Boo and Pence Go Bikejoring with Riley

We finally had cool and dry enough weather to run the dogs on the bike and scooter this week! Temperatures were in the 40s in the evenings, with no rain, and calmer winds. We actually saw a few snow flakes in the past week!

Boo had been letting us know that his walks during warmer weather were not enough for his immense amount of energy. He wanted to RUN.

When we brought the harnesses out, both Boo and Pence were screaming to run and jumping up and down in excitement. Keep in mind that the dogs had only pulled one other time in the last 9 weeks or so due to Pence’s surgery and Boo being at Beth’s house during her recovery. So, we were all a little rusty.

We could tell that the dogs were a little out of shape, panting a little harder during the short mile or mile and a half runs than they were previously. More slobbery than usual too.

During the routes we run, we use commands “gee” and “haw” to tell the dogs to go right and left. Pence, being a leader, knows these commands well. However, she definitely responds to a deeper voice better than a higher-pitched voice. Boo has picked up on these commands in the last few months by following Pence’s lead and because he knows the routes well.

Pence is very smart…sometimes too smart for her own good. It’s like she always knows where the house is, even when we leave on foot, bike, or in the car if we don’t go too terribly far away.

When we’re running the dogs, sometimes Pence will try to run back to the house after we’ve completed a loop, even though we are telling her to turn the other way and go around again. We know Boo has learned the commands though, because in this situation, he is still listening to us and trying to lean into her to go the direction we’re asking.

Over the last few months, we’ve noticed a couple other things as well. Pence has always had more drive than Boo when it comes to pulling hard in her harness in Indiana. She does come from more of a sprint background, so that makes sense.

Often times, Boo will pull hard the first half mile to one mile, then he tends to settle into more of a canter or fast trot. He may be pacing himself more like he’s used to when distance mushing. It could be an illusion though as his legs are longer than hers and it doesn’t take him as many strides to cover as much ground as her. But the line to her harness is always a little more taut than Boo’s line to his harness.

Another thing we’ve thought about is if the dogs get bored doing the same route or two over and over. Maybe that’s why Pence does a loop and wants to run home? Or maybe she wants to run home because she’s been spooked by various voices/vehicles/sounds around the neighborhood? Or maybe that’s why Boo gets comfortable and slows down? Or maybe they just don’t want to run that distance or that speed anymore?

These are thoughts we have had and are trying to figure out. Of course we can run the dogs other places, it just requires a little more logistics. New sites and smells can be a good change. Getting away from places where Pence has been spooked in the past could be good too, although I was hoping she would get enough good experiences in the same areas and realize it’s ok.

We really don’t think the dogs are saying they don’t want to run that distance or speed anymore though. They both seem very happy when harnessing up, during the run, and coming back inside from a run. We’ll keep going as long as they keep having fun!

As the weather warms, we know our time for the dogs to pull is winding down. We will take advantage of the opportunities we get though. The next month or two is a very busy time for us, so we won’t be participating in any spring dryland races, especially after not training much the last couple months.

Our hopes for running on snow this winter are pretty much over. But in Indiana, it always snows during March Madness, so maybe there is a glimmer of hope? Ah, who am I kidding. Ugh. Here’s to next year!

March madness

Speaking of March Madness…if you didn’t know, basketball is HUGE in Indiana. So of course this is a big deal for us. Are you watching the madness unfold? Who do you WANT to win? Who do you THINK will win? Is your bracket busted yet? One of Hannah’s is already lol. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section or in a reply to the email!

Want to see videos of our runs? Check it out below!

Subscribe to Urban Mushers Fanatics to read the rest.