Activities For Cyclists With Dogs
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
Cycling is a rather broad term that encompasses the use of a bicycle in order to exercise, get from point A to point B, or simply have fun peddling around town. Cycling can make for a fun, high intensity cardio workout for humans and dogs as well as introduce both parties to a number of different activities that involve a bicycle. We've previously listed a number of different activities that Boxers, Football Players and Swimmers can do with their dogs, so today we'll be discussing a variety activities that cyclists are heavily encouraged to try out with their four legged friends.
Bike Training
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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
30 Min
Items needed
Bicycle
Favorite Snack
Activity description
"Bike Training" refers to the act of getting your dog accustomed to seeing and interacting with your bicycle, in the same way one "House Trains" a dog to get them accustomed with comfortable and acquainted with one's home. Believe it or not, some dogs may be initially fearful or even standoffish towards bicycles. The aim of this activity is to help your dog overcome their potential aversion to your bicycle by helping them associate it with you. This activity might seem difficult at first, but you and your dog will get the hand of it with time, patience, and practice.
Step
1
Introduce your dog to your bike
For this first step, you'll need to call your dog over to you while holding on to your bike and keeping it still as a statue. During this step, you may notice your dog acting hesitant towards the strange metallic structure you're holding. This is where the treats come in; continue to beckon your dog over to you and reward them with their favorite snack once they walk over to you.
Step
2
Familiarize your dog with your bike
For this next step, you'll need to lay your bike down on the floor and place pieces of your dog's favorite treat or snack on key areas of the bike; the frame, the pedals, the seat, and handlebars are just a few of those key areas you can target. As your dog licks their favorite snack off of the various parts of the bike, they'll begin to associate the cycle as a whole with treats and positivity.
Step
3
Walk your dog and your bike
Finally, you'll need to grab a hold of your bike's handle bars and slowly walk it around your home, encouraging your dog to follow you. After your dog becomes accustomed with following you and the bike indoors, try this same part of the activity outdoors. This portion may take some time to get through, but afterwards your dog will be fully bike trained. You can then work on having them accompany you on an outing with your bike.
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Beach Cruising
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Any Day
Cheap
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Dog Bike Leash
Bicycle
Water
Activity description
This particular activity on our list is best attempted on days with sunny skies and clear weather (if not purely for aesthetic reasons) but dog owning cyclists are welcome to give it a try so long as the tide is low. This activity is fairly straightforward and most beaches are open to the general public, so it's a fairly cheap one as well. Really, all you'll need to properly attempt this activity is a reliable bike, a quality Dog Bicycle leash, and a large, open dog friendly beach. You'll also want to bring a healthy supply of water along, both for yourself and for your dog.
Step
1
Get ready for the beach
Regardless of the time of year or the weather of the day, you'll likely want to leave your loafers at home for this activity; wearing any sort of active apparel is highly recommended for this activity, as you'll likely work up quite a sweat. You'll also want to scout ahead before you get to the beach and learn its layout as well as any nearby amenities.
Step
2
Get to the beach
Next, you'll need to figure out how you'll get yourself, your dog, and your bike to the beach in a safe and efficient manner. Biking directly to the beach from your place of dwelling is a great means to that end, but you'll want to make sure that your dog's bicycle leash is properly set up before you hit the road.
Step
3
Go for a ride
Once you and your dog finally make it to the beach, you two will be all set to leisurely cruise up and down the beach to your heart's content. Should you need to leave your dog alone for a short period of time (for instance, if you have to use a restroom or visit a store) remember that your dog is still leashed to your bike and that they can potentially pull it down if they get too excited. Properly lock up your bike at all times and everything should be fine.
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Dog Trailer Trip
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Sunny Day
Expensive
Easy
20 min
Items needed
Dog Trailer
Activity description
This activity is more on the laid back end of the spectrum; it simply involves getting your hands on a quality made dog bicycle trailer, encouraging your dog to step inside, and then taking them along for a pleasant stroll around your neighborhood block or any other suitably quaint and quiescent location; public parks, bike trails, and even a majority of the beaches we touched on earlier would all make for great places in which you can take your dog for a nice bike ride. While not as intense as many of our final activities usually are, this exercise still requires that your dog be familiar and comfortable with your bike.
Step
1
Purchase a dog bike trailer
Dog bike trailers are certainly handy accessories, but many of them can be quite a expensive; a quality Pet Trailer can cost anywhere from $100 to $220 without a warranty. The steep price is warranted however by the fact that a quality Pet Trailer can last just as long as most bicycles, if not longer.
Step
2
Find dog friendly routes
After you've got a hold of a reliable Pet Trailer, you'll then want to devote a solid amount of time looking up and researching nearby dog friendly bike trails that can also accommodate Pet Trailers; try to avoid trails with rugged and uneven terrain or any areas that are currently under construction.
Step
3
Roll out
After attaching the Trailer to your bike and securing your dog inside, you and your pet will be all set to roll out. The relaxing ride can be a great way to relieve stress and introduce your dog to new environments that they've never seen before. And it reinforces, in your dog's mind, that bikes are things to be loved, not feared.
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More Fun Ideas...
Play Fetch While Cycling
This activity puts a modern spin on an old classic; the next time your dog is itching to play fetch, strap on your helmet, head outside, and toss them the ball, toy, or stick while riding on your bike. Wait for your dog to give chase, bike a short distance away, and wait for your pet to fetch what you've just tossed their way.
Biking Through The Woods
This activity can require quite a bit of prep as well as the help of others, but it can also be quite rewarding if it's properly pulled off. With the aid of two other cyclists, head out to a wooded area and bike along the beaten path with your dog. Be sure to learn which animals inhabit the area where you'd like to attempt this activity.
Conclusion
Cycling is often thought of a purely being a human endeavor but hopefully, by virtue of the actives on this list, we've presented enough information to suggest otherwise. Cycling can, indeed, be a great way for dogs and their owners to workout, play, see new areas and, most importantly, bond with one another. The first hurdle may come in the form of getting your dog used to your bike or it may come in the form of keeping your dog by side during a bike ride, but never get discouraged; no matter how many times you might fall off the horse (or bike, in this case) continue to get back up, encourage your dog, and try again.