A guide to cycling with your dog

Photo by Alex Moliski (Pexels)

When it is done with care, cycling with your dog by your side can be a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors and keep fit together. But before you grab your helmet and lead, there are a few things to consider to make sure your bike ride is safe.

From introducing your dog to the bike for the first time to essential gear, training and choosing routes, TopDog’s experts will use this guide to take you through everything you need to know.

• Is it okay to cycle with your dog?
• Essential cycling gear
• Introducing your dog to the bike
• Hitting (and picking) the trail
• Gear up for your next ride with TopDog
  

Is it okay to cycle with your dog?

If you are looking to cycle with your dog for the first time, one of the main considerations should be understanding the legal requirements of cycling with your dog. While there are no specific laws against it, the Highway Code (Rule 56) states, "Do not let a dog out on the road on its own. Keep it on a short lead when walking on the pavement, road or path shared with cyclists or horse riders." The key to this rule is keeping your dog under control, which would require a lead on public roads and paths.

If you prefer for your dog to be free to run alongside you, consider heading to parks and woodland. Local councils may have their own bylaws regarding dogs in public spaces, so it's always a good idea to check the regulations for the areas where you plan to cycle - some trails may require dogs to be on a lead at all times.

Benefits of cycling for you and your dog

• Exercise: Cycling is a fantastic cardiovascular workout for both of you.
• Reduce boredom: A tired dog is a happy dog! Cycling will help to burn off excess physical and mental energy, leading to better behaviour at home.
• New adventures: You can explore much further on a bike than on a typical walk, discovering new parks and trails.
• Boosts confidence: Learning a new skill together can build your dog's confidence and trust in you.

Breeds built for cycling

High-energy breeds with good stamina will typically love to run alongside your bike and make excellent cycling partners. Just be sure to consider your own dog’s individual health, fitness and personality. The following popular breeds are just a small of example of the type of dogs that will likely love cycling as much as you do:

• Border collies
• Vizslas
• German shorthaired pointers
• German shepherds
• Labrador retrievers

When to leave your pup at home

Cycling is highly intense and requires excellent focus and recall from your dog. This makes it unsuitable for puppies and older dogs, as well as short-nosed breeds for health reasons. If you are unsure, consult your vet before starting a new exercise routine.

Dogs who are anxious, easily distracted, or have a high prey drive could make cycling unsafe and should also be left at home. 

Essential cycling gear

Photo by Sergij (Pexels)

The next thing to prepare is safety gear. Just as you wear a helmet, your dog will need their own safety equipment too. 

On roads or in low-light conditions, a high-visibility harness or jacket should always be worn. At night or in the winter, go one step further and add a light to their harness.

Choosing the right harness

"A harness for an active dog is like a good pair of running shoes for a person. For a dynamic activity like cycling, you need a secure, ergonomic design that moves with the dog, providing comfort over distance and ensuring you have reliable control in any situation.” - John Skinner, TopDog co-owner 

A well-fitting harness is a safety and comfort must-have for cycling with your dog. The harness distributes pressure across your dog's chest and shoulders, rather than their neck, which is crucial if you need to brake suddenly. 

When selecting a harness, look for these key features:

• Y-shape: A harness with a Y-shape design allows for full, unrestricted movement in the shoulders, which is essential when your dog is trotting or running. It prevents chafing and ensures your dog can move naturally.
• A D-ring on the back of the harness: This keeps the lead away from your dog's legs and prevents it from getting tangled in the bike's wheels.
• Durable, padded material: Choose a harness made from strong, weather-resistant materials. Padding on the chest and back straps will add extra comfort and prevent rubbing, especially on longer rides.
• Adjustable fit: Look for an adjustable harness to ensure you can get a snug, secure fit. The harness should be tight enough that your dog can't back out of it, but you should still be able to fit two fingers comfortably underneath any of the straps.
  • Check out the TopDog size guide to get the perfect fit.

Attachments, baskets and trailers

Bike lead attachments

Cycling while holding a lead is not safe for either you or your dog. Instead, install a lead attachment device on your bike. This will keep your pup secure and a safe distance from the wheels, while allowing you to keep focus on the road ahead.

Baskets 

Running alongside a bike isn’t possible for small dogs, but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out on all the fun! Installing a front or rear-mounted basket can be a good option to bring them with you on your ride - just make sure the basket you choose is specifically designed for dogs and has a safety strap to prevent them from jumping out.

Trailers

For larger dogs, or for longer rides, a dog-specific bike trailer is a great choice. These provide a comfortable and secure space for your dog to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Introducing your dog to the bike

As with any new routine, it may take your dog time to become accustomed to the bike and how to behave around it. Gradually progressing through the following steps will help boost their confidence and excitement at the idea of cycling with you.

1. Familiarisation

Let your dog get close to the bike, sniffing and investigating while it is stationary. Reward them with treats for calm behaviour around the bike to build positive associations.

2. Walking

Getting comfortable running alongside the bike could take some time, so begin by walking the bike with your dog on a lead on the opposite side of you. This will help them get used to the idea of ‘walking to heel’ with the bike.

3. Short rides

Finally, put it all together with very short rides in a quiet park or traffic-free area. If these short rides go well, gradually increase the distance and pace. Be aware of signs of fatigue and learn your dog’s limits.

Hitting (and picking) the trail

Photo by  Anastasia  Shuraeva (Pexels)

Once you and your dog are confident and well-prepared, it's time to start exploring! Careful consideration of where you are planning to ride will make a big difference to the success of your trip out.

Choosing the right routes

Choosing suitable routes is key to building confidence and ensuring your journey is safe. Start with quiet, traffic-free routes like parks and dedicated cycle paths. As you and your dog become more experienced, you can explore more challenging trails. Avoid busy roads, especially during peak hours.

Alongside terrain, the length of your trail and weather conditions should also be considered. 

"Dogs can overheat even in cold weather. Be particularly careful with dogs that have long coats and watch your dog's behaviour after a run to make sure they're not showing any signs of being too hot." - Blue Cross

While a healthy adult dog should have no problem going for a run most days (Andrew from Walkervile Vet estimates that a 3-mile run is possible for typical dogs, reaching up to 20km with training), there are a lot of factors to consider for every individual dog. Check out our guide How to start running with your dog for more detailed guidance.

Cycling etiquette

Much of the etiquette of cycling with your dog is simply a combination of what should already be your typical dog walking and cycling behaviours:

• Be considerate of other people and animals on your route.
• Keep your dog on a short lead and under control when passing other dogs
• Announce your presence when approaching pedestrians by ringing your bell

Gear up for your next ride with TopDog

Cycling with your dog is a wonderfully rewarding experience that strengthens your bond and opens up a world of new adventures.

The most important aspect is ensuring your dog is comfortable and secure, and that starts with the right equipment. A poor-quality harness can restrict movement and cause discomfort, turning a fun outing into a frustrating one.

Gear up for your next ride by exploring the full range of TopDog’s durable and distinctive harnesses and leads, or find more expert tips on our blog. Find the perfect fit today and enjoy the open road together!