Biking with your dog?

papa3x
papa3x Posts: 286
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Anybody do this?

I have a fairly safe place to attempt it, but I don't know how to start training her to run next to me safely.

Replies

  • rjt1000
    rjt1000 Posts: 700 Member
    Anybody do this?

    I have a fairly safe place to attempt it, but I don't know how to start training her to run next to me safely.

    I've done it with 1 of my dogs but wouldn't do it with my other 2. The dog has to be well behaved on a leash first. If you can walk the dog easily and the dog walks with you, not pulling on the leash and not trying to get off into the grass, trees, etc you can probably ride with the dog. Keep your pace comfortable for the dog and don't over exercise the dog. MAKE SURE TO TAKE WATER AND A BOWL to water the dog. Dogs will need more water than you if it's warm outside. They overheat much faster than we do as they don't sweat as we do. My large dog (115pounds) will drink a quart of water (or slop it out of the bowl) when I run him well.
  • froeschli
    froeschli Posts: 1,293 Member
    Anybody do this?

    I have a fairly safe place to attempt it, but I don't know how to start training her to run next to me safely.

    I used to cycle with my GSD/collie mix. We had this kind of u-shaped handle that was attached to the frame under the seat, went out, did a u-shape and had a spring attached at the top, onto which came a plastic safety ring (which was adjusted for the dogs weight and would break if she stopped suddenly) and then a short leash that went to her harness.
    it sounds very complicated, but it's the safest way i've ever seen cycling done with a dog. the u-shape and short leash stop the dog from getting too close to the wheels, and it being attached to the bike frame under the seat (about halfway down) meant the dog could not easily pull me over. the use of a harness as opposed to a collar should be self explanatory.

    a few things to bear in mind though. start slowly! yes dogs are more athletic than humans, but from 0 to an hour running would put way too much stress on their system.
    don't even think about holding the leash in your hand when cycling. so many ways to injure yourself or your dog that way....
    same with attaching the leash to any part of your bike.
    if your dog is excellently behaved and trained, he/she might run at a distance from your bike without leash. i've seen it done, admired it, but also shook my head at it. it is against most city by-laws, you have no control over your dog and cannot keep him/her out of trouble or harms way, but the risk of injury to yourself is a tad smaller.
  • aegisprncs
    aegisprncs Posts: 236 Member
    I have done this as well with my Rott. She is very well behaved on a leash and she picked up on it immediately. I believe she has done this because her walks are a commute for her, we are on a mission to get somewhere. I don't allow her to sniff, stop or go ahead of me unless "this" alpha dog tells her its okay. So, I agree. Ones dog should be very well behaved before attempting the biking. If your puppy is well behaved, jump on and start the bike slowly. Before you know it, the pup will be jogging along with you!
  • papa3x
    papa3x Posts: 286
    Yeah. I plan on keeping it to a mile in the beginning. She should be able to handle it as I have watched her run like mad for an hour straight when playing with a dog in the neighborhood.... they just run, and run, and run...... without stopping.

    and the best part about my dog is how well she walks on leash...... I am lucky in that regard.
  • donnantx
    donnantx Posts: 76
    I am jealous...both of my dogs HATE the leash....bad training on my part...both listen pretty well off leash but wouldnt attempt anything like this for sure...
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