One of the reasons why I got a lab was so that I could train her to go mountain biking with me. She is only 6 months old now and I have taken her through the puppy kindergarten so far. I am wondering what type of training I should do next to help make her a good "riding partner."

I know she needs to be at least a year before I can take her biking with me (because of her joints and bones still forming), but I have taken her down a few short trails and she is awesome at staying right with me as I ride. The biggest problem comes when we encounter someone else on the trail or we reach the end and she sees people walking or riding...and then she gets really distracted and runs over to them. I know this is all part of being a puppy, but I want to make sure I am training her to learn to pay attention to me, especially in situations where there are other people or dogs.

Having said all that, what is the type of training that will help me teach her to stay with me while off-leash? Will just more advanced obedience training help? Is there such a thing as training a dog to mountain bike with you?

Thanks!

Most orthopedic surgeons and specialists recommend that medium-to-larger breed dogs be at least 2 years of age before any stressful "forced" (ie- having to stay with you when you are moving above a walk) activities. Therefore, I wouldn't probably recommend taking her mountain biking until she's at least 2. Their bones and joints are developing far beyond a year...

As far as training, though, the more advanced obedience training will definitely be key. She needs to learn that it is better to stay with you (treats and leash) than to wander. And, you need to make sure that she either A) stays on a leash or B) has a flawless recall (ie- when you call her, she should immediately drop everything and come). Treats work great for our girl, as long as it is a treat that she finds out-of-this-world (others she'll take or leave, depending on what they are). For the most part, when in an unknown area, they tend to want to stick by your side (or at least within visibility/ear shot) naturally, but this isn't always the case, especially if they run across a rabbit track or something else that is more interesting to follow...

Around here, we worry about cliffs, rattlesnakes, and heat exhaustion probably the most. You need to work up until their paw pads are tough enough to endure high activity levels, and keep them cool. Dogs can overheat (with deadly results!) quickly, and you need to make sure there is plenty of water around for you both.

Please don't reply to this thread...I accidentally created a duplicate thread over here that has more responses:

http://lab-retriever.net/board/showthread.php?t=49085

Sorry for the trouble...