So we picked this girl up today, and she is just gorgeous
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She's a 1yo-ish Kelpie, possibly crossed with cattle dog? The only hint is that she's got dappled tan and white socks, which isn't a normal kelpie pattern.
Dropped off in the surrender box at Lithgow pound, she was picked up by a local rescue group. Pretty sure she'd been abandoned by a local farmer as a shithouse working dog, and showed all the signs of being belted for her failures. We drove from Canberra and camped overnight to meet this girl, because she seemed perfect - and she was. Absolutely loves our 4 and 6yo, totally chilled out girl, didn't bother chasing the magpie who was telling it to F-off when it got to our backyard for the first time this afternoon, was a bit curious about the chooks but didn't look at all like she was viewing them as a meal...I reckon this girl could be an awesome trail dog.
We're planning to take her to obedience training, and I reckon she'll excel - she's just so damn eager to please, is sitting and staying when asked, and is already displaying some good recall traits.
So for those who've got trail dogs, how did you train them up, particularly when it came to riding with a bike? I know that she's got another year of growth before she can do anything serious, but I'd love to be able to exercise her locally while I'm riding. Is on-leash riding an option? Or is the combination of a dog, leash and pedals/wheels a recipe for disaster?
Any hints or suggestions appreciated. Our last couple of dogs were handbag sized, so I'm pretty excited to have something that can keep up in the family!