Training Inca to become the ultimate Mtb Trail Dog

If we were ever going to get a dog, it had to be one that could come with me when I went mountain biking.
So this is Inca. She is an 18-month-old working black Labrador and you'll see from this video she LOVES to go mountain biking with me.
She is officially a trail dog 🙌
Training a dog to ride bikes with you can be difficult but you'll see in this video, on singletrack she always runs behind me and gets rewarded for doing so. If she runs ahead, the fun stops.
I didn't start riding with my dog until she was over 12 months and even then I started with just slower, local rides over the fields to get her used to running next to or behind the bike.
Training a dog to to run with you whilst mountain biking is not easy, but it is possible. I see loads of people letting their dogs run in front of them. In fact, the most well known (Ruby the trail dog) does so perfectly. However, for me I didn't want to be in a position where Inca was running ahead and I ran into her.
We're now up to about 10 miles for a mountain bike ride in places like Cannock Chase and she's brilliant. I know she'd go further but labs suffer with their rear legs and so I'm keen not to push her too hard.
I now also feel I am doing the "follow the dog" trail at Cannock Chase justice. Although, she has to follow me ;-)

[@tennlabs]

I ride with my dogs and never let them follow - it throws sand and rocks in their eyes. That will lead to eye failure too early in life. Let her rip in front, she'll go faster, and you'll get to enjoy watching how incredible a running dog is.

[@OriginalCyclist]

My biggest concern is her running in front of the bike and me hitting her. She tends to ride off to one side to avoid the mud.

[@nobodyyouknow7226]

​@@OriginalCyclistI would say that the best way to negate that while still considering your dog's safety is by investing in a pair of Rex Specs! That way you can guarantee your dog's safety by making sure she's not in front of you in case of an emergency crash, while also protecting her vision and debris!

[@OriginalCyclist]

@@nobodyyouknow7226 That is a good shout!

[@aesir0784]

Here I am... 6ft 2 and tearing up. Why? I really don't know why lol. - Maybe it's just how sweet a girl she is, and I'm happy to see your joy with her! - GL - and stay safe! - Aesir -

[@OriginalCyclist]

Ha ha! Best comment so far. Thank you

[@away_with_luke]

Totally wholesome, and as a big Casey fan his influence is clear whilst you still keep it totally original! The thought of the effort that went into this as well. Massive respect! 😊

[@OriginalCyclist]

That is the nicest comment I think I've ever had on the channel! Made my day! Thanks dude

[@Muler3627]

Dude this is really wholesome. I like the different angle you're taking on these past couple videos. We need to take the dogs and bikes to Cannock/Sutton so mine can learn from yours!

[@OriginalCyclist]

Thanks dude. She loves other dogs!

[@Peter19325]

Just got this video on the end of 2022. Is so nice watching how your dog is doing mtb riding with you. Five months ago I got my amazing border collie and he became my best riding, hiking and running friend.

[@OriginalCyclist]

That's awesome dude. I need to take her out more!

[@markyp1965]

I’ve a 9 month old Working Cocker, who I’ve been socialising with bikes and riders since I got him. He’s had a brief introduction to running with me on a bike, but he’s still too young to go out for a proper trail ride. He’s an awesome pup, full of energy, loves to play, but he’s still a work in progress. Genuinely can’t wait to have him joining me on my favourite trails.

[@OriginalCyclist]

Mate, you're going to love it. I actually do more running than riding with her but she makes any kind of exercise more fun. Enjoy!

[@teuluPaul]

Great! I have a 16 month old Cocker Spaniel but I haven't taken him out with me on a bike yet. I am tempted to try, especially when I saw Inca disappear into the woods and reappear from a different place - he does exactly this! He loves to run and chase things, so chasing me down a hill on a bike is not such a stretch of the imagination. Thanks very much for sharing the video!

[@OriginalCyclist]

You should. I picked locations where there aren't too many people (i.e. other bikes to chase!) and made sure I had an apple air tag on her collar just in case but never had to use it. She gets her initial excitement out and then just follows me. Go for it!

[@coeus2604]

I love the joy both of you clearly get from these rides. Also great exercise for both of you. I’m sure you sleep well afterwards!

[@OriginalCyclist]

Thanks! Yeah we have fun for sure 😊

[@rohannuttall2577]

Such a wonderful video :) Beautiful storytelling... I have also fallen in love with Inca!

[@OriginalCyclist]

Thanks Rohan, most people do fall in love with her 🥰

[@dirttdude]

learning heel on the leash worked well for us. when we're riding it means get your puppy bottom behind this bicycle immediately. he runs ahead of me to be sure everything smells alright on the climbs and he runs behind me on the descents. We shred singletrack but we mostly do touring together.

[@OriginalCyclist]

Yeah, she's got to a place where she can look at the type of trail and know she needs to be behind me. It is great fun.

[@Uday_Aravind]

I loved the video. I look forward to trying this when I can.

[@davidwilliams3608]

Great Video! I loved having a trail dog, made me ride more especially in winter! Miss him a lot!

[@OriginalCyclist]

Thanks David. She's sat next to me as I type looking like she wants to go again. Could be a good excuse to finish early today I think!

[@cthurston43]

Riding with my dog is a ton of fun, because I love to see how happy she is during the ride and satisfied afterwards. She is an Aussie and learned just by getting out there. I think it was easier with her because she always wants to be close to me and never wander off? My previous pup was a bit tougher, because she enjoyed chasing squirrels and I often had to call her back. lol

[@OriginalCyclist]

She's better trained now but squirrels are the only thing she can't resist!

[@daveanything]

love the video.. this one is great and i enjoyed it start to finish

[@OriginalCyclist]

I appreciate that a lot, thank you!

[@stirfrybry1]

I used to love it when my dog took the lead. I loved to see him run

[@OriginalCyclist]

I took her out yesterday again. She just loves it so much

[@wadebankston]

I laughed out loud when you were sitting on the back of you car eating an apple--That is exactly how my dog and I eat at the end of our ride. great video and great dog!!!

[@OriginalCyclist]

Thanks mate. I can't eat an apple anywhere in the house without her appearing within seconds 😂

[@yengsabio5315]

Wow! Just... wow! I will have a trail dog soon. And, I approve this video! 100% awesome! Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines! #RideOn #KeepBiking

[@OriginalCyclist]

Thanks for your support!!

[@lutze1987]

Awesome. Might try and train our dog too 🙌

[@journeysocial3614]

Absolutely brilliant

[@OriginalCyclist]

Thanks dude x

[@mattcarr3798]

Fantastic footage, Inca is brilliant, vlogs are great 👍

[@OriginalCyclist]

Thank you, that means a lot!

[@fegasegiawan3440]

I would so anxious everytime my dog run away or I can't see him. Glad Inca are doing okay! So Inspiring!

[@OriginalCyclist]

I have the food, she's not going far! 😂

[@danielm6507]

Amazing! I ride with my dog frequently, qnd have trained her to walk or run along sidewalks or the edge of the road, so we even ride in suburban areas. Only negative is that extended downhills are really hard on them.. so i just wait patiently. On the climbs, she can ride circles around me! Thanks for sharing

[@OriginalCyclist]

Yeah, we're the same on the climbs. The downhills in Cannock Chase are quite short, so she can keep up quite easily! Thanks for the comment!

[@jessicawalker4829]

I’m a bit late, but I have a bull Arab X golden retriever. She’s just turned 2 and honestly, she would love something like this. She’s not to good off lead, but way to energetic to just go for leisurely strolls. I’m hoping to buy a bike and start riding with her.

[@horschti]

How my dog. I love him/her. Great dog.

[@reddogdude]

Inca is quite the lovely girl. I would be interested in seeing an update on Inca and seeing how she is as a trail dog and overall companion now at 4-and-change as opposed to 18 months. I have a seven year old vizsla as a trail dog and she really "gelled" at around 2 years. The difference between an 18 month old work in progress and what she became at around 2 was really something. I'm sure it was something similar for Inca.

[@OriginalCyclist]

Yeah she hit 4 last month and has calmed down a fair bit. I don't ride with her as a much as I'd like as dry conditions damage her paw pads and I worry about really muddy conditions with her eyes. She's still a bundle of energy but I do more running than riding with her now. I might do an update video, good idea ;-)

[@reddogdude]

You know,@@OriginalCyclist, I switched my trail activities from riding to hiking and I think that has been more agreeable for my dog as she has gotten older. It also extends our season. We’re in Florida and the heat here really limits how much of the year you can safely have your dog run with the bike. Maybe hiking can work for you guys.

[@OriginalCyclist]

@@reddogdude Yeah she loves running and walking which we do lots of. We don't have the luxury of warm weather until July/August, so we're safe from getting too hot 90% of the time 😂

[@reddogdude]

@@OriginalCyclist, I would imagine that alligators aren't a big concern for you either. 😉

[@SharieSherman]

Oh I love her!!! She looks like my girl I lost a few months ago... Love for Inca!!!

[@OriginalCyclist]

Oh I'm sorry to hear that. She was 3 this week. Still mad as a box of frogs!

[@KenJordan]

Fully agree with everything you said starting at about 3:32. I got GSP during lockdowns myself. Super hyper dog that is fun to have, but a handful to manage. That translates into more training work at the trail head and trail. But those moments when I see my dog running flat out in front of me are pretty amazing to watch. :P

[@OriginalCyclist]

Yeah, she's just hit 3 years old so is a tiny bit calmer. Not much 😂

[@richardanderson4916]

That warms my heart. I hope to have a dog someday!

[@OriginalCyclist]

Thanks Richard. Lovely comment

[@rjw1974]

Good video. I have a 5 1/2 year old border collie and she’s been a trail dog since 4 months old. You have the number one priority already sorted and that is to get the dog to run behind you. I must point out, taking the dog on an MTB ride is making a fit dog even fitter. Beware of needing even bigger rides to get rid of the dogs energy! They are a great riding buddy, they never complain and always want that “one more run”.

[@OriginalCyclist]

Thanks buddy. If I'm honest, we don't get out that often. I tend to only take her when the ride is a shorter one anyway. I think its me that needs the longer rides!! 😂

[@Fietsvlogger]

Google brought me here, I did the Casey course earlier this year. Great video, entertaining and funny. Lovely shots.

[@OriginalCyclist]

Thank you! The course was great. I did a write-up of it on my business website themarketingmeetup.com/blog/the-comprehensive-casey-neistat-filmmaking-storytelling-review/

[@fisho2620]

awesome! ive got 12 month old jack russell who is my new mtb buddy here in Sydney OZ. he loves it. got him on a 9k loop at end of the street.

[@OriginalCyclist]

That's awesome mate. Sat here working at my desk with her looking at me as if to say "come on lets go!" 😂

[@Mugtree]

Absolutely brilliant video. I really miss having a dog and keep using the excuse I’m too busy. But maybe 🤔

[@OriginalCyclist]

Thanks mate. Oooh get one!

[@steveanderson1779]

Great video, the same happened to myself. I got a Staffy

[@juancarlosarevalo4045]

Nice video, I love take a ride with my dog, he never say no!, Regards from Chile

[@OriginalCyclist]

Thanks Juan! All the way from Chile, that's so cool!

[@dingosbizzareadventure168]

Amazing video and storytelling

[@OriginalCyclist]

Thanks buddy, that's really kind

[@IvanTutto]

So nice, thanks! Im on this process with my dog!

[@OriginalCyclist]

Thanks Ivan. Lots of patience, keep riding the same trail over and over. You'll get there.

[@IvanTutto]

@@OriginalCyclist Yeah, truth, thanks for inspiring us! greetings from Colombia

[@Seven7ails]

Soon she will be leading 🤙🏽

[@maybeerainmaybeesnow]

Hooray for dogs! Ehhhhhhverywhere!

[@OriginalCyclist]

😂

[@riley1630]

Grande ♥️

[@00dreamer00]

We need more!

[@OriginalCyclist]

Ha ha! Ok, I'm on it ;-)

[@andrewadamson3426]

You can crash a bike but you can't replace your 🐕

[@OriginalCyclist]

That's true! (Just seen this comment whilst looking for a new bike too!!)

[@themuddycyclist]

I have a 4 year old working black lab. Not had much success training her to ride with me, she won’t go behind me & tries to bite my bike!

[@OriginalCyclist]

Hahaaa that sounds awful. They all seem to have their own personality. Mine will not fetch a ball. She just looks at me as if I’ve made a huge mistake throwing it. Which is true

[@themuddycyclist]

@@OriginalCyclist Haha, that's so funny, my dog looks so similar to yours but is obsessed with fetching balls. Your video has made me think I should try again with her.

[@OriginalCyclist]

@@themuddycyclist Do it!!

[@azmaier100]

I have a yellow lab. best trail dog. She is not 11 years old and she can't go anymore and it breaks my heart when getting ready for a ride.

[@OriginalCyclist]

Ahhh mate, that's tough. I need to try and ride with her more as I know I'll feel the same

[@iknowyouwanttofly]

Where I live its mostly asfalt on the trips I need to make so I think that would be to hard on my dogs feet. I wish I hade like a tandem/cargo bike. Where he could help with running on some sort of threadmill. That way it could be made in a way that was good for paws free of glass etc. Ofcourse he would have to be abel to stop it when he wanted to I have not mange to get a working design yet. 😅

[@OriginalCyclist]

Sounds like a fun bike-building project!

[@ayadal]

Nice video. Thanks for sharing; I love it. Im trying to decide between a Labrador and a German Shorthaired Pointer for a family dog and trail dog. What would you recommend between the two? Why did you choose a Labrador?

[@OriginalCyclist]

Thanks dude! From what knowledge I have, which isn't extensive, Labradors are very biddable, very good with kids etc. I love the pointers but not sure of their temperament. I think there is another mountain biker who has one called Ruby (its a very popular YT video). Inca is a working bread as opposed to a show lab. If you want a slightly smaller one with bags of energy then go for the working.

[@ayadal]

@@OriginalCyclist Thanks for the insight. I'm having a hard time deciding between a working line British Labrador and the German Shorthaired Pointer. I wish I could get both. I'll be meeting some of each over the next few months to get a better feel for the breeds. I'm going to look into Ruby's videos on YT.

[@OriginalCyclist]

@@ayadal Both are lovely dogs. Inca is Working british lab, so I'm probably a bit bias! Enjoy!

[@ayadal]

@@OriginalCyclist my wife was sold on your video. And the GSP is too much for her. So we’re on a waitlist for a working British Lab. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@naomikaffe1]

Inca que bonita niña hermosa. Saluditos Desde Tijuana baja California México

[@timd1897]

Love the video! Going to start taking my pup with me riding. Suggest, I'm not sure what the laws are in your area, but an e-collar was a game changer for my dogs off leash recall. Maybe people (I was one of them when I first got my dog) think the ecollar is a shock collar. It is not. My dude is on a level 3 out of 137. I've put it on my neck and I didn't feel it until level 15-18. The vibrate feature seems to work the best to break their attention from what ever they're fixated on. Just my 2 cents.

[@OriginalCyclist]

Interesting! She is a lab, so food usually wins 😂

[@BigBADSTUFF69]

ecollars are amazing, wish they were more popular because more dogs could be responsible off leash, for instance in the beginning when the pup goes and meets the other dog off leash, perfect time for the ecollar. It's so easy to have 100% perfect recall with an ecollar so for everyone trying to stop their dog from running off into the bushes, find a good trainer that will help you with an ecollar!

[@SeanLazer]

Yeah I cringed when I saw him half assedly trying to recall his dog from the leashed dog. Unless your dog has perfect recall they should not be off leash in public. A leashed dog being approached by an off leash dog is a recipe for trouble. Plus other trail users may not want to be approached by a strange dog. I love dogs but I still don't know YOUR dog and whether it's friendly or not. Imagine how people who are scared of dogs feel.

[@hutmode8910]

Good Dog mate

[@OriginalCyclist]

Yeah, she's not too bad ;-)

[@barkandridesports8268]

Great little insight into the realities and the fun! We're a traildog brand based in Scotland! Come say hi!

[@OriginalCyclist]

Arrr cool. I sometimes film for work in Scotland. Thanks for saying hi!

[@CarlosAvalosnet]

what kind of camera do you use for this video

[@OriginalCyclist]

GoPro Hero 9, DJI mavic pro 2 drone, Sony A7c for locked off shots

[@mhe8545]

Love dogs. I know it is fun to take your dog on MTB trails but you need to consider othere on the trail. I'll be climbing and here are dogs flying down the trail in front of their owners. You have to stop because you surely don't want to hit a dog. Share the trail!!

[@OriginalCyclist]

Yep, agreed. She always runs behind me on single track and only in front if we are on a slow climb. I also only ride with her on very quiet off-piste trails in Cannock Chase. So I avoid places like FTD and The Monkey Trail for those exact reasons. I very rarely come across other riders and when I spot them, we stop. Safety is high on my priority list.

[@BRANDOAN]

My working lab is also a black lab named Shiro. I try my best to take her on local trails here in Southern California! Do you have an instagram with Inca? Would love to follow you.

[@OriginalCyclist]

That's cool!! Living their best lives 🤘

[@AndresRamirez-km6jy]

Nice dog! I hv two trail dogs Emma German shorthaired pointer (8yo) and Jack Weimaraner (6yo) Try to give your dog joint supplement pills, and also i've found really useful to to call them on trails with a dog whistle :)

[@OriginalCyclist]

Awesome! Thanks for the tip!

[@SKELETORBADMON]

My Nanas dog was named Inca ❤

[@OriginalCyclist]

Awww, its a cool name I think

[@shaychavez5113]

as a dog trainer i would for sure use a proper E Collar to keep her within a resonable distance

[@OriginalCyclist]

She does like to 'range' but I have an air tag on her. Since this video she's improved a lot and just loves to chase me! 😂

[@imnotlettingyouseemyname]

​​@@OriginalCyclistthe point isn't to make sure she will eventually come back; it's to ensure that you have a dog that will immediately follow your commands. It is irresponsible to have a dog off-leash if you have as little control over it as we see at the start of the video. If your dog runs up to play with the wrong dog...Inca or the other dog's owner could get bit. Your dog is friendly but not everything else out there is friendly. "Her recall is getting better every day" is not good enough for off-leash (I guess you probably call it a lead). Dogs off leash shouldn't need to be recalled because they should stick to your side unless given permission to do otherwise but they should already have immediate recall.

[@OriginalCyclist]

@@imnotlettingyouseemyname Thanks Peter, have a nice day

[@Apple-ct9wc]

@shaychavez5113 Not a good trainer 😂 Why would you use such things on dogs?! To lazy to spend time actually training them? 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@Apple-ct9wc]

@@imnotlettingyouseemynamenonsense, off course a dog should listen. But a dog is not a robot, it never listens 100% In the first clip the dog was just released out of the car full enthusiasm, most dogs don’t respond to commands right away… this dog is still young, and for its age listens pretty well!

[@TrailTrackerSwitzerland]

I would love to go riding with my dog, but unfortunately being a 60 kilo monster, he's just not built for it! Not to mention the massive intolerance for unleashed dogs in Switzerland. Anything but instantaneous recall is often viewed as an invitation to criticise and moan!!!!

[@OriginalCyclist]

Such a shame. There are areas in the UK where I’d struggle but Cannock Chase is great for her. Yeah 60 kilos is BIG!

[@thangnguyenngoc5553]

What pants are you wearing, where can I find them, please let me know, thank you! @Original Cyclist

[@OriginalCyclist]

They are from POC. They're pretty old now!

[@se7ensnakes]

Dont the dog get tire? Dont the dog stop to smell things?

[@OriginalCyclist]

Somehow she doesn't. If I am going slow on the climbs she is off sniffing in the bushes, but when we're going down she just loves running!

[@lilkoo93]

How’s the training going?

[@OriginalCyclist]

She's good thanks. She is now 3 and a little bit calmer. She still gets way too excited when we get out of the car to the trail head. But after a couple of miles she is golden.

[@antainhuntingkennelsirelan8546]

Bikejoring championshps to let her shed some steam?

[@OriginalCyclist]

she'd love that 😂

[@ankitsingh0198]

Brother what is your dog breed

[@OriginalCyclist]

She is a working labrador retriever / lunatic

[@deirdreoriordan9042]

Do you still ride trails with Inca? No more vids

[@OriginalCyclist]

I do yeah. Think I should make another one?

[@deirdreoriordan9042]

@@OriginalCyclist yes please

[@andrewadamson732]

God's dog's plan

[@biketrailsandwaggingtails6055]

Aren't dogs awesome. Great video btw.

[@OriginalCyclist]

Thank you! And yes, apart from when she was caught eating poo yesterday. Then they're not cool.

[@mogeking56]

What about the girl 👧 cramps

[@OriginalCyclist]

Not sure I understand 🧐

[@DrCheeks]

I really don’t understand this mentality of people expecting their dogs to understand the concept of furniture and where they are allowed and not allowed to be. Also, why comment on your dog doing a shit? Still, super cool that you’ve found your way to dogs and how rad they are

[@neuregel]

She will be to large and more prone to injury to be a mtb trail dog much after 5 or 6 years. Better MTB dogs are in the 30 to 40lbs range....... Something like a jack Russell size is perfect. Will take to year 2 or three for her to calm down. My dog is 12 and we ride with deer and horses and she's now unfazed. I used to get mad at her chasing deer. But she always came back and if i kept riding she'd still find me especially on familiar trails.... Dogs will be dogs

[@OriginalCyclist]

Yeah, she is a slightly smaller breed of Lab (working lab) so I think if we don't push her too hard and keep her weight down, she'll be good ;-)

[@generalmayhem8318]

Good job for picking up the poo. Too many of these bike vids the fools just leave it

[@OriginalCyclist]

Yeah, I don't quite understand why people do that

[@i4nc4]

It’s all good until you’re more focused on filming or your bike than controlling your dog. First three seconds of video would have seen my dog latch on to yours. Do your mtb if able to control your dog. ( holy shit dude, leash your dog, your level of not giving af about others is mind blowing. Put more time into your dog and less on yourself )

[@OriginalCyclist]

Thank you for your insightful comment. Have a lovely day.

[@Kenny-wl4pw]

Looks wholesome but really. Dogs shouldnt be let without a leash in the forest. Wolves kill them just for sport.

[@OriginalCyclist]

Mmmmm, yes Wolves. And bears. And sharks. They are the worst in Cannock Chase

[@andy14169]

Dude no, "work in progress" is not an excuse to let your dog run up on others like that with no control. Properly off-lead train it first or don't do it at all. People like you give proper trail dog owners a bad name.

[@OriginalCyclist]

wow

[@911copcam]

Like the rest of the population who got dogs during that time now the kennels are full of unwanted dogs... shameful

[@OriginalCyclist]

I've not thrown her in the bin. We feed her and everything 🤨

[@lukelloyd7934]

What a dumb comment.

[@kuntakinte7440]

you are too slow up hill :P

[@OriginalCyclist]

Too slow for....?