Dogs And Sidecars

Hookalatch - 6/18/2014 4:07 PM
... I have come close to taking the sidecar plunge several times in the last 50 years but I am finely doing it primarily for Meatloaf. Meatloaf is a 150# Bullmastiff. His greatest joy in life is going for a truck ride but he jumps in or on anything that moves so I am pretty sure he will love a sidecar. It does somewhat limit my options as to which sidecar he will fit in....

Welcome to the offset sidecar world, certainly enhanced by the pleasures (and challenges) of introducing children to the sport and training/traveling with a dog in the sidecar. Meatloaf would not fit comfortably in the current configuration of my Ranger sidecar - just not enough room. Be sure your choice of sidecar has sufficient space for him; I suggest removing the seat for a larger flat floor and installing a pad for traction, comfort and/or vibration damping. Good luck with your project and we're looking forward to pics of Meatloaf on the road.

Here is my too-small-for-Meatloaf configuration for Maddie:

Options for the anchor include chain, rope and break-away straps, best when connected to to a full harness under the chest.

Last weekend I took Maddie for a ride around the neighborhood before installing the passenger seat for delivery to Paulaau ...

... here's Paulaau's O'Malley on his "test-fit" - looks like the seat will soon be coming back out :

My small Cairn/Yorkie mix loves to ride. He seems to like putting nose prints on the windscreen. He's tethered and only barks at cows and horses.

With meatloaf in your sidecar you need not fear breaking down. Just keep a sled dog harness in the bustle, he will be happy to tow you home.

As a retired pro show dog handler and having had dogs for 77 of my 78 years I can understand and offer sympathy for your loss. It is never easy to let one go as they are
family. With as many as I have lost, when the day comes that I pass over the Rainbow Bridge and they all come out to greet me the Bridge will collapse from the weight!!
And don't ever forget that there is another dog out there that needs you and will love you.

Took this at the 2014 National, Low Country Boil. My other pics from the weekend are here: http://s1077.photobucket.com/user/Bobmws/library/USCA%202014?sort=3&page=1

This is Doug and Gus:

In March this year I ordered a Motorvation Spyder to fit my 2005 Road Glide for Murphy, our Golden/cocker mix. We think he may have been a lost Dakota Sport retriever breed.... Half Golden, 1/4 American Cocker, 1/4 English Cocker. He was 8 weeks or so old, lost and found in IN. He's found a home and a new avocation.... Got him Trike Broke in a bag early and working on the solo seat by way of a Red Wagon. Next month Motorvation is supposed to have our hack ready to install.

What is a good source for harnesses?

96flgeez - 7/24/2014 9:31 PM
In March this year I ordered a Motorvation Spyder to fit my 2005 Road Glide for Murphy... Next month ... supposed to have our hack ready to install.

What is a good source for harnesses?

Looks like Murphy is off to a good start! We've had good service with with the Sure-Fit Harness by Premier, now PetSafe, which has a ring under the chest to attach a tether right in the dog's "center of gravity" - http://store.petsafe.net/sure-fit-harness

SwampFox,

Thanks for the quick response. Will look up http://store.petsafe.net/sure-fit-harness .

Ride Safe

Wolfhound - 6/26/2014 9:57 AM
... And don't ever forget that there is another dog out there that needs you and will love you.

Yep, sure is.  Meet Raskie Rascal, a little terror --oops, terrier-- mix rescued with his siblings by the Heart of Louisiana Humane Society and adopted at 10 weeks old by Mrs. SwampFox last weekend, all 2.1 pounds of him.  As we, nor the Humane Society volunteers, have seen his parents, we don't know how big he might grow:

Raskie is several months away from beginning his sidecar training.  Although he already travels pretty well in the car, he was a little unsure during today's first solo venture in a stationary sidecar**:

** This is Hugh's sidecar, which is at our house for some repairs/adjustments.

I'm jealous. Our 16 lb guard dog doesn't even really like to ride in the car. Have no idea why. When we travel, she jumps into the car by herself and settles down for a loooong nap. Put her in the sidecar once and she simply jumped out. She definitely has a mind of her own.

I would like to have a sidecar that is shaped and painted to look like a HUGE Mastiff with fangs bared. Then I want loud electronic sound of such an animal snarling and barking. I would have that sound hooked up to work when I push the horn button. I leave it to your imagination to what uses I might put it to.

Bike chasing dogs, other animals in the street, dumb drivers, etc.

After introducing Raskie to the sounds and motion of the Burgman sidecar rig during the week, today was his first ride around the neighborhood in Jena's lap. After a couple of minutes to adjust, he held his head up looking & sniffing - off to a good start:

What a cute expression! He looks like he'll be an enjoyable companion. Very nice to see your new family member.

Just the right entertainment for a terrier. Keep care that he doesn't become a hunter. We lost one in a harvester...last cut didn't leave space for the rabbit to escape. The rabbit could hide under the cut table. The dog went right into the knifes and spoiled 125kg ray grains. Nothing recognizable left over to undertake.
Terriers are just nuts when they are emotioned.