Bike trailers/strollers

[Poniesbest]

Hi, our puppy arrives in a couple of weeks time. Am v anxious not to overdo it exercise wise. We normally walk fair way to school. Does anyone have any recommendations for a bike trailer (pref one that is also a stroller) so that I can get the puppy out and about hearing and seeing things but without putting strain on joints? Thanks

The 5 min rule has been well and truly dismissed.

Walking and running is fine for puppies as long as it is self regulated. What you do need to be careful of is jumping, on furniture or up stairs for example. Twisting and slipping on wood or laminate floors or ball chasing.

However puppies still get pretty tired so the distance may be too much for them. What type of dog? We have used doggy huts for full size dogs. You can get basket type carriers for bikes if the puppy is small.

You will need to get the puppy used to the trailer before you use it - are you going on the roads or off roading. I would not be happy to use a buggy on road with a puppy.

I checked with our vets and they were very clear that the 5 minute rule is still best practice. We’re getting a Labrador so not sure if it’s due to hip issues. In any event it’s a fair way so I suspect pup would get tired.
We can do some off road but at some point we’ll need to do road use for the trailer. Obviously we would need to get the puppy used to it and build it up slowly but can I ask why would you not use a bike trailer on a quiet road for a puppy- is that not what the trailers are intended to do? Or is it the fact they are young and still experiencing things?

Canine Arthritis Management have this equipment reviews group, plenty of trailer/stroller users and many do go offroad with them although you want proper bike type wheels not pushchair sort.
www.facebook.com/groups/540364159637089/

CAM Vet Talk debunking puppy 5min rule & discussing causes of hip dysplasia

Personally think its wise not to go for long hikes with young puppies much like with older dogs because they'll likely love being with owner and not self regulate when need to rest. It sounds simple concept but how many 5*min walks a day and how much other exercise is actually going on? Greyhound litters are put in long paddocks to chase each other in all day long in order to build up those muscles, but they play, rest, repeat.

Disagree about the 5 minute rule being debunked. All vets that I know still advise the same.

Does it have to be a bike trailer? Ebay and Facebook marketplace are a good bet. Very cheap.

We are buying a Display4Top stroller for our lab puppy, but it will only ever need to be used on the pavement, and not a bike. It has a detachable carrier, and is only £50.