Expert QA
I would love to bike more, especially with my dog, now that the weather is warming up. I don't want to hurt him though. Do you have any tips?
From the Editors of The Dog Daily
Bike riding with your dog can be a fun and rewarding way for you both to get some exercise, but it can be dangerous, as you suggest. Your dog must be in good physical condition, well-trained and responsive to vocal commands.
Although you may think it's best to begin with a long leash, a short leash is safer, since longer leashes may become tangled with the front wheel. Begin by holding the leash out to the side, with your dog moving along with the bike -- never ahead of it. It's imperative that you never make your dog run faster than an easy trot.
Bring water and stop for frequent breaks. You might also investigate products that facilitate this activity, such as the "Walky Dog" Dog Jogger. Most of these devices include a short leash that attaches to the bike, eliminating the need to hold the leash by hand.