How to Train Your Dog to Ride on a Motorcycle
Introduction
There is nothing quite like the feeling of the wind rushing past you when you're out on the open highway on your bike. Now, imagine how much fun it could be if you could take your furry friend along for the ride with you. By now you must have seen other motorcyclists cruising down the road with their pup sitting on the fuel tank. It's quite a sight and, while you may not realize it, going for a cruise out on the bike can be a lot of fun for your pup too!
However, there are several stages to training your dog to ride on a motorcycle, so depending on the age of your dog, the breed, and his anxiety levels, it could take weeks or even months before he is comfortable riding with you. But, once the hard part is over, the two of you will be able to enjoy many miles of happy riding together.
Defining Tasks
While you could get a sidecar or trailer for your pup to ride in, this would never be as much fun as training him to ride in front of you. Of course, bear in mind that some larger breeds are simply not suited to being in this position, for your safety and theirs. The most important thing to remember is that your pup needs to learn how to sit still, hold on, and not get freaked out around traffic.
Your pup also needs to be comfortable with having your arms on both sides controlling the bike as the two of you go down the road. There is one thing you should check before you get too hooked on the idea of having your dog go riding with you. That is whether your state has laws against having your dog ride on top of your bike with you.
Getting Started
While this trick may not seem to be that complicated, there are several steps that must be followed in order to make this training successful. If you are going to train your dog to ride "on" your motorcycle, there are a few supplies you will need, including:
- Treats: To reward your pup when he does it right
- Tank bag: Your pup needs something to hang onto while he is on your bike. There are special tank mats available in some pet stores and online designed specifically for this purpose. Never try to make your pup ride on the painted surface, as it is far too slippery for him to get any type of grip on.
- Dog helmet: While this is optional, if you are going to wear a helmet to protect your head, shouldn't your pup be wearing one too?
- Dog goggles: Your dog doesn't want dust, dirt, and bugs in his eyes any more than you do.
- Doggy jacket or sweater: To help keep your pup warm when its chilly outside.
Some people also choose to include some kind of harness that keeps their dog attached to them in the event of an accident. But, at the same time, a harness may not allow them to leap free of the bike and avoid injury.
The Start Slow Method
The Tuck Me In Method
The Carrier Method
Success Stories and Training Questions
Training Questions and Answers
How to make my dog sit on a motorcycle ?
65 Dog owners recommended
Although the article you have been looking at covers the topic well, I must point out that they do mention that larger breeds are not really suited for riding on a motorcycle. I think you may put Goldie's life in danger not to mention yours, or anyone else on the road. I would reconsider the idea and look for other things to do with Goldie such as agility classes or flyball. Golden Retrievers are happy to learn and please, so both you and Goldie would have a great time. Enjoy the training!
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Training Success Stories
Creedence is Ana amazing dog and has been one of the smartest and loyal dogs I have ever owned. About a year or so ago I wanted to see if I could get him to ride with me about a year after I got my bike mainly because he went kayaking, hiking, camping, and any other activity I do chose to do and I thought it would be awesome to do if he could and enjoyed it. So I started the task of getting him accustomed to the bike using the slow method. He picked up quickly. The picture I provided was getting him comfortable on the bike using a pillow on the tank to keep him from scratching the paint though I do recommend something much better for actual rides a good substitute in my opinion for a tank mat is a good pair of rubber sole doggy shoes. Anyway after several hours of off and on training with mounting and in mounting the bike, leaning, getting used to the sound and vibrations, and moving we made our first slow cruise around the neighborhood. HE LOVED IT!!! A few times he got a little excited but never caused any real trouble. He has been riding with me since and gets sad when I can’t take him with. He loves to ride up to the gas station for drinks and treats and just lays down by the front wheel till I return and when I do he jumps on and he is ready to go. I now ride a goldwing 1800 and if my ole lady isn’t with me he rides in the back and is down to go anywhere. So if you have a well mannered dog that can fit comfortably on the bike and isn’t scared or want to jump off I highly recommend taking the time and training him to ride.
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