4 Easy Steps to Biking With Your Dog

Biking with your dog is one of the best ways to burn off energy while strengthening the bond by going out on the adventure together. 

Here is what you'll need in addition to a bike and a happy dog:

1. A harness that fits your dog properly
2. A bungee cord that is adjustable length with ends that snap closed (rather than the typical hooks)
3. An 18 inch to 2 foot lead to go from the bungee cord to the harness
4. A 4 foot lead to go from the bike to loosely loop around the dog's neck in the event the harness breaks. (Use a shorter lead if you have a tall dog)

In this short video play list I will show you how I bike my dogs starting with the harness and bungee cord attachment to my bike and ending with a demonstration of riding down the road with my dog.

There are also several commercially available products, like the Walky Dog, on the market that easily attach to your bike and keep your dog safely at your side. I have one but prefer using a bungee cord, as shown in the video, for my comfort as I find that the back of my leg hits the pole mount on the Walky Dog while pedaling.

It is important to monitor the condition of your dog's paws while engaging in any type of exercise. Start off with short sessions (whether biking, jogging, hiking, sports, games). Be sure to check the pads for foreign objects and to make sure they are not cracking or bleeding. There is an excellent product, Musher's Secret, that will help condition your dog's paws to exercise.

If you want to try biking with your dog but you fear you lack the coordination or your dog has way too much energy, or maybe you just need a demonstration and practice session or two, give us a call! We will be happy to help you get started on this fun sport!