Round Up: 14 of the Best Trail Dog Videos

83 Comments

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MTBIZL6 (Mar 21, 2020 at 8:08)

It is now impossible for Pinkbike content to improve. Where do you go when you reach the top?

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nicfugere (Mar 21, 2020 at 8:07)

No contest: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVkQnUV-lDM

gcmartini (Mar 21, 2020 at 8:10)

WHAT THE HECK

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IntoTheEverflow (Mar 21, 2020 at 8:31) (Below Threshold)

Pretty cool, but that is not trail.

lowkeyokeydokey (Mar 21, 2020 at 11:50)

I love how even puts his back paws out just in case he cases it.

dubiousdesigns (Mar 21, 2020 at 23:16)

Came here specifically for this clip. ????

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jgainey (Mar 21, 2020 at 8:51)

PB, please don't glorify trail dogs to Joe. Most can't train, care for or respect the work it takes to have a good trail dog. (and no, your dog being friendly doesn't make it a good trail dog)

plxmtb (Mar 21, 2020 at 11:43)

*this was filmed on a closed course by a professional rider. do not try at home* right?

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tannerd (Mar 21, 2020 at 9:18)

Awesome! Just remember that biking with your dog is a good way to injure them. If you are going to take the pup out be sure to take plenty of breaks and do not go on a long ride.

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JRB76 (Mar 21, 2020 at 10:50)

The best advice. Nothing more heartbreaking than seeing your best friend struggle with their legs when they get older because of the mileage they put in when they were younger.

plyawn (Mar 22, 2020 at 9:01)

@JRB76: That's the situation I'm in - what are you saving your body for?

JRB76 (Mar 22, 2020 at 13:31)

I don't regret my aches and pains. But I did feel bad for my trail pups when they got to the point that walking was tough. Don't get me wrong. I still have a trail dog that loves to come on rides with me. I just keep rides with him slow and short. That's all.

flipoffthemonkeys (Mar 21, 2020 at 12:27)

one of the best memories i have was a day 5 years ago with 6 humans and 8 dogs on squirrel gap near brevard NC. crashed twice because of the hounds but who cares. nothing but smiles the whole day...

leadsledpaintrain (Mar 21, 2020 at 18:58)

Nah you just crashed cause squirrel gap :p those wild pisgah trails are great for dog rides

b-mcclelland (Mar 21, 2020 at 22:26)

If you're reading this, a trail dog doesn't happen over night. It's a pain in the f*cking ass. Tons of hours, many lost rides, many shorter rides, and a huge investment of time, energy and dollars. You better have time to read books on dog training, lose days of riding, and work hard to build a bond with your dog daily. I love my dog, he's an aussie Sheppard and 110% my best friend now but I spent the last year consistently working with him and it wasn't fun or easy. Just like all things social media these videos show what people want you to see and nothing they dont.

themouse77 (Mar 22, 2020 at 8:59)

training your dog shouldn't be a chore. It is the hole point of having a dog. Watching them learn and grow.

b-mcclelland (Mar 22, 2020 at 10:31)

@themouse77: dogs have an opportunity cost. I'm not going to argue on the internet, but based on your spelling of "hole" you haven't lived long enough to have enough life experience to understand yet. Your time will come.

tofhami (Mar 22, 2020 at 12:26)

it's a hard task for a dog to learn to be a trail dog. It's an easy task for it to learn to follow you on a trail. Plus, it's an easy (yet maybe painful) task for dogs to learn that bikes can hurt them.
I just told my dog to stay behind me (yes, I did bump into it in a controlled manner two or three times when it didn't. And yes, I told others to do the same). It wasn't a big deal, and now we've been riding together for 13 years, and maybe even more to come.
It pays to teach a dog to become a trail dog. I got an excuse to go biking every day

lukeisdumb (Mar 22, 2020 at 12:34)

This is huge. I have a four month old catahoula puppy that I'm just beginning to trail for a trail dog. I dont expect to actually ride with her for at least another 6 months. Gotta make sure she's 100% obedient before I take her to any real trails off leash

b-mcclelland (Mar 22, 2020 at 15:16)

@LukeBurgie: you need to make sure she's full grown too before going long periods. Consult your vet next time you're in

JackStephen (Mar 22, 2020 at 21:15)

I must be lucky then, because mine was born a trail dog. Since day one out in the woods she figured it out and loves it. She gets all excited if she sees me grabbing the bike at any time, and even knows when it's weekend and the day to ride has come.

themouse77 (Mar 23, 2020 at 11:08)

@b-mcclelland: no need to try and offend there mate. I am just quietly suggesting maybe one who thinks the way you do about raising a dog probably shouldn't.

freeinpg FL (Mar 27, 2020 at 8:26)

Also, some dogs just innately know what to do out there. The herding breeds are an added challenge for sure hahah. Once you can trust your dog on the ride it is the BEST!

goldfly (Mar 21, 2020 at 8:04)

In times of fear and uncertainty this is precisely what we need!

sanchofula (Mar 21, 2020 at 21:26)

I’ve had trail dogs since I got my first dog at 19yo, buried more than a dozen, all but a couple were working breeds. Currently got four trail dogs, two retired Ausies 16 and 17yo, an English Shepherd 5yo and a Healer 5yo.

The Shepherd wanders, so he’s more of a hiker, the Healer is my go to for riding cuz he’s fast, he listens, and he’s got trail mojo.

Trail dogs don’t have much more than ten miles in them even at the slowest speeds, so you gotta take care to avoid burning out your dog.

My biggest concern and what makes me cringe when watching these vids, is how close these dogs are allowed to be to the bike.

Please train your dog to stay away from the bike, I’ve seen too many injuries to good dogs owned by careless riders.

Bageltron (Mar 21, 2020 at 21:05)

I cannot understand why people don't train their dog to run behind the bike. Taught mine "get in behind" before we even hit the trail and he still tasted of my front tyre several times. He is now tail end charlie and pulls over to the side of the track to let riders past, last thing I want is for him to be getting in the way of other riders.

JacobyDH (Mar 22, 2020 at 11:50)

Yeah, it seems awfully dangerous to have them in the front, or side anyways, regardless of wether there are other riders. Dogs cannot predict how we are going to jump/land/berm/any of these things. Imagine going on all fours, and chasing a DH’er down a trail. I would die, before the edit even was finished.

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JacobyDH (Mar 21, 2020 at 8:42)

Doncha just love dogs!

pkrides (Mar 21, 2020 at 9:13)

Is it just me or did it seem like trail dogs and transitions are a popular combo?

Spitfire111 FL (Mar 21, 2020 at 12:18)

I really miss my trail dog. Last short ride when he was 13. Nothing beats a good ride with a good trail dog!

softsteel (Mar 21, 2020 at 16:41)

Still no Trail Cat videos? Bored with dogs...

Trail Virus videos should appear soon...

BikesNBites (Mar 23, 2020 at 9:39)

www.pinkbike.com/photo/18425987

I dont have time to make cool vids like this but, I sure as heck could. My d o g LuLu rocks... she's 8 n change now so, not as fast as she used to be, can't go at for more than about 90 minutes but, she's still awesome. minds the trail, minds other dogs and people... just like to chase the critters

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Beez177 (Mar 21, 2020 at 14:21)

Great, more dog poop...

yerbikesux (Mar 23, 2020 at 2:06)

That was me, sorry!

jbutland (Mar 23, 2020 at 6:19)

I come across a lot more huge piles of horse poop on the trails then dog crap. My dog knows to keep it off the trail.

thecarrotcruncher (Mar 21, 2020 at 8:30)

The best Pinkbike post ever!

JacobyDH (Mar 21, 2020 at 8:43)

If you win fantasy rampage, they’ll give you a free trail dog, sponsernd by the Aspca

Mntneer (Mar 21, 2020 at 9:29)

@ezrathedog better luck next year

alexhyland (Mar 23, 2020 at 16:02)

I love that Kelly McGarry video so much. And no, I'm not crying, I just got something in my eye.

brendangauthier (Mar 21, 2020 at 8:08)

Bryan and Karl top 900 forsure

barefootdan (Mar 21, 2020 at 8:09)

Oh man, I needed this! I got a GSP pup two weeks ago and she's a little terror! Can't wait til she can hit the trails

DHhack (Mar 21, 2020 at 8:25)

Walking, hiking, jogging and then biking. Did that with my current dog, he’s almost 7 now, and he’s a natural trail dog. I have to leave a leash in the car, otherwise I won’t remember to bring it when we are in public somewhere and he’s supposed to be on leash. Plus, with all the physical activity we have zero issues with him chewing, digging or just overall being a pain in the ass. Most unusual for a black lab mix... Good luck with your new pup!

jm-chappy (Mar 21, 2020 at 8:35)

I’ve got two GSP’s that come riding at 7 and 13 years old. One leads, one follows. They definitely started as terrors in the house, thankfully now thats just outside! Enjoy your pup.

kipvr (Mar 21, 2020 at 12:14)

@DHhack: got a GWP black lab mix, he’s shaggy tall slim and powerful , not very agile but really good endurance and absolutely loves the trails and providing he’s built up to it-will cover massive distances. I only go on remote trails with him though where there is soft ground and plenty of wilderness for him to roam whilst he waits for me. Group rides and trail centres are not fair on him or other riders. But rides with him are my absolute favourite.

DHhack (Mar 21, 2020 at 13:22)

@kipvr: our regular ride is 10 or so miles. Anything under 8 is a waste of time. He’s the mix of endurance, strength, agility but also some common sense. His herding instincts kick in on group rides which can be annoying for some. He’s starting to slow down, he used to hit 31mph...

iamamodel (Mar 21, 2020 at 23:49)

You missed this. Casey Brown and Poppy. www.pinkbike.com/news/casey-brown-poppy-the-dog-tail-gunner-video-2014.html

matthiasstonigride (Mar 22, 2020 at 1:45)

www.pinkbike.com/video/504610

abrooks (Mar 21, 2020 at 13:00)

How do you get a terrier to be a trail dog? Mine just wants to root around in the undergrowth.

stuie321 (Mar 21, 2020 at 17:02)

Yes, the last thing we need is more dogs on the trails. I love dogs, just not on the trails.

Garethccc (Mar 22, 2020 at 23:13)

That's a lot of dogs.

yerbikesux (Mar 23, 2020 at 1:48)

Kept your stinking mutt off the trail.

Mac1987 (Mar 23, 2020 at 2:56)

Is @ezrathedog on a sabbatical?

mkotowski1 (Mar 23, 2020 at 4:41)

Waki hasn’t taken mushrooms lately

dynamite (Mar 21, 2020 at 9:33)

Pretty cool, but you haven't seen Dozer when he's in the zone!

cheetamike (Mar 22, 2020 at 19:20)

Thread post of the year #traildogs4life

TheSpangler (Mar 21, 2020 at 15:10)

Awesome post thanks guys!

Below threshold threads are hidden

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shedsidechuck (Mar 21, 2020 at 10:11)

Please don't make me responsible for avoiding running into your dog. cause I won't choose to kiss a tree or graze a boulder in order to create a line around your dog. thanks for thinking of us other riders.

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flipoffthemonkeys (Mar 21, 2020 at 12:29)

eat a sack o' dicks chuck

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Dooner (Mar 21, 2020 at 13:20)

you cant keep up with my dog...

weezyb (Mar 21, 2020 at 15:42)

@flipoffthemonkeys: they dont think of other riders. Most of the trail dogs, even when hiking that I've come across are behind the owner. Letting the rest of us deal with their dog and the shit that comes along with it. I know I know...."It's not my dog" though right.

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greener1 (Mar 21, 2020 at 17:53)

Your riding is so serious that you can't make an effort to avoid an animal? Really?

ari-b (Mar 21, 2020 at 20:36) (Below Threshold)

Dogs always get right of way

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sanchofula (Mar 21, 2020 at 21:29)

Poor skill doesn’t excuse a lack of control. If you can’t avoid crashing into a dog, it’s not the dog that needs to be controlled, it’s you.

If you ran into my dog, I’d bury your arse.

Beez177 (Mar 21, 2020 at 22:24)

@nurseben: I would avoid the dog, yes. Then beat your ass...

greener1 (Mar 22, 2020 at 5:40) (Below Threshold)

@Beez177: Would you? Seems like an over the top response for being inconvenienced on a trail...plus how do you know he's not a jujitsu ninja? !

Beez177 (Mar 22, 2020 at 7:54)

@greener1: Nurseben made the threat first. I just said, it works both ways. I would never hurt an animal, child, or women.

Keep your dogs on a leash! If I crash avoiding your dog. I beating the shit out you.

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airon (Mar 21, 2020 at 20:40)

Rideing with a dog’ or dog lover, expect a broken bone,
Paying for a child’s face bite.
Dog people won’t pay for their pets mishaps.
Try to buy dog insurance. I dare you.
Enjoy the vids!

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Poundlock2 (Mar 21, 2020 at 11:11)

Two big crashes from coming across dogs on blind corners that are out with bikers...exercise your dogs elsewhere!

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DHhack (Mar 21, 2020 at 13:26) (Below Threshold)

Stop riding over your limits?

mtb-scotland (Mar 21, 2020 at 15:29)

@DHhack: how to you work that out?

DHhack (Mar 22, 2020 at 7:09)

@mtb-scotland: well it’s either a two way trail and they were riding as if it was empty, or they are trying to ride at race pace on a busy day. Also, you’d think they’d learn after the first time... people riding over their heads typically don’t learn after the first time.

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cycle-life (Mar 21, 2020 at 11:31)

Don't mix dogs with bikes please, they're a ....ing nuisance on the trails.

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Dooner (Mar 21, 2020 at 13:15) (Below Threshold)

So are eejits that dont know how to ride. I would ask that they stay off trail too, but...

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yerbikesux (Mar 21, 2020 at 14:44)

Leave Bowow and shitty eBikes at home where they belong.

greener1 (Mar 21, 2020 at 17:55)

Dogs need enrichment in their lives. They need to go places and run and explore...not just "stay at home where they belong"

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BloodyToe44 (Mar 21, 2020 at 13:50)

Leave your dogs at home!

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mtb-scotland (Mar 21, 2020 at 10:14)

keep dogs off the trails

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TheSpangler (Mar 21, 2020 at 15:10)

Keep you off the trails.

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mtb-scotland (Mar 21, 2020 at 15:29)

@TheSpangler: pretty pathetic come back TBH. Dogs are not undercontrol on trails. They are for bikes. If you want to walk your dog take it some where else.

kipvr (Mar 21, 2020 at 17:37)

@mtb-scotland: I’m pretty sure dogs were on trails way before bikes were even invented fella.

savage47 (Mar 21, 2020 at 18:11)

Hit a dog last year. And the guy tried to fight me. Dog was unleashed!

mtb-scotland (Mar 22, 2020 at 5:40)

@kipvr: I'm assuming purpose built trails here. But even if you were to be out in the country you still have a legal responsability to keep your dog under control.

kipvr (Mar 22, 2020 at 6:36)

@mtb-scotland: I agree I think purpose built trails should be bike only but that’s just a small fraction of the trails ridden. I don’t think anyone would argue that you shouldn't always have a dog under control.