Especially in summer, we enjoy being in the saddle and moving fast. What could be more natural than taking our beloved dog along? After all, they need exercise. While that's true, there are many aspects to consider when cycling with a leashed dog – especially regarding safety and the athletic nature of both human and animal.
Cycling with a dog shouldn't be a competitive sport
Many people today have a completely different body awareness; they want to be fit and active for a long time and prove themselves. Once they've felt the adrenaline rush, they want more. So, they push their limits and join the long queue on Mount Everest just to prove themselves. But what we sometimes do to our bodies should never be passed on to our dogs. If you look around, you often see owners on racing bikes, with their dogs panting next to them in the scorching sun. Why? A dog follows its pack and does what is expected of it. It won't stop until its human does; it would rather collapse, and that's it. The problem is: owners are comfortably in the saddle, pedaling, trained, and often don't notice that they are too fast for their four-legged friend or not taking enough breaks. If dogs could talk, they would be shouting "Break!" after a short time. Dogs are not competitive athletes. They want to sniff their surroundings to the left and right of the path. Dogs don't need to prove themselves. And we humans shouldn't pressure them to do so.
Proper cycling with a dog slows everyone down
So, is cycling with a dog something that must be demonized in principle? Not at all. Every dog naturally enjoys moving. But dogs don't know the feeling of simply getting from A to B or doing sports for the fun of it. They also want to experience everything in between. Therefore, cycling with a dog should be seen more as an outing into nature than a kind of bicycle tour: as if the family is going for a picnic in a meadow, not trying to break speed records, and cooling off in the shade of a tree if necessary. The dog should always be able to trot easily next to the bike. And take breaks again and again to experience nature. Our dog thanks us when it can sniff through the long grass with its nose, chase butterflies in the meadow, or enjoy a cooling drink with us. Absolutely essential: make sure to bring enough water for the dog, and a small first-aid kit is also recommended. During the bike tour, you should periodically check the dog's paws and use the first-aid kit in good time if necessary.
How dog and bicycle become good friends
First and foremost, you need to know that only adult and healthy dogs are suitable for being taken along on a bike. Dogs with joint problems or cardiovascular diseases are just as unsuitable as "bicycle dogs" as very spirited four-legged friends who are difficult to control. If your dog qualifies for a bike tour with a four-legged friend, you should slowly get them used to it. First, push the bike and walk alongside with the dog. Depending on how scary the dog finds the bike, you can increase the distance to the bike by asking a second person to push the bike while you concentrate completely on the dog. Once this first hurdle has been overcome, you can start slow cycling. Here too, it is best if a second person rides the bike while you jog alongside with the dog. This also gives you a good feeling for how strenuous it is to run alongside the bike. Finally, you get on the bike yourself and – preferably on a side street or in a park – slowly pedal to literally get the hang of coordination with the dog and safety.
Dog on the bike, preferably with a sports belt and harness instead of a leash and collar
Paths vary. And most are not flat and straight. It is therefore advisable for cyclists to have both hands on the handlebars. So where does the dog leash go? Wrapped around the wrist? Please don't! If a dangerous situation then arises, a fall is almost unavoidable, and in the worst case, the bicycle and human end up on top of the dog. With a sports belt, the center of gravity is in the middle of your own body. This also prevents the dog from "pulling you off the bike." Dogs that can run freely and safely are allowed to do so next to the bike in designated areas. If, as a dog owner, I am 100% sure that my dog will come to me when I call it, that's a good start. However, during a bike tour with a dog, the four-legged friend should also learn to stay at the height of the bicycle at all times, preferably in the middle of the bike. From our experience, it is still more advisable to use a sports belt. And in any case, to use a harness like the Dressyr instead of a collar.
What do your bike tours with your dog look like? What positive or negative experiences have you had with your dog on the bike? We look forward to your comment.
