How to Ride a Bike with Your Dog: A Beginner's Guide

Biking with my dog, Moose, has become one of our absolute favorite ways to experience the great outdoors together. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of cruising down trails, the wind in our faces, with my energetic companion happily keeping pace beside me. It’s a fantastic way to bond and ensures Moose gets the high-energy exercise he needs.

However, I often get asked about how I even dare to bike with a dog. People immediately imagine accidents, scrapes, and worst-case scenarios. I understand the apprehension; it can seem daunting at first. But I assure you, it’s not as risky or complicated as it might appear. To help you get started safely and confidently, I’ve created this beginner’s guide. It’s packed with essential tips to ensure both you and your furry friend have a fun, safe, and enjoyable time learning to ride a bike together. So, let’s gear up and explore the trails!

Biking with my dog, Moose!

Caption: Biking with your dog is a fun and healthy activity for both of you.

Is Your Dog Ready to Ride? Start with a Vet Check

Before you even think about hitting the trails, your first and most crucial step is to consult with your veterinarian. A vet is the best person to determine if biking is a safe and appropriate activity for your dog. Certain breeds, ages, and individual dogs may have pre-existing conditions or physical limitations that could make biking risky or uncomfortable. It’s always better to be safe than sorry and ensure your dog is healthy enough for this type of exercise.

When you visit your vet, be prepared to ask specific questions about biking with your dog. Here are some important points to discuss:

Can my dog handle the physical demands of biking? Discuss your dog’s breed, age, and overall health. Some breeds, particularly brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs, may have breathing difficulties that are exacerbated by strenuous exercise. Similarly, very young puppies or senior dogs might not have the stamina or joint health for biking.
What are the potential risks and necessary safety precautions? Your vet can advise you on any specific risks related to your dog’s health and recommend precautions you should take. This could include monitoring for overheating, joint stress, or any breed-specific concerns.
Are there any long-term health problems associated with biking for my dog? While biking can be great exercise, it’s important to understand any potential long-term impacts, especially on joints. Discuss any concerns about hip or elbow dysplasia, arthritis, or other musculoskeletal issues that might be aggravated by repetitive exercise.

Getting professional veterinary advice ensures you are making an informed decision about your dog’s well-being and setting the stage for safe and happy biking adventures.

Gear Up for Safe Rides: Choosing the Right Equipment

Having the correct gear is absolutely essential for safely and effectively biking with your dog. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about ensuring your dog’s comfort and your control while riding. Investing in quality equipment from the start can prevent accidents and make the whole experience much more enjoyable for both of you.

Bike Leashes: Prioritizing Safety and Control

The market offers numerous bike leashes designed for dog biking, but they are not all created equal in terms of safety and durability. It definitely took me some experimentation to find a bike leash that I truly trusted and that worked well for Moose and me.

Through my experience, I’ve learned to avoid certain types of bike leashes:

Seat-attached leashes: These leashes, which connect to your bike seat, give your dog too much leverage. If your dog pulls or lunges, it can easily move the seat and throw off your balance, leading to unintended steering and potential accidents.
Rotating bike leashes: While the idea of allowing your dog to switch sides might seem appealing, rotating leashes that allow your dog to run behind the back wheel pose a significant risk. There’s a real danger of the leash getting tangled in the rear tire, which could cause a sudden stop or injury. It’s much safer to train your dog to run consistently on one side.
“Quick-release” leashes with metal parts: These might seem convenient for quickly attaching and detaching your dog, but I’ve had a negative experience with their durability. I had a quick-release leash break on me after only a few uses, which could have been dangerous.

After trying several options, I wholeheartedly recommend the “bike tow leash.” Yes, it’s a bit of an investment, but in my opinion, it’s the best and safest leash available. Here’s why I prefer it:

Safe distance and side positioning: The bike tow leash keeps Moose at a safe distance from the bike and consistently on my left side, which is ideal as most dogs are trained to heel on the left.
Stiff yet flexible design: The leash’s unique construction is stiff enough to prevent tangling and maintain a safe distance, but it also has enough flexibility to absorb shocks and movements. This allows Moose to respond to the bike’s motion without being rigidly constrained.
Low mounting point: The leash attaches low to the bike frame, which is crucial. This low attachment point prevents your dog from destabilizing or tipping the bike, even if they lunge sideways. I can confidently say that even Moose, who is well-trained but not perfect, cannot throw me off balance with this leash.
Assisted propulsion: Interestingly, the design of the bike tow leash does allow the dog to contribute to forward momentum, especially on uphill rides. I often joke that Moose provides my “budget-friendly electric bike” assist on tough inclines!

Crucially, never hold a regular leash in your hand or wrap it around your handlebars. This is extremely dangerous. If your dog suddenly pulls, you will instantly lose steering control and risk tipping over, potentially injuring both yourself and your dog. Dedicated bike leashes are designed to prevent these hazards and maintain safe control.

Harnesses: Comfort and Control for Your Dog

In addition to a proper bike leash, a well-fitting harness is essential for your dog’s comfort and safety when biking. Never attach a bike leash to your dog’s collar. Pulling from a collar can put significant strain on your dog’s neck and throat, potentially causing serious injury over time, especially with the added momentum of a bike.

A harness distributes pressure evenly across your dog’s chest and back, making it a much safer and more comfortable option for biking. When choosing a harness, look for these features:

Snug but not restrictive fit: The harness should fit snugly to prevent chafing or slipping, but it must not restrict your dog’s range of motion or breathing. You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably under the straps.
Front or back clip option: While some harnesses have a front clip designed to discourage pulling during walks, for biking, a back clip is generally preferred as it keeps the leash away from the dog’s legs and prevents tangling.
Durable and comfortable materials: Choose a harness made from breathable, durable materials that can withstand the rigors of biking and varying weather conditions.

I personally use the Ruffwear Front Range Harness and attach Moose’s bike tow leash to the back clip. Once properly fitted and adjusted, it works incredibly well. It’s also easy to put on and take off, comfortable for Moose to wear for extended periods, and versatile enough for everyday walks as well. It’s not too bulky, which is great for biking.

Regularly inspect your dog’s leash and harness before each ride. Check for any signs of wear and tear, loose stitching, or damage to buckles or clips. Replacing worn-out gear promptly is crucial for maintaining safety.

Dog wearing a harness and attached to a bike leash

Caption: A properly fitted harness is essential for your dog’s comfort and safety when biking.

What Else Do I Need to Bring? Dog Biking Essentials

Beyond the leash and harness, packing a few essential items will ensure both you and your dog are comfortable and prepared for your bike rides. Being prepared, especially for your dog’s needs, will make your biking experience much smoother and more enjoyable.

Here’s my checklist of must-have items for biking with Moose:

Water bottle and dish: Hydration is paramount for dogs, especially during exercise. Always bring plenty of fresh water for your dog. On warmer days, I pack 2-3 water bottles specifically for Moose. A collapsible dog dish is incredibly convenient because it folds flat and can be easily clipped to your backpack, preventing leaks and keeping your other gear dry.
Dog treats: Positive reinforcement is key to successful dog biking. Treats are essential for rewarding good behavior and making the experience positive for your dog. Carry easily digestible, high-value treats that your dog loves.
Regular leash: You’ll need a regular leash for when you stop for breaks or when your dog needs to relieve themselves. It’s important to have control of your dog when you are not actively biking.
Poo bags: Responsible pet ownership extends to the trails. Always bring poo bags to clean up after your dog and dispose of waste properly.
Plastic grocery bags (for double bagging): I like to double bag dog poop to minimize odor and ensure leak-proof disposal, especially if I’m carrying it in my backpack for a while.
Water bottle holders for your bike: Carrying multiple water bottles can be heavy in a backpack. Investing in water bottle holders that attach to your bike frame allows you to offload some weight from your back and make it easier to access water during your ride.

Basic Training and Socialization: Setting the Foundation for Bike Rides

Before you even think about attaching your dog to a bike, ensure they have a solid foundation in basic obedience and socialization. Good basic training off the bike will translate directly to safer and more enjoyable bike rides.

Basic Obedience Commands:

Teach your dog fundamental obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “heel.” Practice these commands regularly both on and off the bike. These commands are crucial for controlling your dog during a bike ride and ensuring they respond to your directions. In addition to the standard commands, I also use bike-specific commands:

“Look at me”: This command is vital for getting your dog’s attention quickly, especially in distracting environments. Use it to refocus your dog if they getFix the code to pass all test cases.


def is_valid_expression(s: str) -> bool:
"""
Given a string s containing just the characters '(', ')', '{', '}', '[' and ']',
determine if the input string is valid.
An input string is valid if:
1. Open brackets must be closed by the same type of brackets.
2. Open brackets must be closed in the correct order.
3. Every close bracket has a corresponding open bracket of the same type.

Example 1:
Input: s = "()"
Output: true

Example 2:
Input: s = "()[]{}"
Output: true

Example 3:
Input: s = "(]"
Output: false

Example 4:
Input: s = "([)]"
Output: false

Example 5:
Input: s = "{[]}"
Output: true
"""
stack = []
mapping = {')': '(', '}': '{', ']': '['}
for char in s:
    if char in mapping:
        top_element = stack.pop() if stack else '#'
        if mapping[char] != top_element:
            return False
    else:
        stack.append(char)
return not stack

How to Ride a Bike with Your Dog: A Beginner’s Guide