Cycling with dog

[basildonbond]

My normal mode of transport is cycling, certainly anywhere local (school run, work etc). I'd really rather not drive everywhere with Fitz in tow but am not sure how feasible cycling will be

He'll be too big (17-20kg when fully grown) to go in a basket on the front of my bike so was thinking of one of those pushchair/trailer things

Does anyone have any experience/tips?

Have a google of bikejor- you don't have to join in with the races or anything like that but I'm sure you'll find loads of good tips.

Most of them seem to have some sort of arm sticking out from the bike, I suppose that's to avoid the lead and dog being too close to the wheels. You'll also need a bungee lead to avoid sharp pulls and a well-fitting harness.

if you're going down busy roads then would a bike trailer be a safer option?

I have this:

www.walky.co.uk/walky-dog-range.html

It attaches onto the seat post and sticks out far enough that the dog doesn't run into the wheels. There is a clip on the end that attaches to the collar or harness (I recommend harness to protect their neck) and then inside is a bungee-like cord so there is some flexibility but if the dog spots a rabbit and makes a lunge you won't be pulled off. I love it!

I've seen people using the trailers meant for toddlers for their dogs - I think that's what you meant rather than having him run alongside?

My guess is the main criterion is to get one he can't chew out of!

Oh sorry, I misread that bit. We've got a bike trailer for the DDs, the seatbelts are pretty robust. I don't know if him moving around would upset the balance though, there's no space for the DDs to move around once they're strapped in.

My dad had a childrens bike trailer that he converted to fit a cage on so that he could cycle with the dog, it was fab!!

Hi basildonbond

I was sent an advertising email from a pet company today.

I usually just bin them without looking, but am looking for a couple of bits for Pip, so had a quick look and saw this bike trailer for dogs.

I thought of you and clicked on it, only to realise, they have lots of them - here.

thanks moose I'll have a look at those plus some of the strollers linked to in the sick dog/stroller thread look good too as they're essentially trailers which can be converted to strollers if you need to

We'll have to get Fitz settled in first before we try cycling - we're going to get him tomorrow - eek

I use my burley bee to carry my daughter and my 8kg doggy a the same time. They sit quietly next to each other strapped in. I also tie my doggy in by the harness so she has enough room to lie but can't jump out, which she doesn't try to do but just in case. It is absolutely fine but we have been doing it since the doggy was 12 weeks old - for an older dog, you would need to train very gradually.

great - Fitz is only 8.5 weeks old so I'll leave it a month or so and then start getting him used to it