Skating with Your Doggy!

Dogs love to run! I can’t think of anything better than “running” right there beside them.

I’ve skated with many dogs over the years. My first skating buddy was a German Shepherd named Schubert (and he’s still one of my favorite Roller Dogs.) What made Schubert so special was that he loved to run full out for as long as possible. Up hill, down hill, He didn’t care he just loved to run. I did very little skating with him- mostly I just held on while he pulled me. Right now I skate with as many as 7 different dogs a week. The biggest benefit of skating with your dog is that they’ll tire out much quicker than with just a walk.

Warning

I DO NOT recommend trying this if you are uncomfortable with your skating skills!  Note: you should always wear proper padding to help cushion your fall. No matter how well you can skate you will fall. Trust me on this! Squirrels are the leading culpret for most of my stumbles, although a barking dog across the fence, cracks in the pavement and worn out wheels have all contributed to my road rashed knees.

What you need:

1. A willing energetic dog
This is your most impotant piece of equipment, most dogs will be a little nervous at first. I’ve skated with many dogs and about 1 in 10 will be a natural and take to skating right away.
2. Inline skates
I use hockey style blades (what can I say… I’m Canadian) those are the only blades I’ve ever owned. The most important part of the skate is the wheel. You need to make sure they are hard enough to take the wear and tear of outdoor pavement and blacktop.
3. A good fitting dog harness
The harness should be snug enough so it doesn’t twist around after your dog gets going but not so tight to inhibits your dog’s movement.
4. The leash
I highly recommend a bungie style leash, it will be less jarring on your dog when they stop abruptly (and you don’t.) Also, your leash should be at least 6ft long.
5. A good place to skate
Newer home developments always have smoother paved surfaces, so I recommend sticking to these communities. If the roads suck you can always skate on the sidewalk but be aware of uneven sections.
6. Pads
You should have atleast knee pads but I also consider wearing wrist guards and elbow pads. I have  ignored my own advice and have the scars to prove it.
7. Doggy Boots (optional equipment)
During the Summer months you’ll find that your dog can’t take the heat of the pavement on their paw pads so you might want to consider purchasing Dog Booties. It will make your outings last that much longer and your dog will be more comfortable.

Safety Tips

1. If you find your dog is a natural and has a powerful motor I recommend skating uphill for the first mile or until he’s winded.

2. Figure out the best way to stop.

• The Bailout- If you get going too fast or feel uncomfortable with your speed look for the nearest patch of grass (think of the runaway truck lanes you see on the highway for 18 wheelers) when you go from street to grass be ready- you’ll need to be balanced and leaning back a bit because your body will have the tendency to lurch forward but your skates will be going back.
• The Heel Brake- which comes on most recreation skates, word of warning, this will not stop you near as fast as the Bailout.  It is more of a slowdown method, but if you really grind your heel into it you will eventually come to a stop.
• The Falldown- which is exactly as it sounds. I do not recommend this without pads!!!

3. Plan your route. When I get a new Roller Dog client I take a quick drive around their neighborhood and check out the streets to see if the asphault is in good enough skating condition. If it isn’t you can always stick to the sidewalk- just keep your eye out for uneven cracks and also look for good areas to Bailout. This is very  important on downhill slopes where you will pick up speed.

Have fun, hold on tight and don’t be afraid to Bail!

Here’s a video I shot of my two favorite Roller Dog clients Seiko and Kodiak.

~Jeff

Tagged as: Overweight Dog, rollerblading dog, RollerDog