Is a bike ride as good as a walk? How long is a safe amount to ride?

Question

I own 4 Pit Bull/Am Bull Dog mixes weighing between 55-85lbs
I have just started taking them for bike rides with me.
We go at a medium pace for about a mile to a mile and a third depending on how tired we get.
I prefer the bike rides over the walks much better and I think they do to.

So, my question is...Is a bike ride as good as a walk and am I giving them to much/not enough exercise?

Answer 1

I'm assuming they are walking/running beside you on the bike - if that's the case, then yes, it's as good as a walk, as they are doing the same thing.

As for time length and distance, that depends on a lot - is it a flat surface (versus a hill), what is the weather like, etc.

Basically, a good rule of thumb is just to keep an eye on them. When they seem to be slowing down/dragging a bit, either turn for home or stop to rest.

Answer 2

First, dogs are not people. A well-treated, obedient, loyal, dog will typically follow its owner anywhere, even at the risk of its own health. Dogs become tired at a faster rate than humans. At the very least, stop every half-mile or so (assuming they're fit to begin with; less distance, if they're not in good shape), and give them some water, and then wait until they have stopped panting (the advantage of that, of course, is that you'll have to carry extra water and cups or bowls, which is a health benefit to you, with the extra load you'll have!).

Second, many communities outright ban pit bulls and similar species for safety issues, as I'm sure you are well aware, and, those that don't prohibit such animals from appearing in public, and those that don't prohibit that, often require that the animals be muzzled and/or on chained leashes. I seriously doubt that you can control four pit bulls on a bike, so, at the very least, you will be forced to walk/jog (which, generally speaking, is better for you, anyway). Besides, being on a bike runs the risk of accidentally getting a leash caught on the chain and/or tires, which may injure you or your dogs; and, don't forget that the muzzle will inhibit the dogs' breathing (dogs have to pant to vent excess heat, whereas humans sweat), so you will, again, endanger your pets.

Third, you didn't give the age of the dogs. Although 55-85 pounds is well within the norm for pit bulls, it is excessive weight for under 3 year olds and over 10 year olds. Again, excessive exercise for overweight dogs - - much less humans - - is very dangerous.

Fourth, don't anthropomorphize your pets. They "enjoy" being with *you*; it has nothing to do with whether you are on a bike or not!

Of course, if you're in a rural area, with little other human contact, then you're good to go (no pun intended), as far as the muzzle/leash thing is concerned (check your local laws!). But, unless they are extremely well-trained (i.e., won't run away to chase after the first animal they see), you may want to forget about the bike, and keep them on a strong leash (again, walking is better for you, and the dogs will be able to go much further than if they have to chase after you on a bike, even at a "medium pace").

P.S. Don't forget the pooper scooper and bags! ;)

Answer 3

A BIKE RIDE IS JUST AS GOOD AS WALKING