Tips for Biking with Your Dog
The day I started mountain biking with our dogs, everything changed. They began to look at me like I was the coolest person on the planet. Our relationship grew to a level it had never been before. We were more connected and in sync and it was as if I had flipped a switch. Looking back on it, I did. I flipped the fulfillment switch. Don’t get me wrong, our dog’s were going hiking, camping and lots of other fun things, but they were never getting to full out run in a structured way like they do when we’re biking. When they’re biking, they are running beside the bike (at the seat post or behind) so not only are they physically fulfilled from running but they are also mentally fulfilled from having to focus on staying with the bike. It’s the ultimate fulfillment activity for a dog (big or small).
As with every activity with our dogs on trail, there comes a responsibility to bike safely and responsibility, not only for our dogs but for us and others on the trail. I’m of course a big fan of biking with dogs, but I’m an even bigger fan of doing it SAFELY. Below are some tips to help you and your dog on the trail:
Your dog follows next to the seat post or behind the bike, never in front: This is the safest way to bike. Why? With your dog following at or behind the seat post, they are staying clear of your front tire, clear of other dogs, hikers, bikers, etc. and you can very quickly communicate with your dog when they are right next to your side. They are in what I call, the “safe spot”.
Start on leash: The way I teach all people and their dogs to bike is by starting on leash. This way we can clearly communicate where we want the dog to be. Find a flat surface (like a parking lot) and start by walking your dog next to the bike and doing circles and figure eights. When your dog tries to pass your hip / the seat post, take a few steps back to back up the bike and guide them back to your side and then keep moving forward. Repeat until your dog gets the hang of it. I generally reward with a “good boy” or “good girl”, but if food is your normal “go to” reward, go for it!
Trailhead warm up: When you arrive at the trailhead, have your dog wait and calmly exit the car. Then take 5 extra minutes to get in sync with your dog. Do some leash drills with your bike (circles or figure 8s) until your dog is in a calm state of mind.
Bikers yield to EVERYONE: In general, trail etiquette states that bikers yield to everyone. For me personally, this rule especially applies when biking with dogs. I will always ask the dogs to step off trail for a moment while others pass, keeping the dogs and others safe.
Recall: If you plan to have your dog off leash on the trail, recall must be 100%. Practice, practice, practice on leash first until your dog is ready to transition to off leash.
Have your dog wear a bear bell: Some people are concerned about not being able to “see their dog behind them”. If this is you, put a bear bell on your dog’s collar so you can hear where they are! It’s important that we don’t go bombing down trails and leave our dog’s behind. Go at a pace that matches your dog and make sure you can hear your dog behind you.
Bring a dog first aid kit, water, bowl and make sure you are biking in temps that are safe. If you’re unsure of the temperature, google “dog activity heat/humidity safety chart”.
Last but not least, make sure to familiarize yourself with local trail guidelines and always practice leave no trace principles to keep our Utah trails beautiful!
