We have a 4-year old rescue husky, who I figured could use some exercise. Sometimes when I let her out in the yard she will run around like a crazy animal, making noise, I call it talking to herself. Granted she doesn't do this for a long period of time, but huskies are supposed to be active breed dogs, right?

I looked online and it seems like a lot of people have success biking with their dogs. I bought the walky dog bike attachment to try it out. There are a bunch of rails-to-trails around where we are so we brought her and the bikes down and she seemed OK with it at first. Then it seemed like she didn't want to go anymore. The trails are a bit rocky so we figured maybe her paws were hurting. We didn't go very far, maybe 1 mile since she isn't used to it.

Later I had my bf take her around the neighborhood on the sidewalk, which is also around 1 mile, and she stopped a couple times like she didn't want to go any further. She also refused to drink any water until we were home.

Do we have a crazy husky that just doesn't like to run?

We got her from animal control but they knew her back story and she came from a sketchy pet store that is known for selling dogs with issues. She has to be on phenobarbital and potassium bromide to prevent cluster seizures. Maybe her joints can't handle running?

She has her annual vet appointment in a couple days and we'll ask her about it. But I was curious about other husky owners thoughts?

you may be trying to far too soon. I've just started with my dog and we go at a slow pace for biking that is a trot for him. It lasts for about 5 minutes before he's done. I'm guessing it's maybe 3/4 mile - just loops in front of my house and neighbors down the road. Also, it's really warm - people here say a maximum of 60° F or less.

How long have you had your rescue? Is she really comfortable with you guys?

I would also just do little spurts and when she wants to stop just turn around and head home. Some days my boys just don't want to run, and like Amy said it might just be the hotter weather. In the fall if you keep working on this she might really surprise you and go really fast! A lot of the time I find my boys don't want to bike unless they are with each other, not suggesting that you get another dog, but together they run a lot, and separated they go at their own slow leisure so that could be it she just doesn't see the urgency.

How long has she been on her seizure meds? One of mine is on seizure meds as well, and if she hasn't been on them very long, you could be right in that she is still adjusting, but if she is used to them and her body has acclimated to the drugs, those meds should not be the problem, I would think.

In addition, I like to ride on the edge of the sidewalk so my dog can run on the grass, much easier on the pads, if you have grass.

siku&nikolai wrote:

How long have you had your rescue? Is she really comfortable with you guys?

I would also just do little spurts and when she wants to stop just turn around and head home. Some days my boys just don't want to run, and like Amy said it might just be the hotter weather. In the fall if you keep working on this she might really surprise you and go really fast! A lot of the time I find my boys don't want to bike unless they are with each other, not suggesting that you get another dog, but together they run a lot, and separated they go at their own slow leisure so that could be it she just doesn't see the urgency.

How long has she been on her seizure meds? One of mine is on seizure meds as well, and if she hasn't been on them very long, you could be right in that she is still adjusting, but if she is used to them and her body has acclimated to the drugs, those meds should not be the problem, I would think.

We have had her for a couple years so I don't think that is the issue. I tried just taking her down the road last night and she runs for a little but then it's just like she's over it. Maybe she would rather walk so that she can sniff the grass. Perhaps she would prefer a longer cord so she isn't so close to the bike. Maybe it's her paws, maybe it's the harness. I have no idea. But I hate to spend any more money swapping harnesses etc... if she isn't going to be interested in doing this.

coveredinhuskyhair wrote:

I tried just taking her down the road last night and she runs for a little but then it's just like she's over it. Maybe she would rather walk so that she can sniff the grass. Perhaps she would prefer a longer cord so she isn't so close to the bike. Maybe it's her paws, maybe it's the harness. I have no idea. But I hate to spend any more money swapping harnesses etc... if she isn't going to be interested in doing this.

Instead of having her run, try biking just fast enough so she's at a slow trot? At least at first? Imagine that you have been inactive all your life and your trainer wanted you to run sprints for 30 minutes...

I don't know - I'm just starting this with Ami and it's warm, so it's very intermittent.

Hi
I've only just started biking with my boy on a bike attachment and he doesn't flat out run either
I've been keeping him at a steady trot like Amy suggested and after nearly two weeks of daily short bike rides he is only just starting to show the inclination to go faster than a trot. He will break out into a run for 30 seconds or so at a time then settle down again. He is certainly not lacking in energy lol the kid is crazy! I think he is just getting comfy with the bike that's all so maybe your girl is doing the same? Just stick with it and maybe eventually it will all come together

I agree with the others, ease into it a lot more slowly, and make every experience more fun! Make sure you quit while you're ahead, if that means a 3 min slow ride around the col de sac, so be it. If you want to eventually be able to do longer (30 min) rides with her, you need to make sure that it's always fun at the beginning. You don't want her to build an association with the bike and pain (running too far or hard) or frustration (you getting frustrated with her going slow). It's like a kid learning to play the piano, you teach them fun happy songs they recognize first and let them practice a few minutes a day, you don't start with drilling scales for 2 hours....

Those drugs are basically 'depressants'. Maybe she gets too tired to run?
So sorry to hear about your doggie Hope you can find some natural remedies or dietary changes that work!

massak wrote:

 Hope you can find some natural remedies or dietary changes that work!

Could you clarify what you mean about this for me?

(orig comments removed)
Hope your husky doggies get better! They are the best dogs alive!

Okay thats what I thought you meant and honestly I find it very offensive and until you live with a dog who has epilepsy, I dont think this is something that you should speculate on and say I hope you can find a diet and natural suppliments that will.help work or whatever. Thats not how epilepsy always works. I tried everything before we went to.medicine, I changed diet from different kibbles to raw, tried suppliments, took out all herbs from his food, acupuncture, eveything I could possibly think of and nothing helped and he continued to have seizures and medicine was the last choice, we also do titer tests for vaccines as well and do not over vaccinate. Its great that you have done all this research and its great to share, but i dont think that you should only say that stuff and almost put down the people who had to choose medicine because epilepsy is such a diffrent for each pet.

Again im probably being over sensative, but that is how I feel and how I took what you are saying.

Yeah. Agree with Erica here. The OP asked about biking, not your personal opinion about using medication for a somewhat serious condition that can be controlled with medication. If you want to start a thread in the nutrition section and share some of what you have researched that's great, but since the question had nothing to do with soliciting advice on judgements or opinions about medication or vaccination it's not appropriate to state that on this topic.