What do people think of riding their bike, cycling or biking with their dog?
I have some ideas, I've seen ALOT of mis-information here on this topic, I'd like to set the record straight.
silverbullet, I think your views are narrow-minded and I am *very* concerned about the advice you are spewing here on answers. Your answers, Sir, are the felony bad idea!
Most of you seem to understand that there are proper ways to do this.
Some of you even seem to realize the benefit to both you and your dog in doing this.
With the proper EQUIPMENT this can be the most fun you can have with your canine friend(s).
For example, The Springer, The K-9 Bike Jogger (aka Walky Dog) or the K-9 Cruiser (depending on dog breed and capabilities). Google them for yourselves.
In addition, of course, there are a number of things to be considered when doing this. For example:
Preparing Your Dog
Make sure your dog is ready for roadwork. Cautions when starting out.
It would be wise to have your veterinarian give you an "all clear" to start. Some dogs don't have the structure for this kind of roadwork. Your dog should be able to at least sustain an easy trot at about 11 Kmh (7 MPH) without tiring or getting winded. Your first quarter to half a mile runs should seem effortless for your dog. If he/she has trouble keeping an easy gait or appears really winded you might want to consider a different form of excercise. I wouldn't roadwork a bulldog, for example.
Make sure you and your dog are highly visible to traffic. Both my dog and I wear reflective orange vests even in the daytime. The more visible you are the less likely you will be hurt by a car.
START SLOWLY!
It is very important to be aware of is the condition of your dog's foot pads, especially if he/she will be running on pavement. Their pads will toughen up in time but, you need to start slowly and give them a chance to develop. You can use boots, but if you start with boots, you'll need to continue using them. I have heard that tincture of benzoine can be applied to the pads, consult your veterinary health care provider to see if that is right for you.
You will be asking your dog to keep a sustained trot with a machine, and he/she should be physically ready for this.
You can't just hop on your bike and ask them to keep up. They don't have a lot of choice about distance or pace and you must be aware of and sensitive to how they're doing as you go.
I started by walking my bike and my dog together. (It helps to have someone go with you to help!) I kept the bike between us so she got used to working with it's wobbles and tires. Then I had my partner walk the dog as I rode alongside.
When it was clear that she knew how to move with the bike, we went about a half kilometre (a quarter of a mile) at a slow trot. After 2 weeks (3 days a week) we went to one kilometre (half a mile). We worked up half a kilometre (a quarter of a mile) at a time.
Generally, I try to pedal at a pace that will allow my dog to sustain an easy trot. Ocassionally we have little bursts of galloping, but as soon as she shows sign of falling back even a little, I slow down. You will develop a sensitivity to your dog's pace and gait as you go; you can feel them pulling forward, backwards or away from you and whether or not they are trotting or galloping.
How To
Safety First - ALWAYS
First of all, always obey your local laws with respect to cycling. We are not yet aware of any municipality or jurisdiction in Canada where there are highway or by-laws against biking with your canine friends. However, we ARE aware that (in most) jurisdictions, riding one-handed with your dog on a regular leash is against the laws because (mainly) you wouldn't be in "proper care and control" of your bicycle. Further, we are not aware of any animal rights/protection groups that are against cycling with your dog.
Select the equipment best suited to your dog and riding style/preferences (see our Products Page).
NEVER bike your dog with just a collar. The strain on their neck can cause sever spinal, joint and shoulder problems. We suggest the use of a simple low-cost harness on your dog which attaches to the equipment of your choice.
Available Equipment
You have some choices about attachments. All are MUCH safer then just a leash. In fact, in some jurisdictions, riding a bicycle with your dog using only one hand to steer is against the laws of the roads and highways.
There are 3 models readily available and which one you chose will depend largely on your preferance and your dog's preferred position. Please see our Products pages for details on these products.
With all of the attachments we have encountered tempting distractions, but the dog cannot pull the rider off course or over. The information relayed through feel and sound; the rider can feel the dog drifting out, or turning back to look at something, and can talk them back into position.
Again, it is important that your dog be structurally sound enough to sustain a trot and for you to ride at a rate that is slow enough so that she need not break into a gallop, but fast enough to keep her moving along.
The Rights and Duties of Cyclists - Bicycle Safety
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£49.95
