Dogs

Springer Makes Biking Your Dog Safer & More Fun

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Gone are the days of holding the leash while I bike the dogs. My new Springer bike attachment for exercising the dogs is a wonderful invention; now it's much easier for us to ride together.

Until Global Pet Expo, I had not actually seen one of these gadgets, although I was aware of their existence. Today I'll share with you a bit about how it works, in layman's terms. Or maybe I should call it laywoman's terms. Ah, who am I kidding. You're going to get the dummed-down version.

Apparently the engineering behind this contraption is pretty significant. It's got a gigantic spring (thus the name) that actually pulls the dog back toward the bike if he happens to pull away, as if to chase a squirrel, or perhaps a girl. There's also a breakaway gizmo to make sure Fido doesn't try to run around the bike and kill you both. Just as it sounds, the breakaway thingy will bust if Fido does a 360, and he'll be loose to free you from certain death. That may sound funny to you, but imagine having your pup run in front of you or behind you, causing a nasty fall and wreckage that could imitate something from an interstate highway pileup. I love the safety features built into this Springer, even if I have to call them gizmos and thingys!

You may be wondering if this gadget is too complicated to install on your own bike. Apparently not! I handed the box to hubby and in a matter of minutes he was back in the house announcing the job was done. "Seriously, I asked? Will I kill myself on this thing? How could you have gotten it properly attached so quickly?" After major assurance that all was in working order, Tanner and I climbed aboard, adding a short attachment to the connector to help him adapt to the shorter length of the Springer's leash. After all, we've been using a 4-6 ft. leash to bike for 4 years, so he deserved a little distance from the gizmo until we were both sure he'd be comfortable with the idea.

I gave Oliver the same consideration, although he is a bit less concerned about his proximity to the bike. On the other hand, he's also 60 lbs. smaller than Tanner, so I decided to give him the extra distance as well. He took off like a sled dog and was pulling me around the neighborhood. Let's be clear; this is a 10 lb. dog we're talking about--a Papillon with the finest bones around. He was thoroughly enjoying himself as we returned back home to get his photo snapped for this post.

At Springer's website you can get just about any question you may have about this contraption answered. They have specs, installation help, tips, FAQs, contact info, online ordering, owner info and all sorts of other good stuff like videos of people riding the Springer. You can also visit their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter to learn more and ask questions.

Speaking of videos, maybe you'd like to see Tanner and Oliver in action? These short clips were taken by me while* riding with the dogs; that's how easy it is:
*Disclaimer: Don't try this at home with your Bull Mastiff, or even your Chihuahua. Leave it for the professionals, and no, I don't know any.

Looks like fun, huh? It is. Maybe you're wondering what I enjoy most about biking the dogs. I'll tell you; it's a tie between two of my favorite features of using the Springer. One is I get our exercise taken care of much faster than if I walk. That's a huge plus when I'm working these crazy, full-time blogger hours. We're not bankers. :(

My second favorite thing is that while we're riding I get a nice breeze because of the speed. This makes the riding much cooler than walking, which is a huge benefit for me. I'm a total wuss when it comes to the heat.

Now that I've got you all revved up to put a Springer on your bike, I should tell you how to get one. Their website sells them, and you'll be right there where you can get all your installation questions and specs taken care of. Just click the link and you're there. If you have questions after you've read the installation info and FAQs, hit the Contact form and send Shell a quick email. He's very friendly and helpful.

One last option? Okay, let's do a giveaway. That was a commercial by the way; the giveaway will begin on Thursday. Be here if you want to enter.

If you'd rather just order your own, the link is right there--two paragraphs up. Let us know how you enjoy your Springer, and don't forget to tell Springer where you learned about them. Happy riding!

Full disclosure: I lucked up and met Shell at Global Pet Expo, where he gave me a review sample so that I could write this review. I was not paid to review the Springer and the opinions here are my own thoughts about the thingys and the gizmos. There is no purchase necessary to enter the giveaway, and you are not obligated to enter it. This giveaway is limited to U.S. addresses only. For more information, see my Giveaway and Contest Rules page.

- Active Dog Lovers Worked Hard To Win A Springer
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © A. Boyko It's Springer Time!Here we are almost at New Years and it certainly looks like there are a lot of you plotting your resolutions. From cleaner dog teeth, to greener cleanup, to exercising Fido, all of my giveaways...

- Summer Dog Walks: Keeping Your Dog Cool
by Carrie Boyko, CEB © Carrie Boyko Wet Dogs Stay Cooler on the WalkKeeping Fido cool during your Summer dog walks may seem an impossibility if you have a particularly thick-coated dog. I have a few tricks up my sleeve I'd like to share, so you...

- Biking With Your Dog: Fun And Fitness For Both Of You
Tanner Gets His ExerciseMore Quickly with the Bike Summer is a time when people all over my area get outdoors a lot in the evening. Afternoons swelter near 100 degrees, but early mornings are a wonderful time to bike with Tanner and Oliver. Tanner...

- Is A Springer Spaniel Right Regarding You? - Family - Pets
Springer Spaniels help make excellent family pet dogs for just a lots of causes and when a different a dog, it is best to give this breed a superb look. Whether you're planning to acquire or perhaps adopt, it can be worth your time and energy to...

- How To Run A Dog On A Bike
Exercising is usually more fun when you have a partner, regardless of its species. Man's best friend not only usually enjoys a workout session, but often requires one to keep both its mind and body healthy. One way to exercise your dog and benefit...

Dogs