How to Bike with Your Dog Safely


Every dog owner is looking to have some fun time with their furry companion every now and then and cycling with your dog can be a fun twist on your everyday routine. But, is biking with your dog possible? Yes, it absolutely is, and today we’ll be sharing our tips and tricks on how to bike with your dog and how you can make bicycling with dogs an absolute treat!

From different breeds and their biking capabilities to training your dog for cycling with them, we’ve got it all covered. So, read on ahead for our complete guide.

Is Biking with Your Dog Safe?

You can get a reasonable estimate of this question’s answer by assessing your dog’s energy levels, temperament, experience, and personality. 

If your pup is low on energy or uncooperative for new experiences, biking may not be the right one for it.

Biking with these types of dogs puts them at risk of getting injured or simply being unhappy with the whole process. The same applies to dogs that are easily distracted and love to chase cars or other animals. 

If the factors mentioned earlier don’t apply to your pup, then you’re good to go! Your dog needs to be willing and able to learn, and that’s all it takes to begin the process. You can always invest in certain products such as dog bicycle leash, dog bicycle trailers, or pet baskets to have a fun time exploring the outside world. 

Remember to always take necessary safety measures and stick to the local traffic laws for biking with animals. Always be cautious of your surroundings and keep your pet safe in areas with heavy traffic. 

How to Make Sure Your Dog is Ready to Bike with You

If you’re taking your pup out biking for the very first time, we advise that you ease your dog into the process.

One thing you can do is walk your bicycle around the area with your dog beside you. This will familiarize your dog with the practice and make it comfortable for the pup to trot along for longer rides.

Be mindful of your dog’s health and energy to make sure that you adjust the biking distances and speed accordingly.

If your pup has a lot of energy, then biking with them is acceptable as long as their physical conditions are cleared by their vet. However, if your old fellow can’t keep up with intense exercise, it might be better to take a small bike stroll then go for the full experience. 

Additionally, you should keep a check on the weather forecast for the day as well as the general condition of the road on the route you plan to take.

You can get dog shoes if you plan to take a stroll on pavements which can get hot and rough on the dog’s paws. Investing in a full-body harness for your pup is a great idea to ensure stability and prevent any neck injuries. 

Always keep water on you because hydration is incredibly important. Make sure you and your pup are hydrated before and during the whole process.

Biking with a Small Dog

If your pup happens to be of a smaller breed, or if your dog is aged or nervous in nature, then running with you isn’t a viable option for them.

You can invest in pet baskets, bike trailers, or even backpacks for pets that will make the experience less hefty on your furry fellow and more enjoyable for both of you.

If your pup is well buckled in on their pet baskets, then both front and rear-facing pet baskets work great. With the breeze and their owner right beside them, pet baskets can be an excellent experience for your small dog. 

Bike trailers are another fun option for dogs of all sizes and ages. If the trailer is comfortable and secure for your pup, then you’re absolutely good to go.

Just make sure to check all belts and straps before taking the trailer out for a stroll. 

Tips on How to Bike with Your Dog

When learning how to ride your bicycle with your dog, you’re often puzzled by a million questions about how it will work out for you and your canine companion. 

Dogs are intelligent species with incredible versatility which makes them learn cues and new activities quickly. In the case of biking, there are specific measures you should take on your behalf to ensure your pup’s comfort while making it enjoyable for both of you.

Now that we have the necessary information down, here are some tips you should incorporate in your experience to make sure the biking experience works out for both you and your pup.

These tips will help make the experience safe and enjoyable for both of you, even if you’re biking with a small dog!

  • You must familiarize your pup with the biking equipment beforehand. This includes the pup baskets and trailer or even the harness. 
  • Test out a few methods of biking with your dog to see what works out the best for you both. 
  • Make sure you check out your bike’s mechanisms and parts properly to prevent any mishaps from happening.
  • Ensure your dog is secured within the trailer or basket or if you’re using a leash, make sure it’s not too restrictive. 
  • Always obey the traffic rules and regulations for biking that are set for your local area. 
  • Stay hydrated! Keep water bottles with you to hydrate throughout the journey and make sure to drink up water before the ride as well.
  • Be sure to take breaks when needed and don’t exhaust your pup or yourself throughout the process. 
  • And lastly, appreciate your pup’s behavior and efforts throughout the journey. Dogs love appreciation from their owner.

Conclusion

We hope that through our tips and tricks, you’ve learned how to bike with your dog and have a blast while you’re at it.

Keep yourself hydrated and refrain from hardcore exercise, and you’ll undoubtedly have the best time. What has been your experience biking with your dog? Have you ever had any issues? Please drop your comment down below!

Shailen Vandeyar

A proud Indian origin Kiwi who loves to plant trees and play with my pet bunny when not out cycling through the best routes, reviewing the latest gear, and sharing tips on everything biking.

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