalkyDog Cons:

• Some people like to make a custom size line and it would be nice if extra cord was included in the box for this
• Internal cord may begin to fray after a long time when used with very powerful dogs, however the cord is very easily replaced by going to any hardware store if this is ever even necessary -
• Can't really think of anymore - I love this product and use it everyday with my dog (he loves it too)

You can find more information about the WalkyDog at www.TheDogOutdoors.com - there is a lot of information as well as videos of the product in use

You can find out more information about the Springer here www.springerusa.com/