Top Tips For Cycling With Your Dog

We all know that dogs are man's best friend. So why wouldn’t you want to take them with you when you head out on adventures in the great outdoors? At first, keeping an eye on your four-legged friend whilst navigating a challenging route may seem impossible, but with proper planning and these key tips, you and your furry buddy will be exploring a whole new world.

Type of Biking You Can Do with Your Dog

As long as your dog meets some basic training and obedience thresholds, road and trail riding can be perfect for you and your dog. If you’re into downhill biking, you may want to rethink bringing your pet. The high speeds and dangerous trails navigated on these riders can put the safety of you and your dog at risk. 

So, is on or off-road better for you and your pooch? We’ve outlined the pros and cons to give an idea of which riding style may be best if you’re thinking about heading out on two wheels with your dog.

Road Cycling

Whether you live in a town or city, are a road cyclist by nature or an avid commuter, road cycling can involve your well-behaved dog. Getting on two wheels and enjoying the freedom road cycling gives can be a great way to get you and your pet some exercise and fresh air.

Benefits of Road Cycling  

• Smooth terrain on roads

• Trained dogs can run on the sidewalk or next to the bike - with a cycle leash, of course!

• Cycle lanes on roads make riding with dogs easier

• Perfect for commuting to your dog-friendly office

• Great for city living

• Dogs can travel in a basket or trailer

• Smaller dogs can fit into a specific back carrier

Trail Riding

Nothing beats hitting the trails on two wheels, except for doing this with your furry best friend! Training your dog to be by your side when trail riding can be so rewarding and incredible exercise for both of you. But it’s important to consider the pros and cons before you head off-roading.

Benefits of Trail Riding

• New scents and exploration for dogs

• Freedom to explore without risk of other vehicles

• Perfect place for training and growing your dog's confidence

• Explore new places together

• May not require a leash if fully trained and obedient (dependent on local leash laws)

How Far to Cycle with Your Dog

Planning your route is essential when involving your dog. Although their energy may seem unmatched, considering their needs and abilities is absolutely essential to keep them safe and reduce the risk of injury.

Check Weather and Temperatures All Year Round

We’ve all experienced the summer temperatures - cool in the morning and challenging highs in the afternoon. Planning for this before you take your dog out is essential for their welfare. Hot roads or trails can severely damage their paws and put them at risk of heat stroke and dehydration.

Likewise, colder months and adverse weather can also put your dog at risk. Salt on the roads and sidewalks, as well as ice and snow, can cause issues with your furry friend's paws. So it’s important to wash their feet when you arrive at your destination or consider trailers and baskets in harsher conditions.

Signs to Slow Down

If you’re feeling the burn and starting to tire, imagine how your dog must feel! Keeping an eye on their behavior is key to their wellbeing. Slow down your ride or have another way to transport your pup if the riding becomes too much. Taking regular breaks is vital to check in on their behavior and ensure they can continue.

It’s also important to consider the distance for your return. Ensure you’ve planned how your dog will cope with the full route, not just one way.

Look for signs in your dog such as a slower pace, excessive panting and thicker saliva. These can be signs you’ve pushed them too hard and need to stop. Your personal best time or distance is not worth exhausting your dog. If a PR time is your goal, best to leave your dog at home for that ride.

Consider Your Dog’s Breed & Age

The type of dog you have will help you understand their limits. Working dogs and terriers have a much higher tolerance for speed and duration than toy and flat-nosed breeds. However, this doesn’t mean your less active dog can’t enjoy the breeze in their fur when out on a ride, you just need to accommodate their needs.

Another factor to consider is your dog's age. Although puppies have the energy, their bones are still growing, so exercise should be limited until they are fully grown. Older dogs may have more training, but their health may not keep up with long distances.

Invest in Front or Rear Baskets or Trailers 

There are many trailers, baskets and carts for you to securely transport your pet that allows them to come on the journey with you. Choose models that fit your bike, the size of your pet (if they’re currently a puppy, consider their size when fully grown) and the terrain you’ll be traversing when taking them along.

Tips for Cycling Safely with Your Dog 

The main concern for cyclists is their and their dog's safety. Here’s our top tips:

Buy Pet-Specific Cycling Gear

Researching and investing in high-quality accessories to keep your pets safe is the number one tip. Even if your end goal is for your dog to run alongside you as you ride, this won’t happen straight away. Purchasing pet-specific bike accessories will keep you and your dog safe on the road whilst you both build up your confidence: 

• Cycling-specific leash

• Collapsible water dish

• Dog carrier or basket

• Hi-Vis  Jackets

• Dog boots for cold or snowy weather

• Cooling vest or collar for longer rides

• Training tools

Invest Time in Training

Training is key. Dogs can be nervous, especially if they are attempting new things as adult dogs rather than puppies. The key is to be patient and ensure you have all of the tools to support them. Get clearance from your vet that your dog is fit and healthy to attempt the training and identify when it may not be right for you or your pet. 

Start On Quiet Roads

It may be tempting to jump straight into the deep end and hit the trails and roads right away, but our tip would be to plan a quieter route for your first outing. Attempt shorter trips and get your dog used to the new sights and sounds they may not have experienced in their training.

Never Hold the Leash

Most accidents happen when people incorrectly position their dog. However, holding the leash in your hand is not only dangerous for you and surrounding riders but also for your pet. Get a cycling-specific leash that is designed for this type of activity, and never hold the leash on your wrist, hand or over your handlebars.

Explore With Four Legs and Two Wheels

These are our top tips if you aim to start cycling with your dog. We’d love to see you enjoying the trails or roads with your best pal, so tag GOREWEAR in your photos on Instagram!