Biking With Your Dog
 
 
 
 
A springer attachment can be purchased so that biking can be done safely. The springer keeps the dog in place along the side of the bike so they can’t run in front of your bike. It also saves you from having to hold the leash in your hand and prevents them from pulling your bike over.
 

 
 
The springer can be attached to a harness your dog is wearing. Any harness will work, but a harness that has a “V” shaped front (like the one available with the DSA backpack) instead of a horizontal strap across the front would be best. You might want to keep a leash attached to your dog’s collar that you hold for safety because some dogs have learned how to “back out” of a harness.
 
A vet check is not a bad idea for your dog especially if you have a dog under 2 years old or a senior or close to senior dog. Your vet should be able to tell if your dog’s growth plates have closed which means they are no longer growing and are more stable.  If you let young dogs to run or exercise too long , you can do serious damage to them. You also don’t want to stress an older dog’s possibly arthritic joints with too much too fast.
 
You want to introduce your dog to the bike slowly. Some dogs are really spooked by the movement of the bike. Start by walking the bike in a quiet area away from traffic with it on one side of you and the dog on the other. Be sure to do some turns so the dog gets used to the front wheel moving from side to side. If your dog is comfortable with that, get on the other side of the bike, so the bike and dog are on the same side of you while you walk. Try some turns, but go very slowly at first. If your dog shows any fear or hesitation during any of these steps, you’ll need to have treats ready to reward him so that the presence of the bike becomes a predictor of something they enjoy. This part of the training might progress slowly depending on your dog’s personality or it might only take a few minutes. Once your dog will walk comfortably and confidently next to the moving bike, you are ready to attach the springer and get on the bike. You do not want to walk the bike with the springer attached to your dog, because if your dog pulls or spooks sideways away from the bike, it has no weight on it to keep it stable.   It might ‘follow’ the dog, scraping on the pavement as it goes. To start, sit on the bike, and push along with your feet on the ground. Go very slowly to help the dog get used to you in the new position on the bike. If your dog is comfortable with this, you can try it in an area with more distractions or traffic. Once your dog is comfortable with it, you’re ready to ride!
 
Once you are ready to ride, there are some rules you should follow:
 
#1   If the temperature is over 75* and/or high humidity, be very careful if you decide to bike with your dog. Dog’s temperatures are higher than ours and they are working harder than we are while biking even though they are only trotting. They can over heat very quickly. Make frequent stops to rest in the shade.
 
#2    Always take water and a bowl with you. A water bottle and a collapsible bowl do the trick nicely and it allows you to drink too.
 
#3   Make sure your dog is only trotting and not running. You may need to use the brakes on the bike for the first part of the ride. Trotting is best for them because running is very hard on their entire bodies when sustained for more than a very short sprint, especially if they are on pavement.
 

#4   Always take clean up baggies with you. Exercise invariably causes dogs to have to ‘go’.  Be sure to keep an eye on your dog for signs that they need to relieve themselves. It’s up to you how often you stop for them to do their business. Be sure to remove the dog from the bike attachment if you get off the bike. Never leave the dog alone while attached to a bike.

 

#5   Stop and check your dog’s feet often, especially if you are just starting biking with your dog and/or if you have been on pavement for more than 10 minutes. Dog’s feet have to get used to this activity and if they are not used to prolonged movement, it can cause blisters on their pads. Just because they do a lot of walking on pavement does not mean their pads are tough. Biking causes a lot more friction on their feet. Blisters look like lighter spots on the dog’s pads. On light colored pads, they may be pink or reddish spots. These are painful and can cause lameness in your dog. If activity is not stopped, the blisters will break open and be extra painful for your dog for about a week and will need extra care and bandaging.  By starting with short distances a few days a week, you will be able to toughen your dog’s pads without causing pain.  If your dog is not opposed to them, you might want to consider boots for your dog’s feet. If it’s not cold, look for ones with mesh so the dog’s feet don’t get too hot, but still check them often. Also be sure to watch for hazards like broken glass or sharp rocks.
 
#6   Beware of traffic, vehicles, and other people/bikes on the trails or road. The springer causes the dog to be out away from the bike and possibly in other people’s path. You can attach the springer to either side of the bike, so you can choose what is most convenient to keep them away from traffic. If approaching people from behind, be sure to let them know of your intention to pass well in advance of doing so.
 
#7   Don’t feed your dog right before or right after a long ride. Doing so might cause bloat or torsion which can be lethal. Give them a chance to relax after a ride before you feed them and don’t let them drink too much water right away. Not exercising on a full stomach can help prevent it too.
 
#8    Watch your dog for signs of tiring or heat stress such as lagging behind, panting extra hard, hanging their head, and just looking over all tired. If your dog is starting to lag behind, you’ve gone too far or too fast.  Be sure to stop and rest, preferably in the shade. Watch them extra closely if it’s over 75* or there is high humidity.
 
#9   Stay safe. If you are riding at dusk or dawn or in low light conditions, be sure you are visible and that the dog is visible. Purchasing a reflective vest and collar for your dog is a great idea.  A reflective vest on you is also smart. Be extra cautious of traffic at these times of day.