How to cycle with a dog and have fun with it?

If you want your dog to trot along next to you while you ride your bike, there are a lot of things you need to do before you even set foot outside. First, take a look at your dog. 

If he is prone to breathing problems, which are especially common in short-nosed dogs, is not safe to put him under that physical stress, as he could have some serious trouble. 

If your dog is from a small breed and has short legs, he’ll probably be needing to work too hard to keep up with you, so if you consider cycling, bear in mind that and start slowly and short distances. 

If your dog is overweight, starting at such a physically demanding level is unsafe. Start very slow and always control his response. Take a trip to the vet for a checkup and see if your pup is healthy enough to run. Check out this article on How to help your dog loose weight.

In addition to the previous, your dog must feel confident whilst walking and listening to you. Dogs that are easily distracted or bolt after other dogs or animals can pull hard and easily cause an accident. You should train your dog before considering taking him on a bike ride.

Next, make sure you have the right equipment. This includes:

• A non-tangling leash or leash holder, preferably one that attaches to the seat or rear axle–under no circumstances should you attach the leash to your handlebars, as that’s an accident waiting to happen.
• A harness–a collar with a leash attached is very dangerous while bike riding and can cause neck injuries
• Bright, reflective gear for your dog and reflectors for your bike to make yourself as visible as possible
• Lights for your bike and possibly a light up collar for your dog
• A doggy first-aid kit
• Extra water bottles for you and your dog. I recommend to get a dispenser for your dog. Something foldable is ideal for carrying it.

After you’re all set, it’s time to check the terrain. Is your path grass or pavement? If it’s pavement, check to make sure the ground isn’t too hot or your pup’s paws can get badly burned. 

Sometimes, in unpaved paths, there are so many stones or even broken glass that can harm your dog´s paws. Don´t forget to check for those. 

Now you can finally take your dog outside with you. But don’t start riding yet. Walk your bike along next to your dog to get him used to it. Start practising your commands like “slow,” “stop,” or “run.” You should continue to use this as a chance to review skills and do a short warm-up walk even when your pup is experienced with running next to your bike.

When it is time to ride the bike, don´t forget to still observe your dog. Ride slowly at first, and be aware that your dog might pull in another direction as can get distracted. If that happens don’t get frustrated, your dog is learning. Just redirect him and continue riding slowly. Make sure to stop from time to time so you and your dog stay hydrated and have regular breaks to re-energise. 

How to cycle with a dog: Riding With Your Dog In A Basket, Carrier, Or Trailer

If your dog doesn’t need the exercise or can’t keep up with your bicycle, there are still ways you can bring him along for the ride. You’ll have to make sure you choose the right option that works for you and your pup. As with riding alongside, you’ll need to first take a look at your dog. Make sure he’s well-behaved and capable of calmly enjoying the ride. If he shifts too much or attempts to escape, it can throw you off balance and cause an accident.

Also, take a look at your dog’s size. This will determine what kind of equipment you’ll need. Baskets are usually attached in front of the handlebars or on the back rack of the bike, and they’re for smaller dogs that don’t need a lot of space. 

The same is true of many carriers that can attach to a bicycle. Just make sure your dog is comfortable, and make sure you can compensate for the added weight while riding and get used to the feel of it. You may want to place something else that weighs about the same amount as your dog in the basket before you take him with, just for practice.

For dogs that are too big for a basket or carrier, you should get a trailer that is pulled behind your bike. Take a look at the weight capacity before you buy one and make sure your pup will fit. You should try a ride with the trailer attached and leave your dog at home so you can get used to the feel of it.

You, your bike, and any trailer or carrier should be as visible as possible with lights and reflectors. Bring a first aid kit just in case and extra water. Make sure you stop frequently for your dog to go potty and take water breaks.

And whether your dog runs alongside you or you use a carrier or trailer, make sure to end the walk with lots of praise and rewards for a job well done.

What kinds of safety tips do you have for someone riding with their dog? Let us know in the comments below!

How to cycle with a dog: Accessories for carrying a dog on your bike

The market has several options depending on the needs you and your furry friend have.

Trailer

A dog-cart is a cumbersome option, but one of the most practical. Think that there are trailers for dogs of all sizes. They do not have a seat and must allow the dog to be seated and therefore with its head to the wind, or to lie down. That is why those children are not worth it. I would recommend that it be foldable, for when you don’t use it. What I like the most is the stability they have. Of course, if it is one of the greats you must have good legs because the aerodynamic resistance is respectable.

For me, the main problem is the issue of legality. The regulation allows dogs to be carried in a trailer but with very strong restrictions, so we must inform ourselves well, to avoid a fine. Don’t worry, here I will tell you better about the legality of a trailer.

Personally, I am using a trailer and it is so much fun! Also very resistant, as I take many routes off-road (with the dog running beside me, of course) and still like the first day.

Front Basket

If the dog is small, up to 7-8 kg for me is the best and most practical. We can find more rigid baskets and other semi-rigid ones like the one in the photo. With universal support based on velcro, or with klickfix type supports. I recommend this second if you must remove it and put a lot. In this way we are going to control our dog, and talk to him about what will help the animal become familiar with riding a bicycle.

Rear Basket

The Rear baskets are placed on the rear rack and allow you to carry a little bigger dogs than on the front basket. You have to look at the specifications of each chair, but usually they allow dogs up to 12-13 kg.

If the dog is anxious and there is a risk of him jumping out, there is the possibility of putting a cover in case. These baskets are usually metal or wicker, and some even have a cushion. It is important that they have a good system to hook onto the rack, and that it can be removed so that you can keep it at your convenience.

In any case, I recommend a good rear view mirror to control how your dog goes with it.

Springer

I really like Springer. It is placed on the vertical bar of the bicycle, or seatpost, with a double quick release that makes it easy to remove and put it on. It has a shape in which the centre of gravity where the force is applied is lowered a lot. That way if the dog pulls to the side the effect is minimal. It also has a spring that cushions that pull. Also, where the strap is held, it is released in the event of colliding with an obstacle such as a post.

I would not recommend it for public roads though, since the dog is very exposed and can cause accidents.

Walky Dog

This system is very similar to the previous one and is lighter. Its mission is that the dog does not cross the wheels and can be placed on the seat post, or on a rear strap.

Bike Tow Leash

This is an invention made in the USA that is very cool. It is a semi-rigid support that is attached to the rear tie rod. Separate the dog from the bike without losing balance. I like that you can take up to two dogs at the same time. It is even suitable for people in wheelchairs. The bad thing is the price that goes away, and it is only valid for areas without circulation. Because if there are cars … better to pull a basket or trailer.

I hope you liked all these tips, and accessories and think that there is no magic recipe or script to combine bicycle and dog. Pay attention to your common sense and your knowledge of your dog. In any case, if you have doubts, send an email and we will discuss it.

What´s next?

Remember the first rule. You are there for your dog to do a fun activity together. The distance doesn’t matter if your dog is going to suffer. You are there for him, so make sure to start little by little and carry enough water and snacks for both of you.

I have both cycled short trips with my dog and long trips. Dora loves to go on the bike with us. We always take the basket so whenever she is tired, she hopes in an leaves the rest to us. We own both a rear basket and a trolley. The trolley gives her more space but is heavier and bulky. A basket is smaller for her but is lighter. The trick is like with children. Be prepared for the unpredictible, always have a plan B, take numerous brakes to play, eat and drink, and don´t be overly ambitious with the mileage.

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