The Many Ways To Bike With Your Dog

Photo: Green Garden Vienna

Every summer, I take out my bike and go for amazing bike rides during that time. Now that fall is here, the weather is ideal for taking your dog along. Dogs with high energy are a natural for this pastime. Dogs with low energy love a day outside with the breeze blowing across their face. With all the products made for dogs these days, I was really excited to discover these products that allow you to bike with your dog and keep your hands free:

Bicycle Leash Attachments

• 1-Running-Dog Bike Tow Leash
  
  
  
  
  The 1-Running-Dog Bike Tow Leash was created because the owner had started raising service dog puppies after 9/11 here in America. Their puppy needed more exercise than just from a regular walk. The owner who was a mechanical engineer felt other products had questionable safety issues. He then came up with his product. Although the price for this bike leash is hefty ($110 USD), it does differ from the usual products by providing a solid barrier between bicycle and dog.
• Walky Dog
This specialized leash is made in Italy and is one of the most popular bike attachments used today. The metal rod attached to your bike post and makes extends out to either the left or right side. It has a bungee cord hanging down to attach to the dog. It is retailed at $80 USD but you can find it reasonably priced online ranging from $30 USD to $50 USD. I found the least expensive one at Amazon. What's great about this is it can be customized for your dogs with special attachments such as their low rider piece.  You can also get a second to use for your second dog.
• K-9 Bike Jogger System
 This is actually made in America as part of the Walky Dog company. The K-9 bike jogger is ideal for dogs 20 pounds and up. It has sturdy construction and will help the dog to get a good workout. It retails for $39.99 USD but can be found for less online. This takes less than five minutes to install which is a bonus. 

• Let's Go Bicycle Leash This leash costs less but is still a quality product. It has a spring that attaches at the back of the bicycle to keep the walker from hitting your thigh when riding. It also comes in a variety of colors. The one thing I had noticed is the website. The usability isn't the best and it could function much better. Still, it gives you the information needed. It comes in two sizes: small/medium and medium/large. You can find it at most places for approximately $25 USD.
• Springer Bicycle Jogger This bicycle attachment differs from the Walkydog type walkers because of it's shape. It has a rod that goes out to the side and then bends downward at a right angle and then comes back up with a spring attachment. It has slots to insert your leash according to your dog's size. It is slightly more for the money ($75 USD) and may take longer to install on your bike. However, if your dog likes to run, it is ideal for that because it will keep your dog from hitting your bike. It does take a little time to get acclimated as well.

A great article that breaks down the different types of dog leashes can be found at thatmutt.com.

Dog Baskets

For all of you who have toy dogs that love a good ride, dog bike baskets are ideal. They are generally made for dogs 15 pounds (6.6 kg)and under. It's ideal to find a basket that is well constructed and attaches easily to the front of your bike. Solvit makes a great wicker basket that you can find for about $70.00 USD. The Pet Bike Basket (pictured above) from Pet Gear offers a great basket that holds dogs up to 15 pounds. The WeeRide Pet Bicycle Basket is great if you want something portable and foldaway. It's sturdy too. If your dog would like to ride in back, the Pet Rider Bicycle Seat (pictured right) is also a smart choice because it can accommodate dogs up to 24 pounds (10.9 kg) and costs are ($79.00 USD).

Bike Trailers

Bike trailers are great for any dog. While some may think trailers resemble dog strollers, they are ideal for senior dogs, paralyzed dogs and young puppies whose bones have not fully developed. If you have multiple dogs, this is a convenient way for them to all come along.

They can be pricey (they start at $150.00 USD and can go up to $400.00 USD) but they are built to last and can be used for a very long time. The brand I liked best was Doggy Ride.

More Places to Find This

If you would like to find these items online, here are some more shopping options in addition to Amazon:
Bicycle Trailers
Dog.com
The Dog Outdoors
Dog Clothesline
Hunter K-9

Let's Discuss!

This was one of the first summers in a long time that I haven't gone bike riding but I plan to try out a couple of these products next year. For those of you who bike with your dog, how do you do it?