ICE trike plus dog trailer

[Quint]

I have put this in "The Dark Side" because the only thing I ride nowadays is my Q-NT 26, I have a trailer for dogs/puppy, I have a Jack Russell of (as of now 31/08/2017) 15 weeks of age, so far she has been in the trailer for short bursts of one and a half to two and a half miles (about ten or so trips so far), at times she is quite and at other times has a whimper or the odd bark.
      Am I right in thinking that this is normal as she gets out after the ride takes a treat and is wagging and playing quite normally, would anything help her ie a portable radio playing at low volume to keep her company/distract her, my trike is really, apart from the odd bus (I live in the sticks so it is the "odd" bus)my only transport and I don't think it fair to go out and leave the puppy/dog at home so any assistance would be appreciated.

[mrcharly-YHT]

My experience of transporting pets in trailers is limited - I had a dog that I took in a standard trailer a few times - he was an idiot animal and would try to jump out (to attack other dogs, said he was an idiot animal), even though he was wearing a harness and was tied in). Apart from that he seemed to enjoy it.

I also took a cat in a basket on the front of my bike and despite being well squashed he seemed to love it.

Barking at things is pretty normal - a bit of a whimper when they aren't enjoying bumpy bits seems normal. I'd add some old bedding (that can be washed and dried easily). If they can smell the fresh air that would help a lot I would think.

[Quint]

It is a Burley trailer hence properly designed for the job, enough air but waterproof (a blessing for her with todays showers) and she has her nice comfy dog bed in there as well and is properly clipped in with a harness, she is doing quite well compared with the last dog who was so reluctant to go near it (this was due to being a rescue dog and only she knew what had happened in her previous life), as I have never had a dog trailer before I just need advice/help on doing this right so I can at least get to my local pub and preferably generally get about.
                                                                       

[mrcharly-YHT]

'scuse me if I'm talking out of turn and teaching granny to suck eggs

15 weeks is quite young. Jack Russells are very lively - your dog will need lots of contact and reward. I'd suggest frequent stops are a good idea. Rewards for getting in the trailer are a good idea and waiting patiently to get out. Dog cuddles - but make the dog wait for them, you are boss, 'disdain' them a bit, then give them lots of affection. Take a brush with you as well as food treats. Brushing your dog is a good way of showing dominance, and affection.

That said, I reckon Jack russells are a good breed to take around like this. Hardy, and loving of company. I also think you are right with your instinct to not want to leave your dog at home while you go out.

[Quint]

'scuse me if I'm talking out of turn and teaching granny to suck eggs

15 weeks is quite young. Jack Russells are very lively - your dog will need lots of contact and reward. I'd suggest frequent stops are a good idea. Rewards for getting in the trailer are a good idea and waiting patiently to get out. Dog cuddles - but make the dog wait for them, you are boss, 'disdain' them a bit, then give them lots of affection. Take a brush with you as well as food treats. Brushing your dog is a good way of showing dominance, and affection.

That said, I reckon Jack russells are a good breed to take around like this. Hardy, and loving of company. I also think you are right with your instinct to not want to leave your dog at home while you go out.

                     Brilliant bit of feedback and very useful, thank you

[nobby]

Hi Quint

Did you see this?
http://www.bikepacking.com/plan/dogpacking/

[Quint]

Cheers Nobby (hope you are well) all good info,a bit more ambitious than me I fear, I shall be happy to do a 40 - 50 mile day with Sadie on the odd rare occasion, 25 to 30 miles to see my son or daughter and I will a happy dark sider.

                                                             

[nobby]

Cheers Nobby (hope you are well) all good info,a bit more ambitious than me I fear, I shall be happy to do a 40 - 50 mile day with Sadie on the odd rare occasion, 25 to 30 miles to see my son or daughter and I will a happy dark sider.

                                                             

Doing ok, ta.
Got my fairing brackets all made. Just need to finish wiring the motor now and then I am out of excuses for not cycling
Good health to you and yours!

[Quint]

Your good health, out on trike with wee hairy dog tomorrow, her round

                                                       

[T42]

I would guess that the dog being quiet with the odd whimper means she's frightened, or at least worried, and the odd bark is of surprise at a bump or similar. She's happy and playful when she gets out because she's glad to be out of it and reunited with you. She's very young, after all, and not long separated from her mum and the rest of her litter. You're her pack leader and she needs reassurance.

I'd do a couple of things: first, give her a treat and praise her once she's in the trailer with the door shut. Secondly, put something that has her scent on it - a small blanket or a toy - in the trailer with her and leave it there, so that it feels more familiar to her.

And good luck to the both of you.

[Quint]

Oh yes, I have done these things, she has her dog bed in there and has treats in and out, Yes she is young but there is a narrow window of socialisation which tapers sharply after 16 weeks of age so time is of the essence, I am considering a small radio which is always on at home so she feels normal, the bark (last ride only) I feel was her saying "Oi, pay attention I'm being ignored in here".
      The whirring of a rear mech is not a natural sound to a dog/puppy and let's face it she isn't far behind, I have had dogs for 40 plus years but even so this is new to me so all feed back/contribution welcome. First thing I did when I knew I was allowed another dog (wife a cat person) was buy a puppy training book to bring me up to date.
       She is an outward going little girl so I feel I/we can do this.

     At home when I get the trailer out she jumps in playing and chewing buckles etc so she isn't frightened of it in fact nothing seems to faze her at all, even an emergency siren just made her look up at me and I reassured he saying "tis only noise" and gave her a cuddle and off we toddled again, brilliant wee dog.

[T42]

She sounds great.  I reckon she'll be fine with it before long.

We got our two Labs at 10 weeks, and initially they were small enough to get out of the garden, under the gate etc., so we took them out on leads. Once they were too big to get out they were also so imprinted on us that they still won't go past the door unless someone's with them. At 90 kilos between them, though, I'm not about to tow them anywhere.

[Quint]

Out today, trikled to the local pub (The Boat at Thrupp) I stupidly forgot my wallet or (being a dog friendly pub) would have treats galore and lots of fuss, she had a grumble/wine/bark each way but occasional not all the time, much more silence, in fact I stopped part way to check she was ok.
           Vets tomorrow for final (16 week) injections so will also pick her brains, thank you all for advice all welcome.

[Quint]

A breakthrough, on a whim I put my mobile phone in the pocket at the back of the trailer with "Best of The Loving Spoonful playing (I know I'm sad) and just to the end of the lane and back one and a quarter miles round trip, a slight whimper/grumble at about one mile, whether she was saying let me out or will you change the music to something decent I am not sure.
       I spoke and asked her what she would like on next and she was peaceful the rest of the way home, greeted by wags when I got off and gave her a treat, I will do this again tomorrow or Saturday and will try for the pub Sunday when the traffic is quietest, I will stop for a pint this time as Sadie will get fussed and dog treats as The Jolly Boatman and The Boat are very dog friendly.