I have started to bike to work with my kids.
Beano will sit inthe van at work and be really good. But Gemma is at the age she does not want to do anything apart from sleep all day. Now I would take beano to work on my bike, him on lead beside me. I donnot go fast as my youngest is a slow coach on his bikle and would also gradually get beano used to the bike, but I know the stigma associated with bikes and dogs. Would I be ok, if I got beano used to running beside the bike, taking him to work or is there a legal/moral requirement that I shouoldnt?????????? Believe me I wouldnt put my dog at any risk at all..
Lea.:)

I don't think there is a moral or legal reason why you can't do this.......as long as it isn't on a road ;-)

I often see a guy on his bike with his harnessed Husky running leaded alongside him, have seen them for the past 3 years now, happily biking through the country lanes. It works for his dog, as you know huskey's aren't that great off lead, so he gets a good run every day, this way.

As long as your dog was happy and capable, (I would not do it, as I would be too scared of toppling over, or the dog pulling me over, if we wanted to go different ways :-D) I don't see a problem, just take all safety measures, the guy I see is always fully kitted out with helmet, knee pads etc, (wonder if his dog has pulled him over) it might take some getting used to though, just do a little at a time, and see how it goes.

I've been using bikerides as part of keeping all mine in showcondition, over the years. As long as you introduce the bike slowly, starting by walking the dog next to you leading the bike,then getting on for just a few seconds, it's no problem, really. Some take to it quickly, some need more getting used to it. As long as you stick to the same rules all the time, the dog quickly gets the hang of it. Always let your dog run on your left side, that way it's running on the pavement, with you riding in the street.( I try to do this in the evenings, and mainly ride in parks and along foothpaths. The less traffic you come close to, the better.)
No stopping to sniff when riding the bike :p that's only allowed when walking. No pulling on the lead is allowed, for obvious reasons, use a "kind" collar, not a check collar.
Those are some of my "rules" for riding the bike with my dogs, I'm sure others have different ideas, which may suit them and their dogs better.
As long as the dog isn't stressed by it, and has had plenty of time to do it's business and warm up before you start, I think it will work out fine.
Good luck,
Karen

I use biking to build up muscle tone.  If im taking both dogs then I go somewhere with no roads so at least one can go off lead (the other does half and half as I find trotting builds his hind legs better than free running) when on lead I run him on  a head collar (not the halti type, just a plain head collar which doesnt tighten when he pulls) I find I have much more control this way, otherwise he would pull me off - and he has a few times when stopping to cock his leg !!  We did a few miles through the new forest yesterday with the boys, it was great exercise for them and tired them out for the rest of the day

Correct lead work on the bike is a very good way of building up strength and endurance and in fact there is a test in Schutzhund called the AD (Ausdauerprufung) which does this very thing.  Large dogs must cover 12.4 miles within a certified time running beside a bike to demonstrate they have the required stamina for performance dogs.  Smaller dogs cover a lower distance.

Bear in mind that tarmac can easily shred paws so distance must be built up gradually and you cannot exercise dogs on a bike on a public road.

The best method to ensure safety of rider and dog is to use a Springer, which keeps the dog away from your front wheels.

In Germany dogs are regularly biked this way to training, and biked back, this is why they look so "dry".

i have a springer - it hasnt quite attached itself to my bike yet though :rolleyes:

LOL :-D

Thanks everyone :d
Its only about a mile from my house to work so not too bad a distance, but am very apprahensive about trying it!!!!!
But will heed all your advice.
My brother used to take our old Beardie on the bike, but some bloke had a right go at him. Luckily it was outside our house and dad was gardening in the front so dad was able to tell the bloke where tpo go, but that has put me off ever since!!!!!
il try this weekend!!!!
Thanks again
Lea :)

Tohme,
What does "dry" mean please?

Taught, hard muscular condition, i.e. lean and "sinewy" :)

Thanks Teri!

much like myself  :D

Go for it Lea!

I exercise two adult malamutes together on a springer everyday a distance of at least 4 miles. :-)

They love it.