Did you know that shelters are overcrowded with Huskies? In Arizona alone, around 90 Huskies found themselves in this unfortunate situation last year.
This cruel abandonment is often the result of impulsive purchases, where owners fail to fully comprehend the specific needs of the breed. However, this issue is not unique to Huskies and can be seen across many high-energy working breeds.
But wait, how is this related to bikejoring?
As a helpful suggestion, bikejoring can be an excellent physical outlet for these dogs and can help mitigate destructive behaviors. By spreading awareness about how bikejoring can benefit energy dogs, we can help reduce the number of misunderstood canines that end up in shelters.
If you’re a pet owner of a high-energy breed, I strongly encourage you to read this post and learn more about how bikejoring can benefit you and your beloved pet.
Bikejoring Benefits High-Energy Breeds More Than You Know
It’s no secret that cycling benefits humans in many ways. But what happens when your dog tags along?
Bikejoring Is a Fun and Easier Way to Exercise Active Dogs
The biggest challenge of owning a Siberian Husky is the amount of exercise the breed requires. Huskies need at least 2 hours of high-intensity exercise every day, which is one of the highest among any dog breed.
“They’re crazy! They get really, really excitable. They have a lot of energy, and people are not able to keep up with the exercise that they need,” CEO and founder of AZ Husky Rescue Alison Nicolosi said.
This is because Huskies were originally bred as sled dogs and were trained to pull light loads over long distances through snowy terrain. Sledding is still a thing in some U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and Nordic countries as mushers are doing their best to keep this dying heritage alive.
But what about the average pet owner? How can you keep your canine dynamos exercised?
If you have a spacious fenced yard, you can let your speedster run off-leash to his heart’s content. Now, if you’re more of a running enthusiast, you can take it up a notch with canicross, where you and your speed demon become a dynamic running duo.
However, bikejoring is your best bet if you’re looking for a low-impact activity that offers a bit more mileage. You can cover more ground and explore new territories that your dog will surely look forward to.
Bikejoring Provides Mental Stimulation for Bright But Stubborn Dogs
Outside of exercise, these highly intelligent doggos need a lot of mental stimulation. Some people might say, “Oh, just give them puzzle toys,” but Husky owners know better that these hyperactive canines would rather wreak havoc in your garden with their gopher friends than stay still.
Teach them tricks? You have more luck calming a Chihuahua! These geniuses are remarkably stubborn, and they lack that innate desire to please their owners. Teaching them tricks is an Olympic-level challenge.
So, how do you provide mental stimulation and enrichment? Again, bikejoring.
Navigating twists and turns, immersing in a symphony of sounds, watching out for potential “danger,” taking in a potpourri of scents—bikejoring provides a mental playground for your pooch!
Bikejoring Strengthens the Bond Between You and Your Dog
Shared adventures with your dog can strengthen your bond even more!
Bikejoring not only makes you grow closer to your dog but also fulfills his sense of purpose. Dogs love to pitch in and accomplish tasks, and bikejoring provides an excellent opportunity for them to do so.
Although Huskies are notably defiant, they transform into highly trainable eager beavers when it comes to bikejoring. This is because it taps into their ancient instincts.
Always remember to take your dog’s individual needs and limitations into account. Start slow and gradually build up their endurance.
Bikejoring Paves the Way to a Happier, Healthier Dog
Bikejoring provides Huskies sufficient exercise that strengthens their muscles, enhances cardiovascular health, aids in weight management, and promotes overall physical fitness.
Plus, if you want a chill and well-behaved dog, bikejoring is the way to go. A tired and happy Husky is less likely to engage in howling, chewing, digging, or jumping, and more likely to settle down into a deep slumber. There’s even a study proving that dogs get the runner’s high. No more tantrums!
While it’s true that a tired dog is a happy dog, overexertion can have negative effects on a dog’s health. As a responsible pet owner, it’s crucial to provide appropriate exercise based on your dog’s age, breed, and individual needs. Keeping your dog healthy and happy should always be a top priority.
Bikejoring Is Good for All Dogs
Many people believe that bikejoring is only suitable for large and fast dogs. They picture these canines zooming down the trail like a caffeinated cheetah, but this is not entirely true.
While breeds like the Siberian Husky, Greyster, and Belgian Malinois have the advantage in professional races, any healthy dog with enough endurance can enjoy this activity with their humans.
Bikejoring is good for all dogs, except for small breeds and brachycephalic canines. This sport provides a fantastic chance for us to bond with our four-legged sidekicks while also providing them with the physical exercise, mental stimulation, and sense of purpose they need.
Even if you’re not interested in competing, you can still enjoy this sport with your dog as a leisurely activity or a way to explore new trails and terrains.
Either way, you should equip your dog with a bikejoring harness. You can’t just fit any harness to your dog as you hit the trails. Likewise, use a leash with a bungee to ensure safety and to keep you in perfect sync with your dog.
Conclusion
I understand how frustrating it can be to deal with destructive habits in dogs. Remember, many of these behaviors stem from unmet needs. It’s up to us, pet owners, to find healthy outlets for our dogs’ energy.
That’s why I encourage you to try bikejoring! This sport is a great source of exercise for high-energy breeds.
By giving our pets an appropriate outlet for their energy, we can help prevent them from becoming the “hopelessly naughty dogs” that people assume some breeds to be. Indeed, bikejoring has many benefits for you and your sporty dog!