I’ve long thought about how to bring my dog Junior along on a ride. My daughter provided a possible solution today. A friend suggested that if I dog can ride along on the back of a Harley then Junior surely ought to be able to DRIVE a Vespa.
I’m not sure about this…
And here I thought that the Christmas tree on the Vespa was a bit over the top…
I think perhaps a sidecar for the Vespa, Steve….much better for Junior. After all, the guy in the video taught the dog to hold by hitting the brakes! After a few falls, the dog caught on….seems a bit harsh.
dom
Redleg’s Rides
Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner
An acquaintance strapped a plank across the footboards of his scooter and carried his German Shepherd around Key West on his feet. Considering risk is always uppermost in your mind you might want to be reassured Kevin is an ER nurse and never wears a helmet. The dog died of other causes and has yet to be replaced. Kevin still rides dog less.
Dogs can do most things, mostly they are limited by what we think they can do. I agree with Charlie6 though, the learning curve while effective, seems steep and harsh. Maybe some kind of doggie outrigger short of a side car, like a running board with sides? A little balast on the non-doggie side? Or get another dog for balast. There’s a good money-making idea hiding in here somewhere Steve. Thanks for sharing that video.
A side car with Junior in it would provide more ballast for those wild off the main road excursions you seem to enjoy. And Junior could explore new areas as well!
RichardM: Inanimate objects may be impressive to haul on the back of a scooter but the living are something else entirely. I don’t often haul humans and I am pretty sure I am not going to start carrying my dog on the back. It’s something I’ll be content to watch on YouTube.
Charlie6 (Dom): You need to accept that I’m not cut from the right cloth to be a sidecar enthusiast.
Junior still gets too excited to walk across a creek on a single plank so riding is absolutely out of the question. Besides, I ride to be alone. Having a dog along defeats that desire no matter how cool he is.
And you’re right about the training for that dog being a bit harsh…
Conchscooter: The strangest things seem to happen in Key West. What’s up with that??
I’ll keep Junior safe and sound either at home or in the van parked in his crate.
David Masse: I feel guilty everytime I see your name. I still have your prints on my desk. It’s been almost two years. I feel I should include cash or a gift certificate to Scooterwest.com…
A second dog for ballast. That’s an idea. I always want a second dog regardless of how crazy that decision would be.
Bryce: Solitary riding is my goal. Junior requires too much attention, or at least I give him a lot, that I don’t want to ruin my ride or his experience.
So home he will stay.
I had a professor in college that came to class one day with several bandages. Said his dog loved to ride to the store with him. One day a neighbor’s cat provided cause for the dog to jump off in a curve resulting in a low speed accident.
I can believe it. I would never take my dog along on two wheels. I see what he can do when we’re walking. Having him lunge for a cat or squirrel would be a disaster.