Calgary Journal Online

Mountain biking with man’s best friend

Though he’s been into mountain biking for eight years, Erik Farrell added a new element to riding last fall: his 11-month old Catahoula puppy, Kona.

“I take him out to ride for the same reason most other riders take their dogs: to tire him out,” says Farrell. At the off-leash area of Nose Hill Park, Farrell hops onto his mountain bike, and begins his way up the dirt pathway on the slope. Kona rushes past him to take his spot in the front; he likes to lead the way and will start barking if Farrell goes faster than him.

Erik Farrell is sure to leave ample space for his 11-month-old Catahoula puppy, Kona, to run in front. Farrell mountain bikes with Kona a couple times a week at Nose Hill Park.

Photo: Holly Hofmann/Calgary Journal

Likewise, Farrell says he makes sure to keep a safe distance between Kona and the bike. “When I’m riding, I am 100 per cent focused on him.”

Richard Link, vice-president of the Calgary Mountain Bike Alliance, says mountain biking with a dog is great exercise for both the cyclists and the dogs.

“I’ve been out riding with groups with dogs of all sizes, from Jack Russell terriers to Labradors,” he says.

For years, Link used to bike with his Rottweiler-cross, Vinny, sometimes for three hours at a time. But when Vinny got arthritis at age nine, his days of going out on bike rides had to come to an end.

Link emphasizes that with such strenuous exercise, “you have to be conscious of your dog’s physical condition.”

Deanne Collinson, a Patterson-certified canine educator and trainer, also stresses that owners need to keep a close eye on their dogs while mountain biking with them.

Any signs of heat exhaustion, such as the tongue hanging out or excess salivation, need to be carefully monitored.

Collinson also says it’s important to ride in shadier places and have plenty of water on hand.

Erik Farrell brings a camelback water bladder in his backpack, which holds three litres of water.  For longer rides, he carries a second camelback: one for him and one for Kona.

“He drinks right from the tube,” he says, describing how he ensures Kona stays hydrated.

Collinson also advises knowing the limitations of certain breeds. For example, short-nosed dogs tend to overheat faster and dachshunds often have back problems, which makes it difficult for them to climb steep hills.

Photo: Holly Hofmann/Calgary Journal

“Your dog will never outrun a cougar or a bear,” says Collinson.

Despite all that needs to be taken into consideration, Collinson re-iterates that cycling, kayaking, hiking and running are all excellent forms of exercise for a dog. She says different activities help create a well-rounded and self-confident pet that trusts his owner.

And even more, she says it’s a great form of mental stimulation: the sights, the sounds and the smells.

“City dogs aren’t necessarily used to following their noses. You take a city dog out to Canmore – with all the different textures and smells – and it’s amazing to watch them learn,” Collinson says.

As far as getting a dog started, Farrell says he first took Kona to areas with few people, and it didn’t take long for the pup to fall in love with mountain biking.

“We get back to the truck after a ride and he’s not ready to go,” he says.

While a great activity, Richard Link also underlines the legal aspect of riding with a dog. He is careful to point out that anywhere within the city limits, riding with a dog on a leash is illegal. Also, mountain biking with a dog is only legal in places that are designated off-leash areas.

Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation gives strong warnings against the possible dangers of taking a dog onto trails in the mountains, and reminds visitors to learn the laws which apply to different types of parks.

There is a listing on the Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation site that gives updates on when it is recommended not to take dogs on trails.