Discussions

Once again this spring I beg you not to ride your bike at top speed while your dog on leash is trying to keep up with his tongue hanging out. The dog has no way to stop! Just saw this event on Rosser Ave west. It was clear the dog was exhausted. Cruelty! Please do not do this. Yes some dogs enjoy this I know but keep speed to a healthy, kind amount. This is not necessary. What if you as a human had to keep up to a bike at maximum speed. If you read this please pass it on to others doing the same abuse!

Abuse is a pretty strong word when you don’t know the dog or the owner. You’re making a pretty big assumption on something you have very little insight on.  
 
A dog keeping up with a bike is no where near comparable to a human doing the same things.  
 
Mind your business.

Abuse? That’s is absolutely ridiculous! How about you stay in your lane?? Apparently, Karen’s are taking over the world!!!!  
 
Edited by Summertime, 2024-04-09 08:27:42

Mind your business!!  
 
The amount of ppl in this town that complain, take pics of ppl of things they're are doing.. jeeze  
 
People mind your business!

There is a right and wrong way to exercise a dog using a bicycle. Without knowing the person or the dog, I won't comment on this particular situation (especially since I didn't witness it). Dogs pant to cool down so a dog's tongue hanging out of its mouth is not a clear sign that it is distressed.  
 
A couple of things to consider - I definitely would be concerned depending on the temperature and surface the dog is running on - I would never recommend running full speed on pavement (can be hard on the dogs pads) and definitely not when it's hot out (pavement is hotter than air temperature). This type of exercise should be started gradually with the dog learning how to maintain a pace at a safe distance beside the bike. I'm envious of folks that can do this with their dogs...I won't risk it with mine - one squirrel or cat and I'd be splattered all over the road - lol!

I’d be more concerned about the amount of people who use long leashes where they won’t have control of their dogs. That’s a bigger concern than someone actually taking time to exercise their dog. I witnessed this yesterday a large dog on a 10ft “retractable” leash go after another dog who was on a short leash. Worst invention ever.

Tell that to my Jack Russell .I think he is abusing me.

I hate those leashes. No control over the dog or the environment. What if you are on a multipurpose pathway and your dog dashes across the path right in front of someone on their bicycle passing by? I've seen ankle burns from these types of leashes. Just dangerous and unnecessary!

I agree with your comment, it depends on the conditions.  
We have 2 GSDs and they pant after a walk and it doesn't mean that they are distressed, it just means that we will have some peace when we get home while they nap.  
 
If the person is running a Yorkie beside a bike, I would be concerned, or if running the dog was on an extremely hot day.  
 
It is good that people are watching out for cruelty against animals, but we need to understand what is happening before we act. I'm sure that the person running their dog had water if needed.  
 
One of the great things about riding and running you dog is that he gets a lot of exercise and can't stop to poop on your lawn...bonus.  
 
Edited by Cynthia, 2024-04-10 09:58:27