How to Train Your Dog to Rollerblade With You
Introduction
Rollerblading is undoubtedly a fun exercise and can be even more exciting if you can rollerblade with your dog. Rollerblading together is an incredible way to not only bond with your dog but also keep him fit and healthy. When you rollerblade, your speed is much faster than when you are walking or potentially even if you are running. So your dog can get some great exercise as well if you rollerblade next to him.
There are some safety issues to think about when rollerblading with your dog. You will need to trust that your dog understands all of the basic commands and will stop when you ask him to stop. Before heading out on rollerblades, your dog needs to be able to run next to you without pulling you along and without being distracted by the environment. If you have this trust with your dog and your dog understands all of these advanced, as well as basic, commands, rollerblading together is something you can incorporate into your daily exercise routine.
Defining Tasks
Before you get on rollerblades and head out with your dog, be sure he understands advanced commands such as 'heel'. You will also expect your dog to follow basic commands such as ‘wait’ and ‘leave it.’ These will be imperative as you are rollerblading together if your dog finds a distraction or a squirrel runs across his path. Safety needs to be a top priority when rollerblading with your dog, as you don't want your rollerblades to become entangled with his leash, and having your dog pull you along can certainly become a hazardous situation. A bond between a well-trained dog and his owner is one that is tight enough that could make this activity not only successful but also incredibly fun. Just be sure before you begin to have that trust built with your dog.
Getting Started
Training your dog to rollerblade with you will require rollerblades, but you may want to train without wheels to begin. You will need a leash and high-value treats to get this training started. Some owners who rollerblade, run, or even bicycle with their dogs look into exercise leashes that are easier to manage while controlling your dog on the move. Have some patience and take lots of time to teach your dog how to rollerblade with you for the safety of both of you. Don't expect to hop on rollerblades and take your dog out on a long blading adventure with you right off the bat.
The Behavior Focus Method
The On Wheels Method
The Slow Training Method
Written by Stephanie Plummer
Published: 11/21/2017, edited: 01/08/2021
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Training Questions and Answers
Bowzer/Chewy
Chewy is terrified of the vacuum cleaner. Bowser has no problem with it. Often my gf will rub the carpet with her foot to see if dog hair accumulates whilst doing so. Bowzer, not chewy gets the zoomies when she does this, but only zooming around his brother Chewy who is often just lying there. Bowzer barks and barks and barks in what one would assume is a warning gesture to oblivious Chewy that the vacuum is coming out and he's warning him of the danger........since it's so harmless and ALWAYS happens it's very amusing. If Bowzer was also afraid of the vacuum I would understand it better, but he's not, you can vacuum him with it no problem. :) What's your slant on this amusing and somewhat perplexing recurring behavior. They are EXCELLANT dogs otherwise. Putting their own toys away on command and love taking turns playing Husky in the park towing me on my rollerblades.. Thank you
104 Dog owners recommended
Hello, there is really no way to understand why or to change it. It's very interesting how dogs (and cats) will react differently to the same thing. I would just take care to always do the vacuuming when Chewy is out of the house, or at the very least, have a place where he can retreat to and feel safe when the vacuum is in use. Because he is so wonderful otherwise, no point in stressing him about it. All the best and enjoy Chewy and Bowser!
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How big does a dog need to be to pull someone on rollerblades? I was going to teach my pup once he got older but I realized he is much smaller than I expected him to be. Right now at 7 months he is 41 pounds and he won’t get much bigger.
842 Dog owners recommended
Hello Lexi, I would actually reach out to your vet about this, since this will have more to do with pup's muscle and bone structure and how you are built, than a specific answer I can give. Since pup is on the smaller size, I would limit the amount of weight he is pulling until his grown plates close around a year. If your vet feels he can safely pull you when his grown plates close, then you can start teaching pup the concept now just with lightweight lighter people or objects first, to help him build up the necessary muscle and endurance gradually, and not overdo it while young. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
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