Shop

What to Bear in Mind When Going Cycling With Dogs

Written by zooplus Editorial Team

What's better than going on a nice bike ride in the great outdoors on a warm summer day? It's even more fun with your four-legged friend! How do we get a dog used to running alongside as we cycle and what do we have to bear in mind when we going cycling with our dog?

Cycling with 2 dogs

© DoraZett / stock.adobe.com

Table of contents

  1. How do I get my dog used to the bike?
  2. What you have to bear in mind when going cycling with dogs:
  3. How to begin cycling with your dog
  4. Further tips

How do I get my dog used to the bike?

In order to initially familiarise your dog with the unknown quantity, you shouldn’t get on your bike straight away during the first training sessions. At the start, you will merely push along your bike. Before the first walk with your dog and bike, your dog should at first sit and wait until it receives the command to run from you. Take your four-legged friend on a short lead and push the bike between the two of you.

What you have to bear in mind when going cycling with dogs:

  • Make sure that your dog runs on the side away from the traffic.
  • Never wrap the lead around the handlebars when you are out on your bike with your dog.
  • When you push the bike, your dog should be on a loose lead and should always be at saddle height.
  • Occasionally change direction and the tempo. Let your dog dismount as soon as you stop. If this exercise goes smoothly, you can switch to the next stage of training.
Cycling with dogs © DoraZett / stock.adobe.com

How to begin cycling with your dog

Now you can sit on your bike and slowly start riding it. On the first few occasions, you should chooses walks or tracks with as little traffic as possible. Practise negotiating slight bends with your dog as well as avoiding obstacles. Only when you’re completely certain that your dog is following your commands can you go out on the streets. However, only increase gradually the tempo and duration of your trips.

Further tips

  • Running whilst cycling is prohibited for young dogs up to the age of 12 months, sick and old dogs.
  • Never feed your dog straight before going for a ride.
  • It’s very exhausting for a dog to run alongside a bike, so you should avoid rides on hot, humid days.
  • Factor in regular breaks for your dog to recuperate. You should always have water on hand for your pet during bike rides.
  • When planning your ride, you should avoid long paved routes, because this coarse road surface is tough on sensitive dog paws.
  • Avoid heavily congested roads, because car exhaust fumes are dangerous for you and your dog. Trips out in open areas are certainly more relaxing for you and your dog.
zooplus Editorial Team
zooplus Redaktion

The zooplus editorial team consists of a dedicated team of experts with many years of experience in the field of animal husbandry: Luisa with her White Swiss Shepherd Elyos, Laura, Julio, and Florian. Together with a large network of animal experts, we work to make the zooplus magazine a trusted source of information for all animal owners and lovers. Our goal is to provide exciting animal knowledge and relevant information on the proper care of pets.

Our most helpful articles
10 min

Hiking with Dogs – Everyday Adventures

Whether it’s shorter hikes close to home, day trips at the weekend or a full hiking holiday with your dog: hiking is a paw-sitively great hobby for human–animal teams! We’ve put together everything you need to know about preparing for a hike with your four-legged friend, the equipment you’ll need and what to keep in mind when hiking with a dog.

6 min

Agility for Small Dogs

Only for big dogs? No way! Small dogs too can have plenty of fun with agility. Find out here whether your little dog is suited to this dynamic dog sport and which five factors you as a dog owner have to take into account.