Tips For Biking Your Dog
Parker and I during Texas blue bonnet season
Is It The Right Activity For My Dog?
Biking can be an extremely enjoyable activity for both dog and owner. We recommend biking for dogs that are at least 20 lbs. Your dog needs to be in good health and it is ideal to get a checkup with your dog’s vet before beginning any serious exercise. Dogs with slight builds will be able to bike for longer distances than heavier or more muscular breeds so keep this in mind when deciding how far to bike your pup. Breeds such as Bulldogs and Pugs that have flat faces are not designed for distance running because they can become overheated very quickly. Biking is not an activity for puppies. Your dog should be at least a year old and a minimum of 20 lbs to start biking. They should be closer to a year and a half before biking long distances.
What Equipment Do I need?
Below are my suggestions based on biking my dog for the past couple of years starting with the essentials:
Essentials:
- A specialty dog bike leash such as the WalkyDog or Bike Tow Leash
Useful:
- If using the WalkyDog, a non-restrictive comfortable dog harness is recommended – preferably with padding. Using a dog harness with the Bike Tow Leash is a personal preference. If using a harness with the Bike Tow Leash, it is important to make sure that it doesn’t allow your dog to get too far forward on the bike. This will make it harder for your dog to determine when you are turning towards him/her.
- Something to bring water along for the ride. It is very important to keep your pet hydrated.
- Paw pad protection. It is important to monitor the wear on your dogs paw pads. They will toughen up over time, but products such as Musher’s Secret can help condition, protect, and toughen your dogs pads in all types of environments.
- Cooling vests for summertime heat. I strap a large thermos with ice water to my bike and take Parker’s cooling vest along for the ride with us.
- A dog bike trailer. A great way to go on extended rides so your dog can rest when tired. Or you can bring your small dog along for a bike ride in complete safety.
Getting Started
Some dogs take to this type of exercise right away and others need to be acclimated a little more slowly. The best way to start is to attach your dog to the bicycle and just walk alongside your bike on the opposite side of your dog. You want them to understand that this is no different than taking a normal walk. Once they have going straight down, practice turning left and right and then u-turn to either side. If your dog is nervous being close to the bike you may want to extend the cord some to give them a little more space. You could also add a leash extension or create your own custom length line if using the WalkyDog. Once your dog seems confident, hop on your bike and ride slowly at first practicing the same maneuvers. It is best to begin in an area with few distractions so that your dog will focus on you. It is best to bike at a trotting pace, just make sure you never go beyond your dog’s pace. If your dog gets nervous and freezes up DO NOT attempt to keep pulling them along. Immediately stop and start walking next to the bike again.
How Far To Ride
You cannot just start biking miles on your first time out. You need to gradually increase your dog’s stamina. According to canine expert Christine Zink, D.V.M., Ph.D, you should gradually increase the distance you travel by 5 to 10 percent every four to six exercise sessions. She recommends that once you reach a distance of 2 miles, you should limit biking to every other day providing a day of rest for rejuvenation of the muscles. Extremely fit dogs can run a maximum of 10 miles per day if the sessions are broken up (less if riding on pavement, which can be tough on the skeletal system). Personally I even feel that 10 miles is too far. In the summer months this is much too far in one setting. Parker and I usually ride 2 to 3 miles everyday or every other day. Obviously, be sure to stop to rest occasionally and always monitor your dog for signs that nature is calling. Also monitor your dog’s pads for cuts or scrapes. Consider using a good paw pad wax or even protective booties if riding on rough terrain often.
Dealing With Summer Heat
During the summertime when temperatures spike, it is very important to only bike your dog during cooler parts of the day and for shorter distances. If biking on pavement be sure to check the temperature of the pavement before biking. Make sure to bring water along for the ride and take frequent breaks. Consider bringing along a dog bike trailer to give your dog a rest on the way home. You may even consider looking into a dog cooling vest. Keep an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion such as if your dog’s tongue becomes very wide and curls up at the end.
Want more help deciding?
We have answers to all your questions about biking with your dog and if it is the right activity for you and your pup/s. Browse through our dog bike leash buyer’s guide and if you can’t find an answer to your question, email us and we will promptly get you the detailed answer you are looking for.
Leave a Comment July 1, 2010
