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All dogs need exercise to keep up their strength and blow off steam. If you’re looking for a different workout routine, biking with your dog can be a fun way to work out together, especially if your dog is hyperactive and loves to run fast. Though, even if your pet is a couch potato, they can still take part in the fun. Many dogs love to ride in the bike basket and feel the wind in their fur.
However, biking with your dogs can be risky if you aren’t prepared. Before you go pedaling into the sunset, you’ll need to get the right equipment and teach your dog how to be safe on the road.
Below, we dive into all the biking gear you could possibly need, bike safety tips, and how to make the most of a bike ride with your pup.
What Biking Gear Do You Need?
Biking with your dog the right way starts with getting all the correct gear. However, the gear you need depends on what you expect your dog will be doing, whether they’re running alongside you or playing passenger in a biking basket.
Gear for Running
If you want your dog to run alongside your bike, get them a hands-free leash that attaches directly to the bike. Tow leashes are designed to absorb the motion of your dog’s movement so it doesn’t upset your bike’s balance. That way, if your dog swerves or jumps, you’re less likely to tip over, and you can keep your hands on the handlebar. These leashes for smaller dogs often attach to the wheel, while the ones for larger dogs may attach to the frame.
If you’re confident enough to ride one-handed, you could also hold a regular leash. Just make sure the leash is long enough to give your dog space. “Ideally about an arm’s length away or a couple of feet so that they’re not on top of you,” says Russell Hartstein, a dog behaviorist at FunPawCare.
This distance prevents you from accidentally running over your dog’s paw or kicking them with your pedal. It also gives your dog an extra second to react when you stop or turn.
Gear for Riding
If you want your dog to be a bike passenger, they’ll need somewhere comfy to sit. Since your lap isn’t an option, you’ll need to get creative. For tiny dogs, they can relax in a dog backpack. These often have breathable mesh and peepholes for your dogs to look out of. Meanwhile, medium-sized dogs can sit in an open-air basket you attach to the bike. However, Hartstein says if you get a basket, you need to strap your dog in. He recommends a sturdy harness attachment to prevent your dog from leaping out.
If you want a sturdier option, almost any dog can ride in a trailer or wagon behind your bike. This method is often the safest because it’s lowest to the ground.
Lastly, while some stores do sell dog helmets, they aren’t standard bike safety gear the way ours are.
iStock/waraphorn-aphai
How Can You Safely Bike with a Dog?
Biking with your dog can seem simple: you pedal, and they run alongside you. But it actually takes a lot of training and discipline for a dog to keep pace with you.
The following question checklist can tell you if your dog is ready to join you on the road.
- Do they know how to loose-leash walk? Hartstein says pet parents should ensure their dogs stay by their side on walks even if the leash is loose enough for them to run ahead.
- Can they stay calm? Before you bike, practice jogging or rollerblading with them to see how your dog reacts to speed. Make sure they don’t get riled up and criss-cross in front of you.
- Can they stay focused? Biking may not be the best idea if your dog has a strong chase instinct. If your high-energy dog is distracted, they could lead your bike astray and lead to injuries.
- Are they responsive? Hartstein says it’s important to get your dog’s attention before making a turn so they know which direction to follow.
If you aren’t confident your dog matches every item on this list, you’ll need to train them more before it’s safe to bike.
How Do You Train Dogs to Ride Bikes?
While riding a bike requires less coordination between you and your pup, they’ll still need proper training to ease them into a passenger mindset.
First, Hartstein says you need to train them to sit in the basket when it’s off the bike. Make sure your dog can stay seated as you carry the basket around. If you have a trailer or wagon, practice rolling it around as you go on walks.
Then, Hartstein recommends increasing the stimulation. For example, carry the basket by the street you plan to bike on or play music while you circle the driveway. These activities get your dog used to distractions and decrease their anxiety.
Next, you can slowly attach the basket or trailer to the bike. Consider walking the bike around a bit before getting on and riding. “Make sure to practice this all in an environment with very few cars, people, or animals around, such as an empty parking lot, to build you and your dog’s confidence,” Hartstein adds.
What are the Health Benefits of Biking for Dogs?
It’s well-established that exercise is great for your dog’s overall health, no matter what type. Specifically, biking with your dog offers many health benefits, including the following:
- Stronger bones
- Better endurance
- Losing extra weight
- Mental stimulation
- Less anxiety, especially separation anxiety
Overall, biking is helpful when your dog runs a lot faster than you do. A bike can help you go faster with less exertion, allowing you and your dog to zoom along.
iStock/AleksandarNakic
Which Dog Breeds Should & Shouldn’t Bike?
Generally, biking workouts are best for larger and more active breeds, such as Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers, and Huskies. These dogs were bred to work and hunt, so they need at least an hour of exercise a day to get their energy out.
Your dog doesn’t need to be an all-star athlete to enjoy trotting alongside your bike. Just remember you’ll need to pedal slower for smaller dogs. A Cairn Terrier is not going to cover ground as quickly as a German Shepherd.
That said, not all dogs are suited for this kind of workout. Brachycephalic breeds have flat snouts that are difficult to breathe through, so they easily overexert themselves while running. If you have a Pug, Shih Tzu, or French Bulldog, they’ll likely be happier in the passenger’s seat when you ride.
How to Plan a Successful Bike Ride With Your Dog
To make the bike ride fun for everyone, you’ll need to set your dog up for success. Make sure you have:
- A safe location: The best biking routes have little traffic or distractions. Make sure the surface your dog runs on is sturdy and dry.
- Weather-appropriate outfits: When it’s cold or rainy, give your dog a raincoat. When it’s dark out, get a reflective leash.
- A healthy pace: If your dog is panting heavily and falling behind the bike, it’s time for a break.
- Fuel: Always bring water so your dog stays hydrated through the workout. A portable water bowl or water bottle works wonders. A treat or two for quick energy couldn’t hurt either.
Troubleshooting Tips When Biking With Dogs
Even the best-prepared bikers get into a jam sometimes. Here are some tips for when a workout gets wacky:
What if another dog chases us?
According to the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, you shouldn’t try to outrun a territorial dog. They will likely catch your wheel and knock the bike over, and you could crash into your pet.
Often, the safest option is to stop, turn around, and leave their “territory.” If the dog still tries to attack, use your bike as a shield to protect yourself and your pet. Try your best to stop the dogs from fighting while keeping yourself safe.
What if my dog runs off?
If your dog gets spooked or distracted while running, they may dart ahead. “You can drop the bike and walk fast or jog if your dog takes off,” Hartstein says. It’s safer to follow your dog on foot than to try and keep up on the bike.
What if I crash and my dog falls out of their basket?
“If your dog is in the basket and you fall off the bike, it’s a bit more difficult and dangerous because your dog is strapped in and will fall with you,” Hartstein says.
First, make sure your dog doesn’t have any injuries. If they seem fine and are eager to get back on the road, you can try riding again. But if your anxious dog is shaking, whining, or resists getting back in the basket, then the two of you will need to walk home.
iStock/Piero Facci
Takeaway
Working out with your dog can be a fun and healthy way to spend time together. Biking can be especially rewarding for active dogs who love to run. Whether your dog is riding in a backpack or racing by your side, you both will love the adventure!
