Holy Smokes!! It’s been a busy couple of weeks for me! In addition to being flat out at work, my husband and I are adopting a dog! In doing some research on how to train your dog to run just behind you while riding a bike, we came across this. Are we crazy to try this? Does anyone have any experience using something similar? We look forward to having our canine companion out with us on the trails, but we want to make sure we have a well trained dog and safe scenario for all involved!
7 responses so far ↓
1 Marie - New York City // May 23, 2009 at 6:24 am
Hmm, interesting! I never used this, but it reminds me that when I was 11 trying to ride a bike and walk the dog at once got me into a bad accident! Looks like this will help keep pup from getting tangled, and if you have better judgment than an 11-year-old, you’ll probably be fine! Cheers, M
2 paul // May 23, 2009 at 3:47 pm
That looks lethal if your dog sees a cat!! As Marie said- at least it keeps the dog at a safe distance to the bike- but i’d still be wary!
Maybe take it as a pup to specific “training classes” and work with a conventional lead. I;d also go mountain biking and train it to run with you on the trails. I think the key is consistency and more consistency
3 J. Altman // May 24, 2009 at 9:48 am
I dunno….would you chain another living being to your bike to run alongside?
4 TheSnag // May 24, 2009 at 11:56 am
I used to ride my bike and walk my dog at the same time- until one time when she saw a squirrel nearly killed us both. Having her chained to the bike instead of leashed to my hand would have been worse, though.
5 Renee-boston // May 24, 2009 at 10:06 pm
So I think this post needs a little clarification! The purpose of the tool is only to train the dog to run off leash in the safe spot. Last thing we want is for the dog to cut in front of a deadly tire on the trails! The tool definitely is not for hooking the dog up and hauling on the roads or down technical single track! Its more like hook the dog up and push the bike first. If that works, try a slow short ride, flat terrain, no obstacles. If that works, try off leash. Assuming she learns, then try her off leash on the trails. (I primarily mountain bike).
The breed we are adopting is a working dog and known for behavioral issues unless given copious amounts of exercise!
6 marie // May 27, 2009 at 1:59 am
Hm! Well, given the others’ concerns, now I’m thinking it may be tricky! I guess it all depends on how obedient the dog is. What kind of dog is it? Even if a dog is trained, instinct may kick in on a trail, and the dog may take off after an animal. Let us know what you decide! I’m sure other people must have figured out how to ride safely with their dogs.
7 Dogwalker // Mar 4, 2011 at 2:39 pm
In my travels I have seen people and their dogs master this art. It does take some time to get synchronized. Such as my pup and I -I just bought something somewhat similar- and tonight was our first time out. It will take some time and dedication, but shortly after we will take longer runs. My dog of course is smaller and does not over power me, granted she has tons of energy and this is the only thing that will wear her out. I have been training for a 5k and take her with me. The 5k a day does not face her she could go for a half marathon a day.
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