Learn about Breitensport Jogging Cycling Agility Canicross / CaniX Flyball with hovawarts.
Cycling with a Hovawart
Healthy Hovawarts need exercise, and a walk is not enough for most of them. Cycling with them, just one of the many dog sports, can help burn off some of their excess energy. If I just walk my Hovawarts, it isn't really adequate for them. If they do not get enough exercise, one of them in particular paces about, brings me toys of all sorts to throw and generally makes a nuisance of herself. It's not her fault; she is a Hovawart and needs a job to do.
If you decide to cycle with your Hovawart, do not just hop on the bike and go; train your dog as you would in any other activity. Common sense rules about having your dog health checked before you begin apply. There are products available that allow you to attach a lead to the bicycle, keeping the dog away from the wheels and preventing accidents caused by holding the dog's lead in your hand on the handlebars.
Begin by training, accustoming your hovawart to the bicycle, slowly and methodically.
Firstly, with your dog on a lead walk up to the bike, stand and hold the bike, point to it, invite the dog to sniff it. He has probably never paid any attention to a bike before, so it's important he isn't afraid. With your Hovawart next to the bike, walk forward and encourage him to walk next to the bicycle. When you walk forward, give a command such as: "name of dog, let's go. Walk". "Let's go" can mean move forward with me on my bike and "walk" could mean the speed of a walking pace.
As you progress, teach other words of command, for example: slow, fast, right, left and (stop) wait. When you are riding on the bike, you will have only your voice to guide and control your Hovawart. Walk at a normal pace with the bike between you and your dog. Change pace, turn corners, and weave back and forth. If he is distracted, call him and regain his attention and when he pays attention, give him enthusiastic verbal praise.
When he consistently and attentively walks with you as you walk the bike, create some distractions. Walk the bike up the curb a few times. Walk over grass, concrete, asphalt, dirt and gravel, shake the bike so it rattles as much as it would over a bumpy surface.
When he seems comfortable, attach him to the bike and repeat all of the training. Don't rush the training, it may seem as though this is being over cautious, but when you are riding the bike, you will only have verbal control over him, if he panics, you could both be in trouble. Try to eliminate potential problems while your feet are still on the ground, take your time. When your hovawart can handle all the challenges, finaly attach the lead and mount your bike.
Again, begin slowly, allowing him to get used to your being on the bike. Use the verbal commands to guide him. If he gets too excited, teach him "Easy' or "Steady" and use the brakes to slow the dog. Make several very short rides in a safe place to practice the all skills he learned in the walking phase of the training. When you are satisfied with his competence and responses, take him for a short run (1km or less) alongside your bike.
Build the dog's fitness gradually as you would your own. Start with a ride of about one kilometer at a comfortable trotting pace for the hovawart. Gradually increase the distance of your rides, keeping at a comfortable jogging speed. Over the months as your dog becomes fit, you can increase the speed a little, but do not allow him to gallop at full stretch for long periods.
Dogs can develop sore muscles just like humans. If he appears to be stiff and sore, a massage can help loosen the muscles. Have him lie on the floor, sit or kneel behind him and, starting at his head and neck, gently massage the muscles. As the dog relaxes, work down his neck to the shoulders and legs, and continue to his hips. He might even fall asleep during the massage. Keep it gentle.
Inspect his pads. If he spends most of his time on grass, the pads may be soft and will need gradual exposure to rough surfaces to toughen them. Most active Hovawarts enjoy cycling and sometimes they enjoy it so much they don't let you know when they have a problem. It's up to you to make sure the hard surface isn't burning his pads or gravel isn't cutting his feet.
In hot weather, exercise him only in the early morning or late evening. Always carry water on your bike for both of you. Watch for any signs of stress, and stop immediately when he needs to rest. Vary the route so he does not get bored. Go along a river or canal, go to the beach and watch the waves, most hovawarts love swimming. Remember that salty water will leave his coat sticky, so a fresh water 'dip' after the salty one is in order. As you cycle talk to him encouraging him, keeping his attention on you, enjoy the time you spend together, keeping it special.
