Love Biking With Your Dog? Here Are Some Tips to Keep Everyone Safe!

Dogs are a part of our lives just as much as any other family member. We brag about them on our Instagram, cover our Facebook with photos of them, and talk about them like they’re one of our children. Because, well, they are. Dogs love unconditionally, greeting us when we arrive home with happy, wagging tails, they are there when we get married, celebrate birthdays and holidays and instantly jump into bed when it’s bedtime. Dogs are the best.

For any dog lover who has a bicycle or a motorcycle, it’s only natural you’d want to include your furry BFF along for the ride. Riding on a bike might not be for every dog, but there are lots of dogs who just can’t get enough. With the wind in their fur, out on the open road with their number one human, riding a bike can be quite the thrill.

While dogs riding in bikes are certainly adorable, please don’t force your dog to ride with them. If they enjoy going for a spin, great! But if they become anxious or scared, don’t continue. And of course, safety first! Having your dog with you on your bike or on a motorcycle could be a great bonding experience, but it’s important to ensure your pup has all the necessary gear.

There are motorcycle carriers, goggles, and helmets all specifically made for dogs. Not only will your dog be safe, but they will look really cool!

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For little dogs, you could get a handlebar basket for your dog to ride in. Check with your local bike shop, or search online for specialty bike baskets made just for pets (Yep, it’s a thing!).

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Another option is to invest in a bike trailer or carrier.

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They have built in harness systems so your dog won’t jump out, as well as a cover for sheltering your dog if it’s hot outside or from inclement weather. There are even some that are built to enclose your dog but have the top open so your dog can poke his/her head out to enjoy the ride!

Tips for Jogging With Your Dog

If your dog doesn’t enjoy riding a bike or a motorcycle, that’s fine! An alternative would be to have them jog beside you while you ride your bike. If your dog is in good health, this could be a great way for both of you to enjoy the fresh summer air while getting some exercise as well.

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If your dog has never been around a bicycle before, you may want to start off with just walking the bike along with your dog. This helps get your dog acquainted with the bike. From there, you can do practice “runs” and begin to incorporate the commands you’ll use for biking.

Some other important tips for biking with your dog: 

• Don’t expect your BFF to be able to run long distances in the beginning. Just like humans, dogs need to acclimate to a new exercise pattern.
• Don’t attach the lead to the bike handlebars. If the dog happens to pull in a different direction, you could fall and injure yourself (and/or your dog).
• Be sure to keep the lead short so the dog doesn’t run in front of the bike.
• If biking with two dogs, keep each dog on either side of the bike so they don’t become tangled.
• And remember to take breaks to let your pup enjoy some water and praise!

If none of these work for your dog or aren’t available to you, please consider leaving your dog at home, where they are safe. There is really no reason for why a dog has to ride a bike or a motorcycle. Regardless of which options you choose to safely travel with your dog, please remember to make sure your cat or dog has proper identification. And never leave your dog alone in a hot car!

If you know a dog lover that would be interested in ways to safely travel with their dog, be sure to share this post with them. It’s important to make sure we are always keeping our furry friends are safe and happy!

Lead image source: Tara Tiger Brown/Flickr