Anyone tried biking with their dog?

Question

Has anyone tried this? Did it work for you? How did you do it? Anyone tried one of the poles that extends from your bike that you leash them up to? I have a Smooth Fox Terrier with tons of energy and could never run it out of him (I would never be able to keep up and I highly doubt anyone could) just wondering if this would be a good exercise for us both.

I have heard people have great success with the Springer. It is a pole that attaches to the fame of your bike and is supposed to reduce the shock when your dog pulls by 90%. Take a look at www.springerusa.com. I think I will give this a try. Just wanted to know about everyone else's experience and what worked and what didn't.

Answer 1

I trained my dog to mountain bike with me. Focused mostly on her staying behind me, and having a command to get out of the trail when others were coming. She could do 15 mile trails when she was young and fit. Start out slow, as they'll hurt themselves trying to keep up, and remember they always have the potential to hurt other trail users by getting in the way.

I also used a dog leash like you mentioned. It might have been a "canine companion", but I don't recall. It attached at the back wheel and stuck out behind the bike with a short leash. It worked, but I had concerns about it and stopped using it. Problems were: Dog can't stop if it is injured, has to go to the bathroom, has been bitten or stung, or anything else. Inevitably something will happen that makes the dog want to slow down or stop, and the result is a violent yank/drag on the neck. The dog is behind you, so will not be aware of what is happening until it's too late. Any lead that allows the dog to be where you can see it (side, front) means the dog can reach your handlebar or wheels, and is likely to either have a leg run over, or cause you to crash.

All that said, my dog still seemed to enjoy it, although she enjoyed running free with me a lot more. If you use the lead just be really careful. Also be aware that if the area you're thinking of is paved, running on pavement at biking speed is very hard on the pads of their feet.

Answer 2

I know plenty of guys that take their dogs mountain biking with no leash. Every one gets a good workout. You just need to make sure the dog is well trained enough to stay with you and not get distracted.

I'd be dubious of any type of leash while I'm on the bike. It isn't just the dog taking off and pulling you off the bike. It's also when the dog stops short, you're still moving, and end up dragging the dog especally if you had some speed up. I'm not sure this 'pole' leash you're talking about would stop these problems, though I could be completely wrong.

Maybe it's just me, but I think if you have to keep the dog leashed you're pretty much stuck to running. If you go for a 30 minute jog, the dog will get a good workout, and will soon learn to sty with you rather then pull. Remember, somedogs will have tons of energy regardless of how much you run them.

Have you tried posting this in Pets > Dogs?

Answer 3

i tried it with my dog once and shes a hungarian pointer and she kinda yanked the bike from me a little bit so watch out for them pulling you because then you'll end up on your butt. but if they listen well and your dog can pace itself then you should be well off. =)

Answer 4

I always wanted to but my pointer/lab mix thinks the tires are giant chew toys he should try and catch... Needless to say he's not the world's most brilliant dog but he's a lot of fun!

Good luck ( =

Answer 5

Yes you can if the dog is a good listener. Because if it,s going to go full forse than it would be dangerous. But if he just trots alon slow with you than it should be o.k. I,ve done it with mine

Answer 6

I have not tried this, but I am very interested in trying it. I have a Jack Russell Terrier and want to train her to run while I cycle. What brand do you recommend - those that have tried it? Thanks for your help!

Answer 7

not with my dog but with my m8s he just layd down between the small jumps