Mountain biking is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports in today's society. It's no surprise that pet owners are realizing a short ride is a fun and healthy activity to share with their dog. However, before starting your riding program check with your veterinarian to make sure your dog is physically able to participate in such a demanding activity.

Take plenty of time to train your dog properly and have the proper equipment on hand before beginning your ride to prevent serious injuries. Mountain biking is a very physically demanding activity for both you and your dog; therefore all precautions should be taken to ensure a pleasant and healthy ride.
Begin with a very short ride, increasing it as the dog becomes accustomed to running with a bike. Dogs older than six months should be ready to be trained to run alongside you. Start with short loops around the park or an oval-shaped trail or roadway.

Some mountain bikers use a lead for their dogs and some do not. For maximum safety, a flexible bar which is attached to your bicycle and extends outward can be helpful, as it keeps the dog safely away from your bicycle. Only the most obedient and alert dogs should run alongside the bicycle without a lead. A dog-tracking collar is another great tool to ensure the safety of your dog in the event it finds something interesting and decides to investigate.

Train your dog to go on the same side of telephone poles and trees as your bike. You should practice signaling your dog if it gets too close to your front tire or other bicyclists by using a whistle or some sort of command that the dog will recognize quickly. It is important to constantly check for natural and man-made hazards along the roadway or trail which can hurt your dog's feet, such as sharp rocks, branches, drains, drainage pipes, broken glass, nails, sharp gravel or hot pavement.

When you and your dog are ready to try a mountain bike trail, be sure to check and make sure that dogs are allowed on the trail. Start out on a short trail, just one or two miles, before trying the longer trail, and bring plenty of water for both of you. Progress slowly until you can ride and your dog can run alongside you for approximately eight to nine miles. When riding in a group, let others know what commands will be used for the dog in case it gets too close to others.

Your pace should be slower when you ride with your dog, especially when traveling up and down hills. For longer rides try keeping the dog on grassy or soft surfaces. Check the dog's pads often to make sure they are not damaged or worn. To avoid overheating, don't go out in the middle of the day when the temperatures are at their highest. Try riding in the early morning or late afternoon hours. Do not exercise your dog for two to three hours before or after a meal to prevent bloat, which is an abnormal accumulation of air, fluid and/or foam in the stomach, and can be fatal if not treated quickly.

It is important to note that when dogs run on unfinished roads or trails, they can take a pretty good beating. If your dog starts limping, stop immediately and check the dog's pads. Bring it home immediately and contact your veterinarian, if you find a sever cut or if an object is lodged their foot.

Finally, do remember to be considerate by cleaning up any waste your dog leaves behind. Remember mountain biking trails are made for everyone, not just you and your best friend. The experience of riding with your dog can be a wonderful for both you and your pet. Just be sure to think ahead and be prepared for whatever Mother Nature dishes out.

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