Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Dogger Jogger Review

Different breeds (and mixes) require different activity levels.  There are several other factors, including age, climate, and predisposition.  Some Sibes are couch potatoes, just as some Basset Hounds require loads of exercise. 



We regularly walk our three dogs, with the walks being anywhere from one to six or more miles in length, and they have plentiful backyard playtime. But, some dogs just need to run.  While I enjoy the occasional jog, there is no way I could run at a pace that would tire out my dogs, particularly Bruce and Faolan. 



There are dog sports that encourage a dog to run, while basically pulling a human on a device of some sort.  Dog sledding is the most commonly thought of these. 



Bikejoring is a sport picking up in popularity, and a dog (or dogs) are connected to the front end of a sturdy bicycle and allowed to pull it. 




Bikejor I
Photo courtesy of Anthony DeLorenzo.






Skijoring is a similar sport, but as opposed to being attached to the bicycle, the dogs are actually attached to the person on skis.




Skijoring 8
Photo courtesy of Photobobil.




I have long been interested in biking alongside my dogs, and even attempted it once with Neeko, by holding her leash.  It didn't go well, and lasted about 27 seconds.  I had no control over her, and she decided to go an opposite direction, nearly pulling me and the bike over.



Various devices exist that attach to the frame of a bicycle to secure a dog for running.  Most of these seem to be made of metal/alloys, and attach high on the frame.  Visions of Bruce (or Neeko, or Faolan) pulling me over, and causing injury to both of us danced through my head, so I never pursued them.



This past weekend, while at the Great Indy Pet Expo, I was introduced to the Dogger Jogger, and was immediately interested in it.  The nice reps there had two bikes with them, and allowed Faolan and I to go outside and test it out.  The bike was a bit too large for me, and I wasn't super comfortable on it, but I will say that at no point did I feel out of control or that Faolan could pull me over. 













I came home with a Dogger Jogger, and decided to initially test it out on Bruce.



It consists of three sturdy nylon pieces, with the clip that connects to a dogs collar enforced with an elastic area to give the dog feedback.  The Dogger Jogger should only be used with flat collars or standard (non-training) harnesses.











I was initially a bit overwhelmed about connecting everything, but the instruction manual provided clear directions with illustrations, and it took me no time at all.


















We clipped Bruce to it, and he and Les went for a ride.
















Bruce was a bit skeptical at first, but after a few minutes figured it out.  Les was riding a lightweight road bike, and stated at no time did he feel uncomfortable or unsafe.  The nylon straps are easily adjustable, so that the dog cannot somehow get in front of the bike, and run the risk of being hit by the cyclist.



An added bonus is that two of the pieces clip together to make a leash, in the event that the dog needs a potty break, or to walk the dog into the house afterwards.  The leash is easily made, and the entire time the dog is either connected to the bike or the human. 








I am very impressed with the Dogger Jogger, and weather permitting, will be regularly using it with both Bruce and Faolan.

Disclaimer-I was provided with free product in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are strictly my own.

9 comments:

  1. Sounds like a fun activity with Bruce! Impressed with the Dogger Jogger.

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  2. What a great idea for a product and a fun way to spend time with the dogs!

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  3. Sounds like a fun and tiring activity for the dogs. I don't think it would work with Dina as she was almost hit by a bike once and isn't too sure but we're getting better.

    Dina Mom

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  4. I bet Beamer would love that!

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  5. I used to bike with Ace in his younger years. He's a bit slow for a bike now, but I've taken other dogs biking - some with a leash attachment and some where I just hold the leash. I'm kind of torn on whether or not I prefer to hold the leash or not. I guess it depends on the dog.

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  6. Oooooo, that is interestin'....Ma likes that the doggie can't run in front of the bike, butts Ma isn't too sure that I wouldn't see a tree rat and pull her down!! BOL
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  7. I tried riding the bike with Rocco before, but he didn't really like it. He prefers to sprint, rather than run for a prolonged period of time. When we go for hikes he'll usually run full speed for couple of minutes and then settle into a brisk walk.

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  8. Sounds like fun! It sure seems like a great way to give a dog a good workout, even when he can't be off-leash. I mountain bike with my dogs all the time... but we live in the middle of a National Forest where they can run without leashes.

    I liked the covered spokes on Les' bike. With Bruce so close to those spokes, the cover seems like a great idea.

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  9. My husband bikes and if Norbert was younger us consider biking with him but at age 11 his arthritis us an issue and he us a bit leery of bikes I think it might be too much 4 a pug plus they r too small it's a great idea though and looks fun!!!!
    Urban hounds

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Thanks for the howls!!