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1. Start out by walking with your dog and bike.
To introduce Ace to my bike, I started by walking him on my left with my bike on my right. I was in the middle. This was an easy way to get Ace used to the bike, and to teach him that he still has to heel when the bike is involved. I didn’t want my dog to be scared of the bike or too excited by it.
2. Start out embarrassingly slow.
The first time I biked with Ace, I went really slow, slow enough so I could easily stop and correct him if he went ahead or tried to jump up at me. Early on a Sunday morning is a good time to try it, especially on a quiet street or park.
3. Don’t tie the leash to your handle bars.
Tying a dog’s leash to a bike is is a disaster waiting to happen. I have never done this because I am afraid Ace’s leash will get caught in the bike. He could take off after anything and knock the whole bike over. Instead, I just hold his leash in my left hand.
4. Keep a slight amount of slack in the leash.
When I bike with Ace, I allow him the same amount of slack as I do on a walk. I don’t want the leash tight and pulling him, but I don’t want him to have the freedom to run out in front of the bike, either.
5. Teach your dog turn commands.
A dog can learn the commands left and right, or simply “turn!” This is valuable when you want to turn inward without slowing down too much and without hitting your dog! I have started teaching Ace these commands by saying “left” or “right” as I am preparing to turn. I make sure to slow down so he has enough time to react.
6. Don’t be afraid to stop and walk by people.
When Ace was first learning to run next to my bike, I would stop every time we approached another person, whether they were walking, running, biking or whatever. I did not want to risk an accident, such as Ace running up to another dog and getting the leashes tangled in my tires. I still often stop and yield to others when Ace is along.
7. Carry a ball or treats.
Have something to bribe your dog. I keep a slingshot ball tied to my handlebars and Ace doesn’t leave my sight for anything. If there’s something your dog loves, find a creative way to use that to keep his attention.
8. Buy an attachment.
There are products to safely attach your dog’s leash to your bike so you can have both hands free at all times. Try the Springer brand or the WalkyDog.
9. Know how far your dog can go.
My dog overheats very easily. He is also the type of dog that will run himself sick because he doesn’t know when to quit. I have to set limits for him and only bike with Ace in short sessions. I carry water in a small backpack and check the pads of his feet afterward to make sure they aren’t worn. I also challenge myself by biking with a backpack on (to carry more weight) and using the most difficult gears. These are little ways to make it easier for Ace to keep up.
10. Don’t bike with your dog until he’s ready.
If you’re not comfortable biking with your dog, it’s probably better not to. Wait until your dog is totally under control on a normal walk before you even think about biking with him. If he’s crazy around other dogs or people running, it’s not worth it to risk getting hurt or losing your dog. Use your best judgement.
Remember your helmet!
(Image from forums.mtbr.com)
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July 22nd, 2008 at 10:27 pm
There is an old man in my neighborhood that rides his bike with his staffie cross. I can’t imagine his set up is safe… It looks fun but scary and I am not a very good bike rider I must say :S
Saint Lovers last blog post..“It Ain’t Easy Being Cheesy”
July 23rd, 2008 at 8:05 am
These are great tips - I never mastered this art with my dog. It was even more comical when I was a kid!
Apryl DeLanceys last blog post..Wild World of Wednesday - July 23, 2008
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:36 am
Good post, big dogs need more exercise than people can give them by walking or jogging. I know the dogs are very grateful to learn to run with the bike.
jans last blog post..Woman saved from kangaroo attack by her son’s dog; HSUS loses kangaroo battle
July 23rd, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Thanks for this information. There’s a lot more involved than I would have thought, and you give great tips.
chriss last blog post..Wordless Wednesday
July 23rd, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Saint Lover, for the most part I think people need to be more careful while biking with their dogs.
Ha, that’s cool you used to bike with your dog as a kid, Apryl (or tried?).
Jan, a walk just isn’t enough exercise for my dog unless it’s at least 45 minutes. He loves to run with someone on rollerblades or a bike.
Thanks, Chris.