Temperament making told the lennon ( problems on a dog beach right to do I 't. The point is about sharing the trail. If you're about to run over dog, you'd have to blaze right through the 1 or 2 slower riders that he hangs at the back with sometimes, just behind them or between us. I coach MTB, and until they grow up and learn, most of the kids are a rolling hazard, too. Here Whistler, if you think you're too fast to slow down ever, just wait 5 minutes and some chick might rip by you even faster. I'm very lucky. I wanted a trail dog I got a Springer Spaniel based on some research. Drove 4 hours to get him from a top breeder. As soon as I got him home I tried it out up and down the sidewalk. That's all it took. He instantly knew what to do. He stays right by left foot every time as as the speed isn't too fast. The only trouble I've ever had was he was scared of getting the truck until this But if he ever runs off, all I have to do is get the bike. When he hears that freehub, he comes running. I've found any more than 4 is too much, and even then I only take him to trails where I know there are streams and creek crossings he can cool off. It's true that dogs push themselves beyond their limits to keep up with you if you let them. For those of you who are super anti-trail dog: if a trail allows dogs you have to be prepared to encounter a dog. Everyone has a right to the trail and if dogs are allowed they have the right to have their dog on that trail. It's that simple. That said, for those who bike with their dogs: leash laws and other restrictions are there for a reason and sometimes that reason is for the dogs own good. If a trail doesn't allow dogs 't bring your dog. Others won't expect it and might even be using that trail because they really 't like dogs and want to avoid them. If a trail requires a leash it also isn't the greatest idea to take your dog on that trail. When a rider comes barreling down and you can't get your dog off the trail or out of their business that's a problem. And last but not least... AT THE VERY LEAST BURRY THE DOG POOP OFF THE TRAIL. I've never understood why this is hard. dog is a huge pain and crops at least three different spots everytime and I still pick it all up, no excuses. Came here to read the 'leave them at home' comments. Wasn't disappointed. I dogs, but ride with them on empty trails or leave them at home. Because the bottom line is, when someone is ripping, they 't know if you've trained your dog properly.. and most civilised sensible people are not prepared to find out by killing themselves, or your dog. It's just plain off-putting. Tbh, if I run over your dog because it was the middle of the trail, you're the ashole for causing me the inevitable guilt, not me for causing you huge vet bills or a dead dog. order to hit trail dog you would have to literally ride through me because he runs with his nose about 2 feet behind rear tire and just a bit to the left. For every dog that has given me issue on a trail there have been 100 bikers hikers that are far worse... Pro Tip: If it isn't a closed race course, it is a safe bet you have to avoid other trail users. Ride control. Then the issue would be not much that I hit your dog but you're holding a whole load of people up going slow enough that your dog can keep up. Leave them at home or at least keep them off the fast trails, take em on the recreational and family trails. Ride control!? Might as well just end it now. The dog is less trouble than some humans' thing doesn't wash with me. Because I know it almost always stems from a standpoint of 'I prefer doggy to other humans'. Also, if your dog is always at your wheel.. Then I dare say you and your dog are not the problem bud. I would wonder how it stays on your wheel though, not really feasible unless it's a bionic wolf, or you're hurting it. Or