Biking with a Dog

Hi guys,

Does anybody bike with their dogs? How much can we safely do together? Should it be something that is limited to only a few times a week?

A couple of day ago, I biked in the fields with Dodger for 2 hours and he seemed fine. I did make sure to warm him up and cool him down and when he was sniffing or doing his business I stopped and waited until he moved on. I didn't bike at a fast pace, enough that he had to trot quickly - but mostly he wanted to be in front so he either cantered or galloped ahead. I wouldn't take him for for such a long bike ride on pavement.

Is this too much at one time?

(In case you don't know, Dodger is an American Foxhound just about a year old now. IMO, he is in good condition - we are usually oustide walking/hiking for 3-4 hours a day, plus play time at home and in the backyard)

Thanks!!

This is Dodger at the end of the bike ride:

If you do it right, they can go biking all day, never get tired, and love it! :D

Sorry! Just couldn't resist! He rides in a Bjorn Baby Carrier with a hole cut in it for his tail. The cold wind bothers his ears, hence the cap that fits close against the ear canal. He loves riding! Especially at night when he sees kitties!

Glasslass, that is too cute!

You have to be careful when biking with your dog. Just keep a real close eye on him for any signs that he is starting to get tired or hot. A lot of dogs will try to keep up with their owners even though they are very tired or starting to overheat.

Wow, Dodger must love that! I would say that he could go all day as well. I would start slow and gradually make it longer.

You say you watch him, which is a good thing. I'm sure you'd know if he was getting so he couldn't keep up - slowing down behind you, etc.

I know Levi could go all day (you can take him for a two hour bike ride, if you want! haha!). I bring lots of water with me when I take Levi for long walks or hikes and maybe a couple of treats.

Glassglass, that is too funny! No wonder he can go all day - what a lucky pup!

Thanks, I guess keeping a close watch on him is the best way to go. I'll make sure that I'm not the one who is pushing him on! Thanks for that reminder :D !

your probably not as dumb as me, but be careful... one day charlie and i were biking in town, she was on her lead running next to me. well she went one way roudn a telelphone pole and i went the other, and oh my god did it hurt both of us.... it was such a crash and sooooo embarassing...so if on lead remember to let it go if you need to.... every one say duhhhhh mel :eek: :rolleyes:

Melanie: don't worry! With my last dog, I didn't train her how to do anything, I just got on my bike and expectd everything to be fine. We bike along the sidewalk and a cute boy my age is walking towards us. Well my dog decides to go one way and I the other, so guess what happened? Yup, my arm around his midsection with my dog wrapped around him and sniffing his butt! I am not kidding! What can I say - it was the height of teenage embarassment!

So don't worry, I am not always the brighest spark out there! :D

Oh Lissa, that sounds far too embarrassing for words! I hope he wasn't in your school! Haha

OMG

Glasslass those are amazing pictures LOL LOVE THEM!!! HAHAHA!

Biking better on soft ground then on pavement, less injury and stress on joints and pads. :D

Keep the water topped and have fun :D

Found a summertime one. He shows up a little better in this.

My oh my thats fantastic

What does DenDen do in there lick the wind LMFHO :crazy:

I thought this looked interesting:

http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444177 7945&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023689&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302036607&bmUID=1120093457614

While I like the fact that it snaps apart if your dog gets tangled, I'd be worried about a dog possibly taking off the second it was free...

Yup, my arm around his midsection with my dog wrapped around him and sniffing his butt! I am not kidding! What can I say - it was the height of teenage embarassment!


Well, that's one way to meet someone. Though he might think you're a little wierd if you're sniffing his butt...

I was going to suggest the break-away leash. I haven't tried one, but my understanding is it takes quite a bit of pressure to let loose. I'd say you're better with one of those than a regular leash. I wear clipless pedals (meaning I'm attached to my bike), so I know I'd be better. I've got a visual of Daisy chasing some small woodland creature with my lying on my back and my bike attached to me being dragged behind her, all the while yelling like Yosemite Sam, "C'mon, woa!"

A fit dog will outlast a person no problem. Provided they have water and don't overheat they'll go a good 60 miles in a day.

Dog endurance tests are conducted at 12 miles.

not to be a party pooper...be careful in Ottawa - the bylaws state that you have to be carrying the leash "in your hand"....

AND, the NCC bylaws state:

No person shall,

(a) ski, rollerskate or rollerblade while having a domestic animal on a leash; or

(b) ride a bicycle, scooter or any other non-motorized vehicle -- other than a wheelchair -- while having a domestic animal on a leash or while having a domestic animal attached in some manner to the vehicle.

So motorized vehicles are ok!?!

not to be a party pooper...be careful in Ottawa - the bylaws state that you have to be carrying the leash "in your hand"....

AND, the NCC bylaws state:

No person shall,

(a) ski, rollerskate or rollerblade while having a domestic animal on a leash; or

(b) ride a bicycle, scooter or any other non-motorized vehicle -- other than a wheelchair -- while having a domestic animal on a leash or while having a domestic animal attached in some manner to the vehicle.

Thanks for letting me know! I had no idea, what a silly by-law - why would they have one like this?!! It can't be because they are thinking about the safety of the dog, otherwise they would do more to stop people from leaving their dog in the car!
According to that bylaw, I would have to be at an off-leash dog park to bike with my dog? I can just imagine, I'd be chased by "every" dog at the park!! Ottawa pet shops shouldn't be selling those "springer" attachments that mafiaprincess mentioned!

Melissa

lol, db7!! :)

Lissa - that is TOO funny! Must have been pretty mortifying at the time. :o .

Glasslass, those are just THE coolest pics!! How adorable! You must get many smiles and coments on your little cycling sidekick. :)

I enjoy bike-riding too, and have a simliar setup for Percy, a snuggli-type thing that I just strap on, away we go. He loves it.
I'm just getting back into it this summer - dont want to bring him along yet till I feel fully confident - he doesnt have a helmet ;)
btw... I notice you're not wearing one, Glasslass - maybe optional in Ca?

It's the law here, and though I "really" hate them - not risking getting dinged another ninety bucks.(had a seat-belt fine this spring) so I've been wearing it.

Actually, that picture was taken purely for the picture itself! When I ride, I do wear a helmet. In the summer picture (3rd picture), I'm wearing it. Notice also, the headlight is on because I was just taking off for our night ride.