Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore. Going for a ride with your dog has never been easier! With the right equipment, you and your pup can enjoy the ride together in a way that’s safe and fun for both of you.
Biking with a Leashed Dog
When biking with your dog running alongside you, bike slowly until you develop an understanding of your pet, and vice versa. You’ll want to be ready for sudden “pit stops” when nature calls. You may want to consider doing a health check with a veterinarian first to ensure your dog is up to the challenge.
Biking with a Dog in a Trailer
For riding dogs, there are specialized dog trailers. They’re basically a dog-ified spin on child trailers with engineering geared toward increased stability for dogs that allows them to stand up and move around safely.
When biking with your dog in a trailer, start out by taking smaller trips to allow your pooch to adjust to the new ride. The Schwinn Rascal Pet Trailer is a great option for biking with dogs on longer trips or for pups who need a little rest along the way. For dogs over 50lbs, the Schwinn Rascal Plus Bike Trailer can support pets up to 100lbs.
While every dog is different, a good benchmark to consider is how they behave in a car. If your dog is usually calm in cars or new vehicles, they’ll likely adjust more quickly to the trailer. If your dog is particularly active or nervous in cars, chances are they’ll be even more active or nervous in the trailer. Just be prepared for movement as you get used to biking with a dog in tow.
E-Biking with a Dog Trailer
E-bikes are a great way to provide an extra boost while you ride. Not only are they great for riding longer and climbing steep hills, but they can even help make pulling a trailer or hauling cargo easier.
Many Schwinn electric bikes can hit top speeds of 20 mph. However, for the safety of all riders, we recommend keeping your maximum speed at 10 mph or less when using a trailer or child carrier.
Additional Tips
To ease your dog into life with a bike, start with short trips and gradually add 5-10 minutes to each ride, making sure not to overextend your new travel companion. Take lots of water and a dog bowl, add a favorite blanket, reward them with treats, and make it a positive experience. They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but with the right motivation, you can certainly teach any dog a new way of getting around town.
