Biking with your dog
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Biking with your dog
Just wondering those that bike with your dog, how are you doing it?
I have a younger, very high energy dog I'm trying to burn up some of that energy. Currently I do leash in across the handlebar.
Is there a better way?
I have a younger, very high energy dog I'm trying to burn up some of that energy. Currently I do leash in across the handlebar.
Is there a better way?
#2
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,992
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 51 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6196 Post(s)
Liked 4,810 Times
in
3,318 Posts
Most of the people here pull them in one of those trailers that they make for kids. The other day I was surprised to actually pass someone pulling a trailer and it actually had a kid inside instead of the usual dogs I'd been seeing.
Something like this.....
Otherwise you'll tire your dog out way before you tire yourself out. Unless you haven't learned what your all day riding pace is.
Probably not a good idea to have a dog following you unleashed, unless you truly are out in the open road with little traffic. And on a MUP, most require a 4' leash. Don't think I'd cycle with a dog on a leash connected to my bike.
Therefore, the trailers make the most sense. What to do about your dogs excess energy? Don't know.
Something like this.....
Otherwise you'll tire your dog out way before you tire yourself out. Unless you haven't learned what your all day riding pace is.
Probably not a good idea to have a dog following you unleashed, unless you truly are out in the open road with little traffic. And on a MUP, most require a 4' leash. Don't think I'd cycle with a dog on a leash connected to my bike.
Therefore, the trailers make the most sense. What to do about your dogs excess energy? Don't know.
Last edited by Iride01; 05-12-21 at 03:06 PM.
#3
Habitual User
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 7,996
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4955 Post(s)
Liked 8,097 Times
in
3,832 Posts
Riding with a leash attached to your handlebars is a recipe for disaster.
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
Likes For Eric F:
#4
Airplanes, bikes, beer.
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Off the front
Posts: 763
Bikes: Road bikes, mountain bikes, a cx bike, a gravel bike…
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 398 Post(s)
Liked 788 Times
in
339 Posts
Most of the people here pull them in one of those trailers that they make for kids. The other day I was surprised to actually pass someone pulling a trailer and it actually had a kid inside instead of the usual dogs I'd been seeing.
Something like this.....
Otherwise you'll tire your dog out way before you tire yourself out. Unless you haven't learned what your all day riding pace is.
Probably not a good idea to have a dog following you unleashed, unless you truly are out in the open road with little traffic. And on a MUP, most require a 4' leash. Don't think I'd cycle with a dog on a leash connected to my bike.
Therefore, the trailers make the most sense. What to do about your dogs excess energy? Don't know.
Something like this.....
Otherwise you'll tire your dog out way before you tire yourself out. Unless you haven't learned what your all day riding pace is.
Probably not a good idea to have a dog following you unleashed, unless you truly are out in the open road with little traffic. And on a MUP, most require a 4' leash. Don't think I'd cycle with a dog on a leash connected to my bike.
Therefore, the trailers make the most sense. What to do about your dogs excess energy? Don't know.
#6
Senior Member
Most people I see are just holding the leash with 1 hand while riding. I've seen dogs run in the front wheel or pull the owner in one direction with this setup.
They make a special attachment to hold the leash on your seat post. This is the best way as the dog can't run in front of the wheel and will have some resistance if they pull (instead of turning your handlebar).
They make a special attachment to hold the leash on your seat post. This is the best way as the dog can't run in front of the wheel and will have some resistance if they pull (instead of turning your handlebar).
#7
Airplanes, bikes, beer.
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Off the front
Posts: 763
Bikes: Road bikes, mountain bikes, a cx bike, a gravel bike…
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 398 Post(s)
Liked 788 Times
in
339 Posts
You have to be smarter than the dog(s). (That’s why most people can’t ride with dogs.)
Likes For AdkMtnMonster:
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Posts: 2,880
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1461 Post(s)
Liked 1,486 Times
in
870 Posts
Dogs make for good CX practice companions in parks. Bring a few tennis balls and use one of those long chuck-it things to pick it up and throw it while riding your bike around chasing him.
Good way to wear the dog out and work on some bike handling skills, sprinting, etc.
Good way to wear the dog out and work on some bike handling skills, sprinting, etc.
#9
Full Member
On our local MUP a guy has a recumbent trike with a basket on the back. His two small dogs sit in the basket and watch the world go by. When he stops for a break he walks them on a leash for some exercise. The dogs are well known on this MUP.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,244
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18420 Post(s)
Liked 15,564 Times
in
7,333 Posts
Attach the leash to your earlobe. Good motivation to keep up with the dog.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Mission Viejo
Posts: 5,806
Bikes: 1986 Cannondale SR400 (Flat bar commuter), 1988 Cannondale Criterium XTR, 1992 Serotta T-Max, 1995 Trek 970
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1944 Post(s)
Liked 2,164 Times
in
1,323 Posts
Actually our dog is dead. Our daughter had him cremated. I guess I could get a larger under saddle bag.
John
John
Last edited by 70sSanO; 05-12-21 at 10:54 PM.
#12
Full Member
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 226
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 144 Post(s)
Liked 119 Times
in
70 Posts
I'm a dog lover who had the misfortune of seeing a gorgeous fox terrier be run over and grievously injured by its cycling owner while doing the bike-leash thing. Not a fan.
There's an ancient man who frequents my local paths in inner Sydney who cycles along slowly with a pony on a leash. I've got no issue with that.
There's an ancient man who frequents my local paths in inner Sydney who cycles along slowly with a pony on a leash. I've got no issue with that.
Likes For fredlord:
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bastrop Texas
Posts: 4,480
Bikes: Univega, Peu P6, Peu PR-10, Ted Williams, Peu UO-8, Peu UO-18 Mixte, Peu Dolomites
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 967 Post(s)
Liked 1,629 Times
in
1,045 Posts
Having been one of those guys that nearly killed his dog, riding as a kid, I would be very selective in doing it.
Even if I had the right dog I would probably not run the dog farther than I personally could not run.
Knew a guy who used to take his dog out when he was ridding his horse. He said he knew things were good as long as the dog stayed out in front of the horse, but when the dog started to breath heavy or drop behind it was time to stop, check him, and carry him in. It would be kinda hard to do this on a leash. Yep... riding a bike with a dog could be very dangerous for both parties but I'm not saying it could not be done safely...
Even if I had the right dog I would probably not run the dog farther than I personally could not run.
Knew a guy who used to take his dog out when he was ridding his horse. He said he knew things were good as long as the dog stayed out in front of the horse, but when the dog started to breath heavy or drop behind it was time to stop, check him, and carry him in. It would be kinda hard to do this on a leash. Yep... riding a bike with a dog could be very dangerous for both parties but I'm not saying it could not be done safely...
__________________
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
#14
Newbie
Thread Starter
I just have have the leash across the the handlebars, then grab the lease. Yeah, no way I'm wrapping that leash around my handlebars. Might as well update my will before I ride!
He's a mutt with like 4 working breeds built into him. He gets at least a daily 2 mile walk in am and sometimes 1 mile in evening. But taking him rollerblading and biking helps take some of the high energy out of him, plus time saving.
As he gets older, I'm sure he will mellow out, right?
Might stick to more rollerblading and other activities. Safety is my main concern.
He's a mutt with like 4 working breeds built into him. He gets at least a daily 2 mile walk in am and sometimes 1 mile in evening. But taking him rollerblading and biking helps take some of the high energy out of him, plus time saving.
As he gets older, I'm sure he will mellow out, right?
Might stick to more rollerblading and other activities. Safety is my main concern.
#15
With a mighty wind
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 2,594
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1088 Post(s)
Liked 862 Times
in
490 Posts
The mountain bike trails around here are utterly empty during the week. I'd be lucky to see 2 people in 2 hours. Great trails for the dog to run and a reservoir for her jump in.
Can't do it on the weekend, too many people.
Usually though, my wife takes her running around the same place and when she gets back, I go mountain biking. The pooch likes running with my wife more than following a mountain bike, it's slower and she can sniff and explore more.
I'd you're not in a crowd, it's great.
Backcountry skiing gets a little tricky if it involves deep powder.
Can't do it on the weekend, too many people.
Usually though, my wife takes her running around the same place and when she gets back, I go mountain biking. The pooch likes running with my wife more than following a mountain bike, it's slower and she can sniff and explore more.
I'd you're not in a crowd, it's great.
Backcountry skiing gets a little tricky if it involves deep powder.
#16
Happy banana slug
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Posts: 3,696
Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 261, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1533 Post(s)
Liked 1,529 Times
in
917 Posts
Not2worried I did an Amazon search for "dog bike leash". Here are the results. There are a variety of options.
#17
Newbie
Thread Starter
Not2worried I did an Amazon search for "dog bike leash". There are a variety of options.
I think I will do more training with him first and then move over to one of those setup.
#19
Newbie
Thread Starter
#20
Happy banana slug
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Arcata, California, U.S., North America, Earth, Saggitarius Arm, Milky Way
Posts: 3,696
Bikes: 1984 Araya MB 261, 1992 Specialized Rockhopper Sport, 1993 Hard Rock Ultra, 1994 Trek Multitrack 750, 1995 Trek Singletrack 930
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1533 Post(s)
Liked 1,529 Times
in
917 Posts
Not2worried happy to help.
#21
Grupetto Bob
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Seattle-ish
Posts: 6,222
Bikes: Bikey McBike Face
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2584 Post(s)
Liked 5,642 Times
in
2,922 Posts
Riding with a dog on a leash is a dicey proposition unless your dog is well trained to run in a ‘heal’, right at your side.
I trained my dogs to heal when walking and then transferred it to cycling. It worked really well unless there was a SQUIRREL then all bets were off.
If you have earthen trails in the woods available, then you may be able to take your dog off leash and have it run behind you. I have had great success mtn biking with my dogs, but I trained them to run behind me except for one which was very bright and would consistently stay 50’ ahead of me regardless of speed. That was one amazing dog that is still greatly missed.
Good luck.
I trained my dogs to heal when walking and then transferred it to cycling. It worked really well unless there was a SQUIRREL then all bets were off.
If you have earthen trails in the woods available, then you may be able to take your dog off leash and have it run behind you. I have had great success mtn biking with my dogs, but I trained them to run behind me except for one which was very bright and would consistently stay 50’ ahead of me regardless of speed. That was one amazing dog that is still greatly missed.
Good luck.
__________________
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
Road 🚴🏾♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾♂️
#22
Live not by lies.
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 1,306
Bikes: BigBox bikes.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 860 Post(s)
Liked 784 Times
in
582 Posts
When I was a teenager I had a stocky Border Collie mix. I rode with her leashed to my handlebars. Very rural environment riding on canal banks. She never caused me to crash.
She could PULL! At that time I topped out at 29mph on a bmx bike and there were times when it seemed she was pulling me a little faster than I could pedal.
I have no idea what the top speed of a dog is so it could have just been perception, but I remember being awe struck at our speed.
I don’t know that I would take the same risk as a full adult with responsibilities.
She could PULL! At that time I topped out at 29mph on a bmx bike and there were times when it seemed she was pulling me a little faster than I could pedal.
I have no idea what the top speed of a dog is so it could have just been perception, but I remember being awe struck at our speed.
I don’t know that I would take the same risk as a full adult with responsibilities.
#23
Live not by lies.
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 1,306
Bikes: BigBox bikes.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 860 Post(s)
Liked 784 Times
in
582 Posts
Background info.
She was an abnormally aware dog. Very smart. She was never leashed when we went on walks. She would just kind of range a little bit like a hunting dog and come back over and over.
So I guess another thing is it probably depends on the dog.
She was an abnormally aware dog. Very smart. She was never leashed when we went on walks. She would just kind of range a little bit like a hunting dog and come back over and over.
So I guess another thing is it probably depends on the dog.