Time for walkies, Gromit!

[deza]

I walk Guinness at least once a day, usually twice, unless it's raining. He also goes out to the dog park if not every day, then every other day for a good romp. If we don't, he starts playing too hard with the kids--we've already had a few way-too-hard nips due to over-excitement.

Now that I've got a diagnosis of Really Bad Foot Issues (TM) and I'm supposed to minimize exercise-type walking to avoid jarring my spine, walking Guinness has become something of a challenge. I'm debating what to do about this. So far I've come up with (a)get a treadmill (still don't know where I'd put it) and work him out on that, or (b)dig out Dad's old wheelchair and have Guinness pull me through the neighborhood. I'm sure that would make for some entertaining pictures. Bike riding is out, as he'd need to be on a leash and i'd be panicked about him getting tangled up the whole time. I can't get the kids to do it, since Guinness really doesn't respect them enough to behave for them unless I'm tagging along. We're working on that.

Any other suggestions for ways to walk a dog without actually walking?


ETA: Has anyone ever tried a Springer or related product? Opinions?

Comments

[maradydd.livejournal.com]

What about a recumbent bike or trike? Easier on the joints, and I think you'd have an easier time keeping hold of a leash, too.

[deza.livejournal.com]

There's an idea. I'll have to ask xydexx if it's practical.

[xydexx.livejournal.com]

Sorry for the delayed reply. IANAD, but I think a recumbent bike or trike would give you back support while exercising.

I would not recommend walking a dog while riding, however, as it would be easy to tip over (especially on a bike).

[ari-griffin.livejournal.com]

Here are some ideas. I'm thinking about getting into biking with Abby, a large mix, and Pepper, an Australian Shepherd/Black Lab.

http://www.dogplay.com/Activities/harness.html

[jenandbronze.livejournal.com]

I've heard good reviews about the Springer, but haven't seen it before. Another product to consider is a Halti or Gentle Leader. It looks like a muzzle but doesnt act like a muzzle, since the dog can still chew, swallow, whatever. The purpose is to be able to have control of the head and all that, if that makes any sense. It slows down the dog... most dogs don't like it since the material robs on the nose a bit.

That's what I can think of... what breed is the dog?

[deza.livejournal.com]

We already use a halti. :) Otherwise ha chokes himself to death on his collar. The problem I'm having isn't control, it's a combination of I'm not supposed to walk more than necessary and making sure he gets enough exercise. He's actually a sweetheart on the halti--he loves stopping to say hi to the neighborhood kids.

He's half doberman, half unknown (momma was pregnant when she was adopted from the pound). He looks like pure dobie, even though his ears and tail are natural.