Rider Dog

Bonding Series: Biking With Your Dog

When you think about the activities that you can do with your dog, your list might look like this: walk, run, play fetch. With such a short list, you probably cycle through these pretty quickly. Why not shake things up a bit and introduce your dog to something new? Fall is a wonderful time to ride your bike and the best part is that your dog can come with you. It’s the perfect way to bond and reconnect with your pooch and enjoy that crisp air together.

Can Any Dog Bike?

It makes sense that a healthy dog that’s used to walking, running, or hiking is a great candidate for a bike mate. But what if your dog is small and doesn’t need much exercise? Don’t worry! There are a few different ways that will allow your dog to join you so you don’t have to leave that wagging tail and adorable little face behind.

- Bike Leash – For an active, healthy dog, a bike leash is your answer. Bike leashes hook on the side of a bike and attach to your dog’s collar so he’s running right along side of you. It’s designed to control your dog in case he pulls in a different direction and ensures the safety of both dog and rider. NEVER bring your dog on a regular leash that will leave you with just one hand on the handle bars and the other holding your dog’s leash. This can be extremely dangerous. Bike leashes were designed to free your hands so you can drive the bike properly.

- Riders & Baskets – For your small dog that doesn’t really need much exercise, you can still bond with them on a bicycling trip by using a pet rider or a basket. Baskets attached to the front handle bars and have a harness or strap that keeps your furry passenger hooked safely secured. Riders also work the same way, although these can be attached to the front or back of a bike and also include a safety harness.

Start Small

Once you’ve determined the best way to bring your dog along, it’s time to get her acclimated to being with the bike. Show her how you are attaching the leash to your bicycle or set her in the rider to get her used to it. For the initial few outings, just walk your bike. When she starts to become comfortable, hop on the bike and go slowly at first. Plan on just going around the block the first time, followed by one or two more blocks as she adjusts to this new activity. This is also a good time to make sure that your dog is properly secured to the bike so there aren’t any mishaps.

If the biking is going well and she’s not afraid or stressed out, you can then begin lengthening your bike trips and moving along at a more appropriate pace.

Safety First

There are some things to keep in mind when you have your dog with you on the bike so that you both have a safe and enjoyable experience.

1. Whenever possible, use bike trails or roads that are less busy. If this isn’t a nearby option, use a bike rack and drive the two of you to a nearby park or trail.

2. Avoid extraordinary heat. In the warm summer months, reserve biking outings for early mornings or early evenings before it is getting dark.

3. Bring a small pack of necessary items, including water, treats, a cell phone, and your vet’s number just in case of an emergency. Make sure that your dog has all of his tags and other identification.

Just you and your dog on the open road with the wind at your backs and the sunshine on your faces is a healthy and fun way to bond with your dog. Dogs are always overjoyed to be going anywhere with their humans, so finding new ways to spend time together (like biking) is bound to bring the two of you even closer together. Show your best friend just how much you love her and hop on that bike!

Don’t forget to check out Trips With Pets for all your dog-bonding activity needs.

About the Author

Kim Salerno is the President & Founder of TRIPSwithPETS.com. She founded the pet travel site in 2003 and is an expert in the field of pet travel. Her popular
pet travel
site features
pet friendly hotels
& accommodations across the United States, along with other helpful pet travel resources. Her mission is to ensure that pets are welcome, happy, and safe in their travels.

Storm Rider Trailer

English Fox Hunt Horse and Rider Equestrian Spoon Rest $7.95 This English Fox Hunt spoon rest is the perfect addition to your cabin, lodge, horse or western themed decor. Features a stunning depiction of horse and riders awaiting the fox hunt captured by renowned English painter George Stubbs. Made of high quality…

Only a Biker Knows Why a Dog Sticks His Head Out of a Car Window Mug $9.99 11 ounce ceramic coffee cup…

Horses and Jockeys by George Fredericks – 3×2 inch Fridge Magnet – large magnetic button – Magnet $4.99 Rectangular wrap-around refrigerator magnet and a glossy mylar cover.Large 2×3 inch rectangle fridge magnet or ‘buttons’ as they are sometimes known in the USA.Crop shown is automated for display purposes only. All magnets are hand finished and the best most appropriate crop will always be selected to best show the full image. Therefore, actual product may vary slightly from crop shown – this can …

American Ride $4.49 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed….

The Devil’s Rejects $13.68 DEVIL’S REJECTS (OST) – Dual Format Disk…

Broken Bridges $8.20 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed….

Scrooge’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Christmas $65.99 Sony- 1983 – Hitbound Productions//Scrooge’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Christmas //Starring Jack Elam as “Scrooge” with Lee Benton as the girl. Contains: Carol of the Bells- The Ensemble/Rocking around the Christmas Tree – Three Dog Night/White Christmas-Merrilee Rush- Jingle Bells-Paul Revere and The Riders/Some Children see Him-Bridget/The Christmas Song-Paul Revere and The Riders-Do you hear what I hear- M…

Knight Rider Collector’s Edition: Junk Yard Dog & Knightlines $2.22 Two Episodes.. Junk Yard Dog Airdate February 6, 1985 and Knightlines Airdate March 3, 1985…

Kryptonite New York 1210 Bicycle Chain Lock and Evolution Series 4 Disc Lock (3-Foot x 3-Inch) $91.95 The New York Chain is a high security lock with an innovative oval crossbar disc lock, designed to defeat thieves’ maximum attacks.Includes three keys: two “I” keys and one LED key12mm six-sided chain links made out of 3t manganese steel14mm hardened MAX-Performance steel shackleHardened double deadbolt design provides protection against twist attacksPatented hardened oval crossbar designOne year …

Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboutit 1415 Chain Bicycle Lock with New York Disc 5 Lock Chain Bicycle Lock $160.95 The Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Chain Locks are ideal for extreme security needs in high crime areas.14mm six-sided chain links made of 3t manganese steel15mm hardened MAX-Performance steel shackleHardened double deadbolt design provides protection against twist attacksNew York high security disc-style padlock with two “I” keys and one LED keyOne year free with registration, $3750 anti-the…