How To Train A Trail Dog - Featuring Tom & Ruby

If you've ever wondered how to turn your dog into a tiny shredder, then keep watching! Tom Wragg, owner of Ruby the trail dog, runs us through how to train a trail dog, which breed to go for, and how to get started with them on the trail.
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Check out Tom & Ruby riding in the thick of winter:
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How to Train a Trail Dog
➡️ • How To Train A Trail D...
Ruby vs Joe and Jack
➡️ • Racing The World's Fas...
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#rubythetraildog #Traildog

[@eof_lemongrab]

Quick question for Ruby: who's a good girl?

[@martincoupe7570]

Very good mate lol

[@Max-rs3mh]

Mirror mirror on the wall who's the best pup of them all

[@victoriathegreencheekconur5477]

Earl of Lemongrab RUBY!

[@TetrarchTD]

I am😂😂

[@thatguythatdoesstuff7448]

"Took about a year to be comfortable ..." This is the thing most people don't realize. They work with the dog 2 or 3 times and wonder why the dog doesn't immediately know what you want. My dogs go on my urban park rides and stay right next to me. That didn't happen overnight and yeah, it took about 8 months of riding 3-4x a week. That's around 100 rides before they were 90% compliant to the rules of being off leash.

[@Luculencia]

So if I already have a very good offleash routine with my dog, but on foot rather than on a bike, will it be easier to train her to be reliable when I'm biking with her? Or does adding the bike bring it back to training everything from scratch again? :S I want to start cycling with my dog but not sure if I should have her offleash to start or attach her to the bike (not attached for mtb trails obviously!)...

[@Luculencia]

She ignores cyclists completely when we walk / hike on beaches / through woods etc. She has been nervous / scared of bikes before when someone has been pushing them past right next to her or lifting them up near her (do I have to get her comfortable to be very near the bike or should I let her remain wary of getting too close to it?), but when out on a trail and someone cycles past she doesn't even glance at them. If I had her offleash I'm sure she will stay within sight of me (as she always does when I walk her offleash) but I suspect she'd run ahead of me and may get in the way of the bike... perhaps I should work on heeling and on directions (left / right) first so I can have her move out of the way of the bike if she tries to run directly in front of me? The fear with her being attached to the bike is that I may crash the bike and fall on her - I'm not a great cyclist and have fallen off before xD I'd really rather have her stay back at a bit of a distance from me so that if I fall I only hurt myself. My dog is a medium sized mixed breed with a natural, lean body shape similar to a dingo or coyote. I don't think she has any issues with her hips or paws (she's never seemed to limp or be in pain after running / fetching ball or swimming for hours anyway). I will probably take her for a checkup before I take her any kind of distance just to be sure.

[@Luculencia]

+Freerider Heh I overthink everything, not just my dog xD But I always try to get things right with her first time because she's one of those dogs that learns quick and remembers every little mistake, and then gets into bad habits if I mess up when training something (she's a herding mix and very smart and precise). If I let her run in front of me on the bike, for example, she will expect to run in front of me every time. I think I will start with just pushing the bike on foot and have her follow behind me to begin with, and will progress to standing on a pedal and going a bit faster (with the bike like a scooter so I can step off it and stop quickly if she runs in front). I might have her run in the rough at the side of the track instead of on the actual track (that way she's out of the way of other people and cyclists). And I'll start when there's no one else around so that if I mess up she won't get hurt running into another bike. Your dog was lucky to have someone so understanding as you. I'm glad he was able to learn how to be a dog with your help :) Very cute too. My dog is also fearful, so I know how difficult fear issues can be to work through, structured activities really helps (why I want her to come biking with me!). Thanks for your input, you've given me a lot of insightful helpful information :) I will definitely go slow and watch out to make sure I'm not pushing her too far too fast.

[@nicorosa3443]

I took my dog on a bike ride for the first time today ,I started on a leash and as I got to the woods I let him off , he did absolutely perfect he stayed about 2 metres away from my back wheel at all times and never got even close to crashing so I got some confidence and went down an easy trail with decent speed and he still didn't disappoint. Absolutely love him ;)

[@jcsrst]

Patience, consistency and love, you'll have a good dog.

[@Andrew-on5do]

Showed my bulldog this. He said meh.

[@micahmidstar2577]

Same for my Doberman

[@dinunclv]

@@micahmidstar2577 Doberman would make great trail dogs. They are fast and they would scare the kids away from the tail.

[@rqsser1]

Hey dude. I’m a dog trainer. And it is very nice to see someone who actually knows what they are talking about with dog. Good job. And I. Pretty sure I’ve seen you on the trails in the past

[@v1d300]

Ruby is a gem, literally.

[@gabgabgab9741]

not even close, literally, she's a dog.

[@ebroks]

@@gabgabgab9741 yes but the name ruby is the name of a gem so "ruby" the name is literally a gem while this ruby is a dog, v1d300 used it as a double meaning as in ruby is a gem as in a good girl and ruby the name is a gem. Therefore literally a gem.

[@soulsurfer8797]

Nice! I started riding with my Mals after seeing this. I use to run them daily but this is a game change e for us.

[@ajitchavan6181]

As much as I wish I had sent my dog to Brandon for training before bringing him home kzbin.infoUgkx1_veP7CApJK_GWy_TczaMciuG64PqJeU I am so grateful for this down-to-earth, practical guide. His training techniques and tips really work. Thank you as well for dedicating your life's work to rescue dogs, and to rescuing those of us who want the very best for our 4-legged family members.

[@bradleyscott9436]

Definitely going to train my sausage dog now

[@prettyjohnshill76]

WWHHOOOOOSSSHHH!

[@alipeebles6057]

Scotty Adams r/woooooosh

[@ajacobs100]

I've got a chiwawa. She'll have to make do.

[@copperwolf8792]

I got a pet rock, will that do?

[@GiddyRob]

@@86scottyk Jesus.... It was a joke! Love how people take things so seriously!

[@CedricDerLabrador]

Really appreciate you explaining HOW you trained Ruby and that it took quite sone time. Much better than just showing the results.

[@andrewcombes8958]

Oh man the memories that brought back. Mid 90s I lived in Killington, VT and would ride every day with my border collie. If I let him choose the trails he would always opt for the longest. We would cover between 30 and 70 miles in a morning. I would be pooped. Rocky would want to do it again. We compromised on frisbee in the afternoons! Happiest days of my life.

[@rc4443]

I love how much he clearly loves his dog.

[@davis0526]

i dont even have a dog, but i still found this interesting.

[@jasongraham1186]

+1 for all the work off the bike. I’ve spent 2 years with my heeler and now he’s a joy to have on the trail. Stays right with me. But we’ve done loads of work in the backyard with focused training and lots of work even on pavement both on and off the bike to make sure he’s safe and the people around us are safe. It’s worth it though. Dogs are always down for a ride when your riding buddies aren’t.

[@LukeMegBiking]

Jason Graham great job man.... it’s all about the work beforehand that makes a huge impact to the successful partnership between rider and dawg

[@Lightleakz]

Mountainbiking Heeler Pup owner here too! She's still to young for the trails but is already really good with recall and heel and I'll introduce the bike soonish to get her comfortable with it. Did yout teach yours any specific commands for trail riding?

[@gravyh542]

My vizsla just watched one of your videos when he was a puppy and off we went. He is better behaved when we are biking than any other time- fully occupied. Regularly do 20 miles, but definitely slow down on fire tracks. Only problem is he nags me if we stop for too long! It now feels weird to bike without him

[@donavintrip7108]

My little chua/whippet mix stays with me from day 1. He goes 15 mph up to 4 miles. Great to see a pup on the trails with a biker.

[@Paulsbikeandboard]

I’ve been biking with my dog for about 3 years and I still don’t let him in front. He’s a herder so he wants to chase. If he gets in front he will stop to look back for sure. Biggest thing for us is we don’t ride more than a couple miles if it’s over 60 degrees f. When it gets cooler he can seemingly run forever. I also stop to give him water every 15 minutes to half hour depending on the temperature and the signals he’s giving me. Something you might forget as you sip your camel back. Snow biking has greatly increased our season too. I also try to stay conscious of the types of rock on the trail. Gravel and sharp rocks are going to be tougher on a dog’s feet, roots and baby heads are no big deal.

[@captnhuffy]

thanks for posting you experiences. sounds like excellent advice. What about booties for your dog?

[@margaretmeaker2830]

Ratmescher. What type of dog do u have.. I have a Belgium malinois and he is also a herder with serious prey drive I'm battling at the moment just for him not to chase my horses and snap at them.. not sure what the solution would be.. trail riding makes total sense since they have no "off" button and this is both physically and mentally stimulating. Just what this breed needs.. Not sure how he would do running with a bike..

[@patrickaldridge]

It's good that you obviously care about your dog and don't see it as a bike accessory. I just hope that others consider the well-being of the dog over their own need/desire for a trail companion.

[@MichaelJosephJr934]

Why not let Ruby ride the bike and you run behind her. 😂😂😂

[@jaydee6574]

He's too slow she's much better at it hahahaha

[@gtflyer]

Ruby must be a great dog..Love watching her run with you, nice work.

[@gingerl3146]

I love Ruby! Been following her on IG for a while 💗

[@Teamcrapsheep]

Brilliant video, I have a male vizsla his my best riding buddy. i have been riding with him for 5 years now and always let him run in front and tell him where where to go. He knows all the trails better than I do. It’s great experience when your dogs bonded with you and can come out shredding, I don’t take him with more than a couple of friends thought just doesn’t work.

[@parkerheathiii4881]

Such a terrific video. I've been out there with my Rhodesian Ridgeback, Skipper, for many years and miles of trail riding. Started with him before his first birthday with short rides, worked into 15+ mile rides while he was in his prime after age 2, and am now tapering off his rides now that he''s past his 8th birthday. He (and I) still love it...just at a more measured pace these days. From the beginning, he just figured out when he could be in front (climbs and single track) and behind, during the fastest/extended descents. Few things better to do with a dog than trail riding...other than couch time after its all done. Thanks Tom.

[@tankmouth1]

I just started training a trail dog of my own and picked up so many great tips and reminders from this. Keep up the good work!

[@bikeradar]

Great to hear you found it useful and best of luck with your trail dog!

[@Unapologetic_Health]

Amazing!! Ruby is an absolute legend! Well done mate! Goals for me and my Collie cross, Layla!

[@paigethefarrier6243]

There's a young teen boy who rides with his dog all the time every day where I am and it makes me so happy every time I see it I have a malinois and he's too young for this but I am stoked to ride with him

[@RPZ16]

IMO malinois is really good breed for that kind of activity. Anyway, control is everything. If you can take him off the leash everywhere, speed doesn't matter.

[@margaretmeaker2830]

Very well presented !! Lovely trails as well! What a team!.. nice work

[@Biscuitabuse]

Such a great thing for both of you. I've just adopted a Kelpie cross Maremma cross something else hahaha she's 4 months old and she's almost got her walking to heel and recall sorted. Looking forward to getting her used to the bike in a few months time, for now she loves coming hiking with me.

[@davidmatthew2849]

This is my idea of heaven! You are both so lucky.

[@ronclarke8546]

My dog's name is also Ruby. She's a Weimaraner - very athletic and long-legged. We've been riding together for 6 years. We ride on single-track/ switchbacks and even on the road to the trail head. In the 1st few months she learned all those commands and has been amazing ever since! You dog is beautiful and amazing!

[@tim_schtz]

Not a Weimaraner, Weimaraners are grey, Ruby is a Magyar Vizsla which is an hungary race Weimaraner is german. The two races are besides it's colors, hight and weight pretty similar though

[@DirkJ.]

There is SO little information like this out there for training up a trail dog. Thanks so much for putting this out. I'm 2 months into my journey training a border collie rescue, much of this video and info has already helped. Thanks

[@kelRGo]

Beautiful work

[@medallionsales]

Thanks for posting this. Dogs are fun to ride with when they are on the back wheel.

[@BigBoyGiraffeGraff]

Ty so much for this guide was wondering where to start when I get my pup

[@royaladjemian5801]

Excellent Information. I've been riding with my dogs for many years, currently I have three, two border collies and a beagle. I'm now 70 years old and this has been a big part of our time together. All the best and great information too.

[@sureshchinnappa2290]

Well done Tom , love the video. You are very caring.

[@monstervlogster1157]

I had to subscribe after watching this video....thank you sooooo much....SUPER HELPFUL!!!

[@ridingdeep8530]

Awesome video! Our Border Collie named Bella love trail riding out here in southern Utah. Her biggest issue is that she loves running off-piste or off the trail, this has led to some pretty good scrapes and cuts. Despite this when she sees me getting my riding gear together she gets soooooo excited. Thank you for putting this video together.

[@jatorresrv]

AWESOME information and great tips. Thanks for sharing.

[@richardwager283]

Great video, you have a wonderful dog.

[@Manjiss92]

A dog, the ultimate MTB accessory! XD Wonderful dog you've got there, she seems to really enjoy the trails with you.

[@harrypatrickson1531]

I was so happy when ruby followed me on insta

[@asaltnado5168]

Really cool to watch.

[@martincoupe7570]

That is just pure class mate looks like a lot of fun respect to you my friend

[@mokotramp]

What a fantastic video, with some absolutely 'sound' advice! Fabulous! ✌️

[@murderyogafin]

Amazing video, thank you!

[@darrenbirchall7826]

Just brilliant, mans best friend

[@Amdraz]

What a fantastically informative and well edited video, great work all round. Epic dog too!

[@bikeradar]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrGotzengoul]

Awesome video. I ride with my viszla Barley. They have have a keen sense for the trail and always want to please. Perfect breed for the activity

[@mariadebroeck8154]

I love that I see more and more dogs with mountain bikers. I have a little dachshund that loves to run while I mnt bike and gets mad when I leave him home when I road bike to work.

[@szeb4g]

I 'm glad to saw these useful tips! I hope these exercises will be helpful to us! I have a Dalmatian. I think it is a proper breed too because they originally were developed for chasing mail-coach for long distance. I have been tried to train to follow me for four months, but he is always going into the bushes and going to come back after 5 - 10 minutes. After seeing a video I know I need a little bit more practice and patience : ) Thanks again!

[@alexhyland9393]

I may be wrong on this but i heard that the breed standard for a Dalmatian is exactly the same as a Weimaraner (except for one thing...). Therefore pretty close to a Viszla too I would think!

[@thomascray]

Love it! Thank you!

[@wyoddestro]

Amazing dog and video! Getting our Vizsla at the end of the summer and trail running is definitely something I plan working on with the dog down the road!

[@ridemtb6866]

Thank you ! Great video.

[@incatheweizsla6470]

I love it! Have to train this too

[@davidmuckenschnabl5160]

This is so cool !

[@nickzarnetske9994]

Going on a year with my dog as my best riding mate. She's great, and is really good at staying behind or if she somehow gets in front is quick to safely get off the trail and wait for me to pass. I like riding with some humans, I love riding with my dog!!!

[@mortonfrankfire5400]

We’re are hopefully picking up a dog in April. This has been my goal for so long. I cannot wait to start training with it and having its company out on the trail.

[@korbinburns7261]

Awesome. I’ve got a queensland heeler and she loves the trails. Need to work on the recall like you said but it’s amazing to have a K9 companion on the trail with you 🤘

[@boganjoel]

I have 2 Dalmatians that run with me, 10-15 miles pretty regularly. Also took about a year to get comfortable. Vet told us to start them out when they were at least 1. We started by walking the local trial when they were just pups to get them used to trails and commands.

[@neilbower123]

Great vid & good tips. Hoping to get my dog soon & use this spring `& summer to train it on the trails

[@raymondmontecastro]

I just love this short information but very much understandable

[@Cunlah]

This is a really good video, one anthropomorphic statement about so she knows she did wrong aside, a wonderful How to get started video, with loads of really good advice, taking baby steps starting out slow, knowing your dog, outstanding.

[@LukeMegBiking]

Great video and great guy and dog 😀❤️ We have German shepherd family member/trail dog, and I cannot stress this enough, spend your time training off the bike first, make training fun, engaging and take things slow, the last thing you want is you both stressed and unenthusiastic about riding together. 9/10 if your dog gets it wrong, it’s because they don’t know the rules or what you want/need from them. We have several commands for our dog “go” means you are free to run ahead, “no pull” means do not go ahead of me, “heel” which means stay close and do not go ahead, “away” which means move away from me. We will do an in-depth training video this week 🙏🐕❤️

[@davidmcilvenna3710]

That is really cool.. you have a fab relationship with your dog!

[@mountainstomarshes8966]

Epic, my 2 year old Golden loves riding. Chases me like a hound dog and barks if I get going too fast haha. The most important thing is remembering that those lil buggers will run until they die, so ease them into it and train them no different than you would train yourself.

[@kevinobrien3888]

I’ve got a 15mo old and an 8mo old, but Rhodesian Ridgebacks. This is really helpful.

[@jrlittle337]

Looks so fun

[@vibe2light]

My single track Mtn cycle bitch is a Miniture Foxteirier , very impressive stamina & endurance, bat out of hell fast, dosen't heat up easy, hardly much water wanted, obeys over 95% of commands and easily slots in a breathing mesh backpack when safer practices call for it. After her training period this is working out even better than i anticipated. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, Pedal and peace from New Zealand.

[@freerider604]

Thank you!

[@kevinhandsman4091]

Awesome vid! I have a 6 month old German shorthaired pointer I can't wait to start getting started biking with sometime in the spring/summer. She's already extremely obedient so I hope it goes as well with your girl ruby!

[@quantum12b]

Brilliant video ;0) Thanks :0)

[@thelaurakyna]

I've got a cavachon and 3 miles flat and very slow wipes him out bless him- useful for when time is tight but not fair to do often! One day I'll get an athletic breed and I'll be following your advice, can't wait!

[@felicianowarren9590]

Run with him,it will help him/her stronger n a little faster.

[@ashimslife9975]

Your dog really a sports enthusiast...really loveable dog..care for her at the trail...

[@mutsnuts1989]

Awesome! 😄

[@themuddycyclist]

Just posted my first trail dog video, referenced this excellent one though & linked it to my description. My dog is a lab, think she’s got a good while of training in front of her.

[@willbert7715]

following you since not known on insta :) #1 traildog, thanks tom!

[@tdwragg]

Micha Will nice one 👍

[@mohawkloke]

I'm very glad that you mentioned when to start training or that they should seek out a vet to be sure. I've trained a lot of different dogs and I can't stress this enough. My general rule for people wanting to run, skate, rollerblade or go biking with their dog is 15 months for all dogs except big dogs like great Dane, st. Bernard and bernese mountain dogs etc, then it's 18 months.

[@Skatted]

15 months! I was keen to get my pup going at 3months thanks for the info!

[@andreariggio3580]

Beautiful dog

[@nfssable]

My old Border Collie/Australian Shepherd cross was a great occasional trail-dog! A buddy's old Doberman/German Shepherd/Chow was a surprisingly good trail-dog too!

[@georgekerr9630]

Thanks some top tips 👍

[@EliasLeo6]

haha super cool! looks very responsible as well

[@arnoldlovas1376]

amazing dog :) and great owner.

[@JakeGarbett]

I’ve got a 10 month old border collie, can’t wait to train him next year and take him places with me!🐶

[@gisall8205]

You have been blessed

[@wgsmcw2012]

Amazing dog!

[@Colesurfs03]

For our dog seymour we just always had him out in the woods and then taking him to the mtb trails was super easy and it just happened naturally.

[@felicianowarren9590]

This awesome thx...i have a mixed pit i ride with. Base mile dog. She not super fast but tremendous endurance.

[@kevinreimer4609]

My Aussie shepherd border collie cross is a natural behind the bike. He is super fast but there’s absolutely no way I will allow him in front. He’s also great in a group and stays on the back wheel. 🤘

[@tim_schtz]

I personally clicked on the video because I saw a Vizsla in the thumbnail and I have one too and because it's cool to see one running down trails xD

[@GodandThings]

That is an awesome dog ! I just want a dog now lol ✌🏻😎🚴‍♂️

[@LucBettel]

Good job mate 👌

[@mitchwarren1600]

It takes just one click of my drivetrain for my dog to show up ready to go ! I've learned something from your video, and that is I'm taking the correct precautions 👍

[@FAIRNOUN]

Really nice advices and proper performing improvements. In my city, it is forbidden to take out your dog without a leash. Therefore I had learned to hold the leash in the rear tire chainstays. My dogs wear a chest harness like sled dogs do. Many people, even those that do tutorials, haven't gotten to the middle optimum way for dogs and rider at the same time.

[@theashleystrand]

Go Ruby!

[@dayknowltonjr]

So cool

[@spainobmxer69]

I’m picking up a pup tonight and she’s going to be a future trails dog, a Labrador crossed with a Spaniel so it’s going to have bags of energy

[@yengsabio5315]

This video greatly explains the utmost fundamentals. Succinct! Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines! #RideOn #KeepBiking

[@msolopriv]

Very niche subject, but this video show a lot of nice tips. Good material. Nice execution.

[@terrancefields4414]

I lived for my dog Isis. She is riding in my car in the picture. She recently passed away from reoccurring bladder cancer on 3/15/20. I look at your baby and I played "chase the dog" with my girl everyday. The house is quite empty now.

[@robertmorton8876]

Love the Dog, where was it filmed? Trails look amazing.

[@latesilvan4004]

Vizlas are great dogs. They run on a regular atomic battery and keep two spares just in case. They are smart and do keep the puppy energy forever. They also point to birds and people for fun. Mine died of cancer. I caught it too late, so keep an eye for masses under the skin. I used to ride my bike with her, but was a regular city bike and she will trail along or go forward base on her interest. I used to do the heel command all the time I saw another bike coming, kids, or another dog. In my case I struggled for year with her skin just to find out later that she was allergic to any human made food. Raw food solved her skin problem forever, but the large amount of steroids she got when young probably caused her cancer.

[@stogies3]

Sorry to hear your loss. I keep telling people about keeping dogs on a raw food diet to no avail. I guess the McDonalds culture is alright with them.

[@magickennyj]

It's a well thought out video and I'm glade he puts his concerns about the dog first his advice should be taken seriously.