On Tour with a Bicycle
Activity and variety are extremely important for dogs to keep the physically and mentally fit. Many dogs that love running, for example, enjoy running alongside a bicycle. To make the tour into a fun event for everybody, however, there are a few things to take into consideration.
Leashes and Holders
The dog should be acquainted with the new situation slowly before your first tour. It is best to push the bicycle alongside the dog to start with, testing this on a short distance away from busy roads. Only when owner and dog have practised sufficiently, should they venture into road traffic.
Special leashes and holders make leading the dog easier and provide more safety.
With puppies and young dogs, you need to expect that they cannot yet assess their strength. As the strain on bones and joints is quite significant, only fully grown dogs should run alongside a bicycle. Small dogs are fully grown at the age of 12 months, large breeds keep growing until they reach the age of 24 months. In addition to that, dogs cannot regulate their body temperature as well as we humans can. Frequent breaks and sufficient water for drinking are a must.
Bicycle Baskets and Bags
Small dogs that can run alongside a bicycle only for short distances or not at all do not have to miss out on bicycle tours. There are bicycle baskets and bags for them.
Bicycle Trailers
Trailers are an interesting alternative for larger dogs that can no longer run alongside a bicycle due to their age or ailments. In this case as well, the dog should be acquainted with the new means of transport slowly: the dog can first get used to the trailer slowly while it is standing, then the trailer is pushed slowly, and finally, you ride your bike. At first only do this as long as the dog stays quiet in the trailer. The first break should come after 2 minutes max. You can prolong the duration of the ride step by step.
