Are you out of ideas to tire out your energetic canine companion? Looking for something a little more exciting than the daily walk or ball game in the backyard? Well, I’ve recently discovered a fun new way to exercise my dogs while I get a good workout at the same time!
What’s this new activity that benefits both owner and dog I hear you ask? Well, the concept is nothing new but improvements in equipment make it a much safer exercise than it used to be. I’m talking about cycling with your dog. In the old days we used to hold the lead and the handle bars at the same time…if the dog pulled hard enough either you came off your bike or you let go of the lead and your dog ran off. Neither of these scenarios are good.
However now days there are several products available online and at your local pet supply shop that attach to your bike leaving your hands free to steer. These attachments keep your dog at a safe distance from the bike to prevent injury and they clip directly onto the dogs collar or onto a harness.
My dogs love nothing more than a bike ride to the local park. They get very excited when they see us getting the bikes ready and the best part is that a half hour ride tires them out for days! Of course, with summer approaching, it’s important not to overexercise dogs in the heat. We still ride with our dogs in the summer months however we do it either early in the morning or later in the evenings when the temperature has cooled.
To see a video of me cycling with my dogs, click here.
Posted by Kate Mornement.
I think the Australian Road Rules make attaching an animal to a vehicle (bicycles are included) for exercising - is now illegal.
While it seems like a good idea even with the special springer attachments, it probably isn’t. Well not when the traffic police are looking.
Wow!!! Would that work for my little maltese x shih-tzu? He finds I jog too slow…
The gadget looks quite good, and simple would make it inexpensive. Training the dogs would be a good move. Continuing to pull like that will give the boxer blisters between his pads. I’ve seen this in endurance trials and it is a common reason for vets withdrawing dogs from the trial. A dog that understands that heeling means to be beside the walker will successfully transfer this training to the bike rider, and remain beside them. Peopel should also be aware of the fitness of their dog and take into consideration its age before doing long rides with it. Just like people, some dogs are fitter than others!
I think Agnes is correect. But what a badlt thought out piece of legislation …
with the aid of a Springer or similar device it is a reasonable safe passtime for both dogs and riders and great fun and exercise for your dog!
Is there anything we can do to lobby the relevant authorities to change this law???
An awsome idea. where can I buy these attachments and do they have a quick release?
Agnes is wrong. you can ride on back streets with a dog and who wouuld want to ride on a freeway with their beloved pooch.
I already ride with my dog and this can only make it better.