How To Bike With a Dog Safely: Baskets, Trailers, Running

A dog can ride in a basket, in a trailer, or in a cargo bike, or run beside the bike on a biking leash. The American Kennel Club (AKC) says only healthy, large dogs should run alongside a bike, and a vet check comes first for any dog. Hot pavement is the other limit, because it can burn a dog’s paw pads.

Ways To Take a Dog Along on a Bike

So you want to take your furry best friend for a bike ride? Before you hop on your bicycle with Fido in the front basket, you must ensure you have the proper set of wheels.

The AKC lists four ways to bring a dog: running alongside the bike, riding in a basket attached to the handlebars or the back frame, riding in a trailer, and riding in a cargo bike. Each one needs a different size of dog and a different way of getting the dog used to it.

Can a Dog Run Next to a Bike?

It depends on the dog. The AKC calls running beside a bike “high impact” and says it is harder on a dog when you ride on concrete. Before a dog tries it, the AKC says to “consult with your veterinarian to confirm if your dog is in the right physical condition to do it safely.”

The AKC also says “Most small-to-medium dogs cannot keep up with a bike because of their shorter legs.” Because of this, it says, “it’s best to allow only healthy, large dogs to run alongside your bike.”

Age matters too. In its guide to running with a dog, the AKC says “running generally isn’t safe for puppies, as their bones are still growing” and “For most breeds, wait until the dog is about 1.5 years old.” VCA Animal Hospitals says “Puppies with growing bones can suffer skeletal trauma from long runs.”

The AKC running guide also says “Your dog should master loose-leash walking before you start training them to run beside you. A dog that pulls on the leash is frustrating when walking, but downright dangerous at faster speeds.” If your dog pulls, start with leash training a dog that pulls before any ride.

Check With Your Vet First

VCA says “Before initiating any regular physical fitness plan for your dog, it is best to consult your veterinarian.” It lists questions a vet will likely ask, starting with your dog’s age, body condition, and state of health.

VCA gives examples of why. Overweight and obese dogs “have a hard time cooling off,” and short-snouted (brachycephalic) dogs like pugs, bulldogs, and Pekingese “need a different cardiovascular conditioning program than golden retrievers.” It also says to “Be sure your dog’s heart and lungs are healthy and ready for increased activity.”

Read more about vet bills.

Heat, Pavement, and Paws

AKC Chief Veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein says, “Pavement, like asphalt or artificial grass, can become incredibly hot and cause discomfort, blisters, and burn a dog’s paw pads.” He gives a limit: “If the temperature is 85 degrees or over without the chance for the pavement to cool down, the ground may be too hot for safely walking a dog.”

His test is to “place your hand comfortably on the pavement for ten seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.” He also says “The first long walk or jog of a warm season can often cause blisters on feet.”

If you must take a dog out in hot weather, the AKC says to “avoid the hottest time of day. Walk in the early morning or evening. Choose grassy or shady areas.” The same page says “Small and short-legged dogs are particularly susceptible to overheating, as their bodies absorb heat closer to the hot ground.” The AKC’s page on heatstroke says “Puppies, senior dogs, overweight dogs, and those with underlying health issues face increased risk.”

The AKC says to “Always bring enough water for your dog’s size and activity level, and plan breaks during outdoor activities.” Each break is a chance for the dog to hydrate.

Leash, Harness, and Gear

You'll need a few essentials to bike safely with your dog. First, invest in a high-quality dog bike leash or trailer designed for biking. 

For a dog that runs beside the bike, the AKC says “it’s best to use a biking leash that attaches directly to your bike. This will help keep your dog away from the wheel. Plus, you won’t have to focus on holding the leash while steering the bicycle.”

VCA says “Harnesses are typically best for small dogs, young puppies, and dogs with a short muzzle or an easily compressed trachea (windpipe).”

How To Start Riding With a Dog

If all your dog has done so far is run around your yard, start slowly. For a dog that will walk or run beside the bike, the AKC says to “begin very slowly with very short distances and slow speeds. Attach your dog to the bike, and treat and praise them before doing anything else. Next, slowly roll forward and when your dog starts walking with the bike, praise and treat.” After that, “You can slowly build up to riding a block or two, and even further.”

The AKC running guide says “Dogs need to build strength and endurance slowly, just like humans do,” and to “Warm up your dog before you run and cool them down when you’re finished by walking for several minutes.” Read more about outdoor activities.

Dogs in Bike Baskets

A bike basket is a more liberating option for dogs that don't need or want the confinement of a trailer. Baskets are attached to your bike's front or rear rack, giving your dog an open-air perch to sit in while you ride. 

The AKC recommends a basket for a small dog. It says “Make sure you only put your dog into baskets that are designed for them to ride in. It must have appropriate safety straps to prevent them from falling or jumping out while you’re riding,” and to follow “the manufacturer’s instructions on how to attach your dog’s harness to the basket.”

To get a dog used to the basket, the AKC says to “Lift your dog into the basket, secure them, then treat and praise before lifting them out.” Repeat this several times. “The goal isn’t to make your dog wait to see how long they’re comfortable in the basket. Rather, you want them to build positive associations with being in the basket.”

Dogs in Bike Trailers

The AKC says “If you have a medium or large dog, you can try pulling them behind your bike in a trailer.” Trailers made for toddlers and small children “can be modified to work for dogs, or you can purchase bike trailers specifically designed for dogs.”

The AKC says “Pulling your dog along behind you is a great way to transport them when it’s too hot to safely run on concrete. It’s also good for busier city streets and for older dogs who can’t run or walk beside a moving bike for health reasons.”

To train a dog to use one, the AKC says to encourage the dog to get in and praise and treat, then encourage the dog to jump out and praise and treat again. Once the dog does this with ease, “attach the trailer’s harness or seatbelt. Then, gently move the trailer, starting with just a few inches at a time.” It also says “it’s important to make sure they’re securely attached to it before you start biking, so that they don’t jump out in traffic.”

Every trailer has a size limit. Burley’s Tail Wagon product page says the trailer is “Designed for dogs up to 70 lb (34 kg).”

You'll also want a trailer with a low center of gravity for stability and a hitch that attaches securely to your bike frame. Prices for deluxe dog bike trailers start at around $300.

Cargo Bikes

The AKC says cargo bikes “are specifically designed for transporting dogs.” They typically have three wheels and an open-topped cargo box built into the bike, and the boxes “allow you to transport even very large dogs via bicycle.” Some come as e-bikes, which the AKC says “can be especially helpful when transporting very large dogs up hills.” Getting a dog used to a cargo bike “follows the same process as a bike trailer.”

These few tips should be able to guide you on how to bike with your dog safely. With a few precautions, it is great bonding and exercise for you and your pet. Biking is fun, but biking with your dog is way more fun!

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FAQs

Is it safe to ride a bike with a dog?

It depends on the dog and the ride. The AKC lists these early signs of overheating: heavy panting, rapid breathing, excessive drooling, and bright red gums and tongue. The AKC also says “Even if your dog appears to recover after cooling down, a veterinary visit is essential. Heatstroke can cause internal damage that isn’t immediately visible.”

How do you work your way up to longer rides with your dog?

Slowly. VCA says “It is better to take a 20-minute walk every day than a 2-hour walk on Sunday. A slow, steady increase in time and intensity helps avoid injury and is more comfortable for the dog.” The AKC running guide says to add small stretches of running to walks, and that “After several weeks, your dog will have adapted to running long distances.” It also says to give “frequent breaks, so they can recharge, go to the bathroom, and enjoy their surroundings.”

Is it legal to ride a bike with a dog?

It depends on where you ride. Before your first ride, look up the leash and bicycle rules for your city, county, and any park or trail you plan to use.

Sources

• American Kennel Club, Safety Tips for Biking With Dogs
• American Kennel Club, How to Train Your Dog to Run With You
• American Kennel Club, How Hot Is Too Hot for a Dog's Paws?
• American Kennel Club, heatstroke in dogs
• VCA Animal Hospitals, Healthy Exercise for Dogs
• Burley, Tail Wagon dog bike trailer (maker's product page)