I have used a Springer in the past (it is sitting in the garage) and although I find it handy, I really like being able to see my dogs out front - gives me the chance to make sure nobody is sidewinding, etc... THEY love biking... I drag the bike out of the shed and I have Pepper (2 year old GSD girl) bouncing up and down in front of my face at eye level because she is so excited... And I too always see my life flash before my eyes when I start a new dog.... Nothing scarier! I used to rollerblade with my dals (before GSDs) and it was wonderful exercise for all of us, but every now then, the pavement and my body would have a close encounter of the "rocky" kind.... As for prong collars - I would never ever a bike a dog without one - power steering for dogs... And although some people have had bad run ins with them, I have found them to be a much safer tool than the alternatives and my dogs respect them... especially when they see the cat first! Jess M.Paisley Dals (www.paisleydals.com)& The Shepherd Girls (Simmie, CGC, TDI, TC, HIC & Pepper, HIC)Member of: DCA, GSDCA & GTCDC _________________________________________________________________ See how Windows Mobile brings your life together?at home, work, or on the go. http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/msnnkwxp1020093182mrt/direct/01/ ============================================================================ POST is Copyrighted 2008. All material remains the property of the original author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE PROSECUTED. For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://showgsd.org NATIONAL BLOG - http://gsdnational.blogspot.com/ ============================================================================