How to Bike With Your Dog Safely

Adequate exercise is an important factor in keeping a dog healthy. Finding time to give your dog adequate exercise is sometimes difficult, especially if you have a large active breed dog. Riding a bike while you are also holding your dog's leash in your hand is not safe. There are devices that you may attach to your bicycle that will allow you to control your bike while you have your dog safely attached to the bike behind the pedal and away from the tires; sort of a canine sidecar.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• bike leash attachment
• bicycle

1. Find a bike leash which suits your needs, there are several on the market. An online search is usually the best way to find this item at the best value. You may also wish to inquire with your local bicycle shop.

2. Attach the bike leash to your bike. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for what type of harness to use for your dog while he is attached to the bike leash. Some of these attachments come with an adjustable harness.

3. 

   Introduce your dog to the bike leash slowly. Start by placing her harness on her and clipping her to the bike leash attachment. Offer her praise and treats for being calm.

4. 

   Before you get on the bicycle to ride with your dog next to you, walk slowly while holding onto the handlebars. This will allow your dog to acclimate to the bicycle moving with her. As she seems more comfortable, pick up the pace until you are both doing a slow trot.

5. 

   If your dog is comfortable with trotting with you next to the bicycle, you may now get on the bike and pedal slowly with your dog walking by your side. Remember to go slow at first. Practice riding with your dog at a slow pace and shorter distances of 2-3 blocks at first to build up strength and toughen paw pads.

6. 

   Once you and your dog have trained together at a moderate pace and your dog is able to keep up for a longer distance than a few blocks, you can pack up some water bottles and portable bowl and hit the open bike trail!

Tips & Warnings

• Go slowly, build your dog's confidence and stamina
• Examine your dog's paw pads for signs of rawness or injury after each ride
• Take water and maybe even some snacks for longer rides.
• Make sure your dog's harness is fitted properly and is designed correctly for your dog. Check for signs of rubbing and chafing
• Take breaks on long rides
• Begin each run at a slower pace to allow for your dog's muscles to warm up
• Walk slowly for several minutes after a hard run to allow your dog's muscles to cool down properly
• Carry spray or a stick as a deterrent for dogs that are chasing you
• If possible, unhook your dog from your bicycle if the two of you encounter a dog that is threatening to attack
• Never hook an inexperienced dog to a bicycle and just take off
• If your dog is frightened of the bike do not force him to run
• Keep an eye on your dog's breathing and stride while biking with him

Resources

• Springer
• Walky Dog
• K9 Cruiser

[WendyD]

on 11/26/2007 Wow, I can't wait to try this! My dog needs more exercise than I can provide on a half-hour walk, but if I can take her with me on a bike ride, we will both have more fun! Thanks!