Riding with a dog: choosing a carrier, training and staying safe

Many people want to take their dog along on a bike ride. Done well, it is fun for both of you. Done badly, it can injure the dog, the rider or others. This guide walks through the sequence that careful riders follow, from checking that your dog is a good candidate to the routes and routines that keep rides safe.

Step 1: decide if your dog is a good candidate

• Size and weight. Small dogs may ride in a basket or rear carrier within the carrier's weight limit. Larger dogs need a trailer. Dogs that are too big for a basket or restless should not ride in one.
• Health. Puppies, seniors, and dogs with joint, heart, breathing or spine problems may not be suited. Short-nosed breeds overheat quickly. Ask your veterinarian.
• Temperament. A calm, curious dog that tolerates a harness and new situations is a good candidate. An anxious, reactive or very excitable dog may not be.
• Training. A dog that responds to commands such as sit, stay and settle is easier to manage.

Step 2: choose the right carrier

See dog bike carriers for types. In short:

1. Small dogs: a pet-specific front basket, rear carrier or pannier.
2. Medium and large dogs: a trailer made for pets.
3. Check the weight rating for the carrier and the bike, and use our carry-load checker.
4. Ventilation and padding matter.
5. A secure mount. Make sure the carrier will not shift or fall.

Step 3: get the gear

• A well-fitted harness, not just a collar.
• A short tether that clips to a secure point inside the carrier, so the dog cannot jump out.
• Water and a collapsible bowl.
• Waste bags.
• A blanket or pad for comfort and warmth.
• ID tags and, ideally, a microchip with current information.
• Eye protection or goggles for some dogs, where recommended, since wind and debris can irritate eyes.
• Lights and a flag on trailers for visibility.

Step 4: train in small steps

1. Introduce the carrier at home, and let the dog sniff and enter it. Reward calm behavior with treats.
2. Practice sitting in it with the bike stationary.
3. Walk the bike around the yard with the dog inside.
4. Ride slowly on a quiet, flat surface for a minute or two.
5. Increase gradually, in distance and speed, over days or weeks.
6. End on a good note. Praise and a treat after each session.

If your dog shows fear, such as trembling, whining, trying to jump out or panting heavily, go back a step or stop.

Step 5: plan the ride

• Choose quiet routes with smooth surfaces and little traffic. Avoid rough roads that bounce the carrier.
• Time it. Ride in the cooler parts of the day.
• Keep it short at first, and take regular breaks for water, shade and a bathroom stop.
• Stay slow. Brake earlier and take corners gently, since the dog adds weight and moves.
• Be visible. Wear bright colors, use lights and follow traffic laws.
• Stay alert. Watch for other dogs, wildlife and loud noises that can startle your pet.

Heat and cold

On a hot day, a dog in a carrier can overheat quickly. Pavement can burn paw pads, so test it with the back of your hand before letting the dog walk on it, and avoid long walks on hot ground. Watch for heavy panting, thick drool, weakness or vomiting, stop right away and move to shade, offer water and call a vet if symptoms are serious. In cold or wet weather, use a blanket and keep rides short. Never leave a dog in a parked carrier on a sunny day.

Running a dog alongside the bike

Some people run a dog alongside a moving bike. This is risky for many reasons: the dog can tangle in the wheels, pull the rider over or suffer from overheating or joint injuries. Many veterinarians and trainers advise against it for most dogs. If you decide to do it, keep speeds low, use soft surfaces and a purpose-built hands-free attachment, and talk to a trainer. A carrier or trailer is usually a better choice.

Laws and etiquette

Rules for carrying animals on bicycles vary by state and city, and some places require restraint or leashes. Check local laws. On shared paths, keep your dog calm, yield to others and clean up after your pet.

After the ride

Offer water, check paws and the coat for ticks or burrs, wipe the carrier and let the dog rest. Watch for stiffness or limping the next day.

When to say no

• The dog panics in the carrier.
• The weather is too hot, cold or wet.
• Your route has heavy traffic or rough surfaces.
• The dog is sick, injured or elderly.
• You are not confident handling the bike with the extra weight.

Common mistakes

1. Skipping the vet check.
2. Clipping a tether to a collar.
3. Riding in the heat.
4. Rushing training.
5. Using a basket that is too small or weak.