Bicycle Safety & Dogs
Dog owners who wish to bring their dogs along with their bike or on a bike ride may do so safely thanks to availability of equipment just crafted with dogs in mind. Several types of harnesses and protective gear will ensure that all pampered pooches will be safely secured and ready for some quality time with their owners.
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Considerations
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One important consideration is deciding if the dog will ride in a basket or if the dog will walk or run along with the bike. The main determining factor of where the dog will be placed is the size of the dog.
Options
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Small dogs may ride in a basket placed in the front portion of the bike or inside a crate secured to the rear of the bike. Larger dogs may ride in a bike trailer or may follow the bike after being safely secured to the bike.
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Safety
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Small dogs must always wear a harness when riding in the basket or the bike trailer so they will not fall out. Dogs that will follow the bike must wear a harness as well, but to prevent the the leash from tangling or from tugging dangerously, it is attached to a special unit known as a ''Springer or ''K9 Bike jogger'''.
Warning
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Dogs that will follow the bike need some time to build confidence and stamina. The dog must be watched for signs of over-exertion while the paw pads must be monitored for signs of excessive wear.
Equipment
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There are more options for dog owners who want to make safety their top priority. Safety goggles, dog bike helmets, portable water bowls and first-aid kits are valuable gear designed with a dog's safety in mind.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Stig Nygaard
