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Reply to Biking with pets. Tips?
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Tammy on 3/29/2013 11:36:20 AM:
Last year my husband and I rode over Memorial Day Weekend to Boonville during the Peddler's Jamboree. We had a great time and are going to do it again this year. However, this year we are going to get a pet trailer to pull our 2 small dogs in. I know I saw many people last year that took their dogs with them. Does anyone have any tips on biking with your dog? What to pack? Where to stop and eat that might be pet friendly? Any kind of advice is appreciated. Thanks

 
Nowan Poometoes on 3/29/2013 1:04:38 PM:
Best Tip: Leave dog at home where dog belong.

 
Ray (webmaster) on 3/30/2013 7:59:08 AM:
[several posts deleted]OK, we know exactly how "Nowan Poometoes" feels about this subject, and that his post was intended to be humorous, but he strongly feels that pets do not belong on the trail. 'nuff said.I hate playing censor, but when threads turn negative, some people shy away from using the forum entirely, or just dont even come back to this website at all. And your humble webmaster hates to lose website visitors, or leave visitors with a bad taste!Reagardless of how Nowan feels, Tammy is determined to take her dog. So, here are a few past discussions that I found on the subject:Pet link 1
Pet link 2
Pet link 3
Pet link 4Personally I would not take my dog on the trail - she barks at anything that moves, and even stuff that doesn't move. But if your dog is docile enough to ride in a trailer, and you don't let it harass the wildlife or other riders, then more power to you (and your dog).Anyone else have experience with pets on the trail?

 
Figs from Olathe, KS on 3/31/2013 9:04:31 AM:
I've not had my dog on KT, but I have had him on trails in JoCoKS where I live. He's 75 lbs and a workout, I doubt I would ever pull him in a trailer, on a gravel trail...too much work, no matter how much I love my dog.

Another concern is how my dog affects other riders. Even if a dog is well behaved, quiet and minding it's own business; some people are just nervous riding or walking around dogs. So, by buddy, Jake, would not get to go on KT.

By the way, I'll see ya at Pedaler's Jamboree, and maybe your dogs if they come along.

 
Trek on 4/1/2013 7:17:12 PM:
I used to raise/show dogs so I understand the attachment that some have to their pets. The problem with dogs in public space is generally the owner and not the animal.

What most pet owners do not understand is that not everyone thinks your dog is as cute/smart/funny/etc. that you do. Not everyone wants jumped on/licked/growled at by the cute little thing. And most of us don't like/want any involvement with your dogs stool on or near the trail or trail head.

We were riding the tandem down the hill one morning in Boonville leaving the Hotel Frederick heading west. A guy was walking a dog with a Flexi lead. I announced our approach in ample time. The guy went to the right, the dog went to the left and we were clotheslined by the leash. He claimed he didn't have fair warning we were coming. My response was that his prior warning was in part simple knowledge that he was on a public trail. He should have been more prepared and known not to clothesline someone by letting the dog go one way and him another. It was okay to me that he was walking the dog, but he was a bit of an oblivian thinking they had right to the whole trail.

Take your dog/have fun/be responsible/know that its your dog and that not everyone is as excited as you about them being there.

 
Tammy on 4/3/2013 12:14:07 PM:
Thanks for the thoughts. Yes, I know a lot of people are not pet lovers. I totally understand. I don't think it would be safe for the dog to be on a leash with the bike. That does just seem unsafe on so many different levels. My dogs are 14 lbs and LAZY. There is no way they would run. lol. We just thought that since this is going to be an overnight trip and we will be toting some things along with us, it would be ok to bring our dog along this time. I will be sure to keep in mind what you have said though about respecting others (and I am thankfully one of the owners who will "clean up" after my dog).

Thank you for the considerations, and btw, I almost did not look at this forum again, because I was just so disappointed with all of the negativity I was reading. Not only on my own post, but on a lot of others as well.