[Closed] Trail dogs make me nervous

somewhere not full of fast moving blokes on bikes?

Sexist.

It’s the new cool thing to have, dangerous for other trail users (especially trail centres!) but you just wait for the dog owner backlash to come in a few posts, self entitled bunch of selfish twerps they are. 😂

I have similar feelings. You may trust your dog implicitly, but I don't, which makes me a little nervous and extra cautious around them.

Not enough to test the boundaries of the Dangerous Dogs Act, but when I see trail dogs on some of the more local blue trails which have young families on them, I wonder how wise it is.

Depends on the location, I won't take my dog to Glentress on a weekend but we have no problems at the golfie.

Given that you refer to dedicated mountain bike trails, I assume you mean trail centres. I’d agree with you that such a venue is no place for an accompanying dog, regardless of how well it is trained.

If, however, out for a ride in the countryside, then I see no reason for not taking a well trained pooch along for some fun and company.

They make me smile.

I'm not a fan either TBH, definitely not at a busy trail centre type place but then I tend to avoid them at peak times anyway.

Everyone seems to reckon their dog is well trained, even the ones that run in front of/at you and jump up barking aggressively.

I suspect the average STWer won’t be riding fast enough to trigger the prey instinct.

I suspect the average STWer won’t be riding

colp I think that's what you meant to write.

Like Drac they make me smile always feel 100% better for setting a dog. But can understand that for some places and people they are less suitable. Plus some dogs are super well trained some are just good at staying kinda of with the owner, which isn't really a well trained trail dog it's just a well trained dog coming with the owner as they would if it was a walk, which is were you tend to get the dogs appearing from know where.

I take mine to the local woods, but only midweek when it’s incredibly rare to encounter another rider. He’s a chocolate lab, more interested in puddles, mud and fox poo than he is in other riders.
I’d never consider taking him to a trail centre though. Just wouldn’t be fun or fair on him....he’s a fat knacker so is slow uphill!
I completely get other people’s reservations and do my best to keep out of other riders way.

Well trained dog and responsible owner = no problem. I once saw a few lads riding with an obviously untrained pup/young dog at a trail centre on a busy Sunday morning, the 3 of them set off ahead of our group, all of them failing to spot the dog charging off in the opposite direction. Around 10 mins later as we got to the end of the trail we found 1 of them walking up looking for his dog so I explained what had happened. He actually complained that WE hadn't caught HIS dog and coaxed it to follow US down the trail, before admitting it was the FIRST time the dog had been out without a lead and they had travelled for 2hrs to get there that morning. To this day I don't know if he ever found the dog( which almost caused a few others to fall as it ran back down the trail they had just ridden up) but after he'd admitted they rode the entire descent without noticing it wasn't there had to accept it wasn't the time or place for a dogs 1st bike ride

I used to ride a lot with my dog when she was younger. Mainly on natural routes in the Peaks and around Hebden. Also a few times at Llandegla. I do appreciate the thoughts above. I get that not everybody is a  dog person and can feel uneasy and/or intimidated around large dogs (even dogs of any size,  imho you're more likely to be nipped by a small terrier type dog than most large ones), particularly oes that aren't on the lead. In fairness I've never had an issue with dog or other riders whilst out with her. I've had dogs all my life, she's well trained and just follows the bike. She couldn't care less about other riders/bikes other than saying hello at the trailhead. Only potential issue would be if she saw a cat!

Bear in mind that dog owners like me are as concerned about (or should be) the potential for sheep worrying (& attendant farmers armed to the teeth) as anything else. If I know my dog is good in a field full of sheep (she is) then a biker isn't even half an issue.

She's too old for such antics now and with regard to any future trailhounds, whether I take them with me or not will be subject to the sheep test. If he/she is okay with that then they're fine pretty much anywhere..

In answer to your question, given you can't stop people taking their dogs I'd suggest observe and take action where appropriate. If dog is gamely following bike on descents, and trotting along happily next to bike on ascents I'd ignore. If dog is charging around harassing people and not responding to commands I'd have a word with the owner. Usually "I'd be grateful if you could put your dog on a lead" will suffice. If not "You're legally responsible for the actions if your dog and if you can't recall it pretty much straight away you should have it on a lead you d1ckh3@d" will do the trick.

Remember, the vast, vast, vast majority of dogs are human loving bundles of fur and mud and present no threat to you at all (unlike some of their owners..)

If I think of the number of times I've felt anxious or nervous of others on the trail, it's more commonly people rather than dogs that cause those feelings.

Our dog, if she wants to say hello to someone, will sit facing towards them, and then look to me for permission. If they want to say hello to my dog, I'll tell her to say hello and over she goes with a wiggly bum. Otherwise, she's on me the whole time.

We don't take her to busy trail centres (and very rarely trail centres at all), not because I don't trust her, more that I don't trust people.

Whenever I encounter a loose dog running on mountain bike trails, it makes the hairs on my back stand up.

I'm the same.

It doesn't help that I've had a few bad experiences with dogs over the years, both while on the bike and normally. I've had my nan's dog turn on me and try to rip my left ear off while I was sat there reading a book, a farmer's dogs attack me as I rode through the farmyard (straddles a minor road as you come down from the Gap in the Beacons), a walker's dog bite my ankle as I held the gate open for them in the Gower, a big dog chase me down the road I was riding along back home when I was young and a dog recently put me over-the-bars at Glyncorrwg when it decided to take a Strava line and went under my front wheel.

I like dogs (prefer cats) and get on fine with ones I know, even seeing a good trail dog is great as long as it's well-behaved. Whenever the weekend riding thread comes up and Tracey puts up a picture of her and her dog out it makes me smile. But whenever I come across one while out on the bike I do get nervous, especially if it's a dog I don't know. If I come up behind one on the trail I'll hang back a bit or wait for the rider to let me past safely. My previous experiences with dogs just make me automatically nervous and the worst thing someone can say is 'Oh, he's harmless.' or words to that effect. Owners have to understand that not everyone is a dog-lover or comfortable round strange dogs. As for trail dogs at trail centres? If it's even remotely busy just don't take them. I've seen dogs get over stimulated and become uncontrollable and other people give them a wide berth. You may know for sure that your dog is 100% safe in that environment but when they are excited and jumping around, as dogs do, then people like me are going to be wary. If it's a quiet time then there's room to be away from others and be safe, if it's busy then problems will arise at some point.

Seeing dogs and their owners out enjoying the outdoors is great but please remember that not everyone likes dogs and some people get nervous. Be responsible.

Taking a dog to a trail centre is about as mindlessly selfish as you can get.
In the great outdoors in general of course it’s fair game.

For me, the whole “my dog is well behaved and perfect” mentality adopted by a lot of dog owners is so sad. I was brought up with dogs, my dad was born blind so we always had guide dogs. You don’t get much better trained than guide dogs but the important thing was that lots of people don’t feel safe/comfortable around dogs so we would never inflict them on anyone.
Don’t get me started on those dog owners who firmly believe that signs requesting dogs be kept on a lead doesn’t apply to them or the dreaded poo/in bag on footpaths that is so common around here 😞

not met a "trail dog" yet that didn't get in my way. Totally irresponsible

I ride 90% of the time with my dog. Have done for the last nine years.
As has one of my riding chums, regularly

I don't ride trail centres though I occasional ride Pitfichie, Aberdeenshire with him, otherwise my riding is off piste and with the exception of the odd horse we have met. I have had never had any issues.

I agree taking a dog onto a trail centre is irresponsible and dangerous for all. As a dog owner it would make me very nervous too.

ich is desininated would never take hime to a trailcentre, though I

It’s the new cool thing to have, dangerous for other trail users (especially trail centres!) but you just wait for the dog owner backlash to come in a few posts, self entitled bunch of selfish twerps they are.

It's been a thing for years

Makes you wonder how many times you can say "he's never done that before" before there is an epiphany

I've just reread this thread but replaced "dog" with "child". Doesn't apply to all, obviously. No one has been bitten by a child on a trail, but they do leave child poop behind. But it makes some of the comments very interesting.

Usually “I’d be grateful if you could put your dog on a lead” will suffice. If not “You’re legally responsible for the actions if your dog and if you can’t recall it pretty much straight away you should have it on a lead you d1ckh3@d” will do the trick.

Sorry but that is nothing like my experience of dog owners in scenarios like this, this with the dogs out of control are the most self righteous. Not even worth speaking to them.

This thread is useless without TJ.

Each to their own...I don't own a dog (but live in a house with a dog) - I'd love a trail dog/really can't stand the thought of a trail dog.
The well behaved ones have always made me think it would be good to have...likewise the ones that aren't always make me question why someone thinks they are a good idea.
I'm now at the stage where as long as I don't have to stop because of the animal then it is all good stuff.
However, there are some that are terrible, which always gives the rest a bad reputation.

Taking a dog to a trail centre is about as mindlessly selfish as you can get.

This, especially this. I will be able to ride from the door with mine when he's older if he gets on with it. I'll not be persisting if he's any trouble to me as bike riding is my fun time and an extra for the dog. The last 3 haven't been keen and never went for rides with me after a couple of tries.

I’ve just reread this thread but replaced “dog” with “child”. Doesn’t apply to all, obviously. No one has been bitten by a child on a trail, but they do leave child poop behind. But it makes some of the comments very interesting.

Dogs aren't people or children despite what some dog owners believe. They are dogs.

I dislike trail dogs on dedicated mountain bike trails. I've been bitten by a dog on a trail. I've also had some run close to me whilst on riding. It's selfish. On bridleways and what not it's fair game but bike trails should be just for humans on bikes, be it adult, novice, pro or child learning to ride. Just not dog babies.

On par with those with Bluetooth speakers blaring music. Utter inconsiderate bellends.
Seeing a prick with a dog at Aston hill, a DH site did it for me.

Don't like dogs.

Don't like trail-dogs even more so.

But that is not dog's fault that it is a dog. It is owner's fault not to be considerate enough prior. Either on training of dog or making up decision to take/not to take dog to the ride.

Cheers!
I.

I have no issue if they are well trained

A big old meh from me.

I consider even trailcentres to be open to everyone (being in Scotland they are) i've had more near misses from people pushing bikes up trails and red squirrels in Glentress.

I prefer a dog and one rider so i know who is giving the orders and can track them both as best i can. If you know there is a dog about you should be watching your speed anyway that should prevent the majority of issues.

A dug coming to say high at a rest point is always a welcome distraction.

Actual out of control dogs is a different matter and the same rule applies every where.

Never owned a dog. Actually considering one but no interest in taking it cycling unless it fancies pulling me up the hills.

new thing

Yeah, so new that my trail dog died of old age a year ago. Well new that.
Hope someone’s mentioned poo bags in trees. Wouldn’t be a dog thread without it.

Somebody once said, a dog ruins a good bike ride, and a bike ruins a good dog walk.
That's pretty much how I feel.
Used to love riding but have gone full time doggist now and, since I live alone, have have had to accept it's one or the other for me.
Never actually got bitten but had some really nasty experiences with out of control dogs getting themselves worked up at the sight of spinning wheels. It always seemed to be my fault according to the beepbeepbeep dog owner too.
Never actually had a problem with a trail dog but I often thought they looked absolutely knackered which brings me back to my first point.

Well behaved trail dog riding to heel in a quiet area = no problem.
Otherwise, a stupid idea.

I’d agree with you that such a venue is no place for an accompanying dog, regardless of how well it is trained.

If, however, out for a ride in the countryside, then I see no reason for not taking a well trained pooch along for some fun and company.

This ^

I take mine (Irish Setter) occasionally with me for a ride round Stainburn/Norwood Edge and she instinctively seemed to know to run alongside me on fire roads and behind on singletrack. However she has no consideration for other people and would happily run in front of other bikes so it wouldn't be much fun for me or her at a trail centre.

I think it's incredibly selfish to go riding with a dog anywhere you're likely to encounter other bikes. Having seen our puppy get it's leg mangled in a bike wheel when I was a kid, I keep well away for their safety and feel sorry for the knackered dog. I wouldn't want a dog of mine running for the amount of time I usually ride on the kind of terrain I like to ride, I'd imagine it's pretty hard on their paws and quite cruel.

Was at Llandegla once, and helped a bloke up who had been knocked off by a dog. He was fuming, and said if I saw it, do him favour and give it a good kick up the arse. I caught up with his riding palat the end of the section so told him what had happened. Priceless response was,

'Yeah, it's not the first time that's happened. I don't know why he insists on bringing the bloody thing' 😳😁

Which trail hound for emtb?

I saw a group with a dog following at Cannock the other week.
Ironically they were on the Monkey trail.

We've wanted a dog for years, but only recently have our circumstances been so we could adequately manage one. We now have a 3 month old border collie pup. One of the main considerations when it came to breed was one that could be trained to run with my wife and come out on the bike with me. Will be training him towards both these objectives over the next year to 18 months. We wanted a dig with the fitness and intelligence to do this well.

Trail dogs make me happy. If I had doubts about him I wouldn't do it though - disk brakes and dogs wouldn't mix well.

Just need the thing to stop trying to herd me everywhere like a sheep 😀

This is hardly a new fad though - I've seen people doing this for years over on the Surrey hills.

I wouldn’t want a dog of mine running for the amount of time I usually ride on the kind of terrain I like to ride, I’d imagine it’s pretty hard on their paws and quite cruel.

Surely, you'd adjust your time, speed and terrain for the dog??

To slightly re iterate my earlier post:
A true trail dog, one that's trained to run in front of or behind their owner on the trail, trained to ignore other animals and smells and of course be good with people, no real problem, just another body on the trail.
BUT the problem comes when, and what most people are talking about is dogs on a trail with a rider. They are two different things. You can have a well trained dog but that doesn't mean a good trail dog.
I think too many people are just lazily taking their dog without training it or taking a dog that's not suitable. I knew in about a week or rescuing my dog that he was unlikely to be a trail dog. Although he's fit and a good body type for it he likes to stop and sniff, run in circles, play with other dogs chase balls and I could train him to be a trail dog but it would be selfish and he would never be ideal for either of us.
So many people would be much better off taking their dog for a good walk and going on their own for a ride than trying to combine the two.
Also doubt the suitability of a trail centers hard packed conditions for a lot of dogs to run on. The extra stress on joint and paws is not great.

Can't disagree with any of that

I have no issue if they are well trained

Thing is, you never know that until it's too late.
It's not about the well trained dogs. It's about the idiot owners who haven't trained the dogs and it's about everyone else who has had a bad experience. I used to be pro trail dogs. Now I've had too many bad experiences solo and with a dog on a leash.
While your dog might be the best trained dog in the world, all the idiots have made it where I will not take 'he's friendly' as an assurance.

I’m happy to ride off piste in the FofD with my dogs, but there’s no way I’d take them to somewhere like Cannop. That’s just daft.