How to Ride a Bike With a Dog: Tips for Success

Dogs need exercise to stay healthy and happy. If you have a high-energy pup who loves to run, biking with your dog could be a fun way to work out together. In fact, a whole sport, bikejoring, is dedicated to off-road cycling with your dog. Even if they're not physically fit or big enough to run alongside you, you can still carry a dog on a bike. Here's what to consider before you head out, tips for cycling success and how to prioritize your pup's safety along the way.

What to Consider Before Cycling With a Dog

Running alongside a bike is a fun, high-impact sport, but it's not for everyone. Here are a few factors to consider before hopping on your bike with a dog.

Your Dog's Health, Age and Fitness

Before starting any exercise program with your dog, consider their health, age and fitness.

Health

Running alongside a bike requires good heart and joint health. Your veterinarian can tell you if your dog is ready to go cycling, so discuss bike rides with your vet before taking the plunge.

Age

Cycling isn't a good exercise for puppies or most senior dogs. Remember that young dogs are still growing, and their skeleton and joints aren't fully developed until at least 1 year of age. For large breeds, this can take up to two years. Wait until your dog is done growing to begin cycling together. Older dogs, on the other hand, are prone to stiff joints and may benefit from controlled, low-impact exercises like walks and supervised swimming.

Fitness

Your vet can evaluate your dog's fitness and confirm whether they're in the right physical condition to join you on bike rides. Excess weight doesn't necessarily preclude your pup from participating, but you'll need to make some modifications. This may mean short, slow cycling sessions until they build stamina.

Your Dog's Breed and Size

Not all dog breeds are built for running alongside a bike.

Poor Candidates

Larger, heavier dogs such as Newfoundlands or Saint Bernards aren't good candidates, as it's hard on their joints. Brachycephalic breeds with short noses, such as boxers and bulldogs, are more likely to have breathing difficulties, so they may require gentler exercise. Consider your pup's haircoat, too. If your dog has thick fur, be extra cautious about exercising with them in warm weather.

Good Candidates

Medium and large dogs with lean bodies and long legs may be more likely to enjoy trotting alongside your bike than small dogs with short legs. Certain breeds — such as Rhodesian ridgebacks, Siberian huskies, border collies and greyhounds — are bred to run. When in doubt, ask your vet if your dog is a good candidate for cycling.

How to Carry a Dog on a Bike

If your dog has short legs or a smooshed face, don't worry: You can still take them with you! You can carry a small dog on a bike in several ways, including in a secure front basket, rear basket, pet backpack or cargo trailer. Whichever option you choose, make sure it has safety straps to secure them. Consider dog goggles and a helmet, too.

Your Cycling Skill Level

Cycling with a dog requires a certain skill level with a bike. You need to be aware of your surroundings, have excellent balance and bike-handling skills, and be able to handle a rapidly changing environment.

Your Dog's Training

Learning to bike with your dog takes some training on both of your parts. If your dog pulls on the leash or is overly excitable, train them to walk calmly on a loose leash before jumping on a bike. Teaching your dog voice commands like "stop" and "wait" is also crucial to safely enjoying this activity with your pup.

Of course, they should also be comfortable around a bike. Some dogs can be afraid of how a bike looks, sounds and moves, so let your dog adjust to being attached to a bike before cycling.

Environmental Factors

In general, avoid biking with your dog in extreme hot or cold temperatures and crowded areas, including foot and vehicle traffic. Check with your veterinarian about what temperature your dog can handle. Tolerance depends on several factors, including age and health status, so it's best to get personalized advice. Finally, take your location into account, such as whether you'll be cycling on pavement or off-road mountain biking.