Tips for biking with a dog
Part 2) Travelling with a mountain or gravel bike and a dog.
by: Erica Aarons
We dog owners know that life is better with a dog, especially when it comes to outdoor activities. This also applies to mountain biking. If you enjoy hopping on a bike and cruising around, your dog doesn't have to stay home—they can come along for the ride!
Of course, things get a little more complicated with a mountain bike when you're out on the trails with your dog. That's why we talked to Erica Aarons, Senior Digital Marketing Manager at Rex Specs and dog mom to Maya, about her tips for mountain biking with your dog. Aarons has been mountain biking with her dog for over two years and has put together her best tips for taking dogs on mountain bike tours.
Training a Mountain Bike Trail Dog
"Training your dog to mountain bike with you starts with basic obedience," says Aarons. Your dog must have a good recall, heel, sit, and other basic obedience skills.
Once your dog has mastered the basics, you can begin teaching him trail etiquette and how to behave around the bike. It's a good idea to start teaching trail etiquette while hiking so the two of you can focus specifically on it. Once you've practiced basic trail etiquette like recall, staying close to you, leaving the trail, and behaving around other hikers, dogs, and wildlife, you can bring the bike into play.
To train your dog to ride your bike, he needs to follow behind you, not run in front of the bike, and keep a safe distance. (The photo above isn't quite optimal. This version of the sequence was chosen for the photo shoot.)
Make sure your dog is fit and old enough
In addition to obedience training, you also need to consider physical training. Just as you should train your own body for exercise and endurance, you should do the same with your dog. Make sure your dog is in good shape and not too young or too old to take on the physical strain of a long run.
You should wait to try mountain biking until your dog is fully grown and his joints are fully developed. If you're unsure, ask your veterinarian whether your dog is physically capable of the challenge.
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Get the right dog equipment for your bike tour and your dog
Yes, your dog needs mountain biking gear! Okay, he probably doesn't need a helmet, but there are some important things that go with it.
- Rex-Specs dog glasses
Aarons always has Maya wear Rex-Specs glasses when cycling to protect Maya's eyes.
"I can feel rocks hitting my feet while biking," says Aarons. "Knowing Maya is right behind my rear tire makes me feel better, knowing she's wearing Rex Specs to keep dust or rocks out of her eyes."
- water and water bowl
In addition to Rex Specs, Aarons always makes sure she has plenty of water and a bowl for Maya. (Some people train their dogs to drink from a hydration pack, which can also be a cool party trick.)
There are many options for a mobile water bowl, from the simple Tupperware box to the foldable dog bowl from the dog accessories store.
- Paw ointment and first aid
It's common for dogs to tear paw pads, especially in the spring when their paw pads are likely dry and less accustomed to running outdoors. To prevent this, Aarons uses a paw ointment like Musher's Secret on Maya's paws to moisturize and protect the pads.
"If the paw pads tear, give your dog a few weeks to recover," says Aarons.
Aarons also keeps a dog first aid kit in the car and carries general first aid supplies suitable for dogs, such as gauze bandages and bandage packs, just in case.
- Know your way
Are dogs allowed on the trail? Can dogs be left off the leash? Are there water sources along the trail?
You should know all of these questions before you set out on your journey. You should know how long the route is, how much elevation gain there is, whether there are water sources, and what potential hazards lurk along the way.
In addition to trail conditions, weather conditions are also important to ensure it's not too hot or too cold for your dog. If it's just a warm day for you, remember that your dog walks a lot and has a full coat. Be aware of your dog's limits and don't let him overheat.
- Additional safety precautions when mountain biking with your dog
In addition to training and the safety equipment already mentioned, such as Rex Specs and paw ointment, there are a few other safety tips to keep in mind when you go on tour with your dog.
Take it slow
Even if your dog is in top shape, it's better to take it slow and work your way up to longer rides. Sure, some dogs can manage 10 kilometers without any problems. But that doesn't mean every dog can do it, and these "top athletes" certainly didn't start out with 10 kilometers.
"We don't really take Maya on rides longer than five or six kilometers at most," says Aarons.
Start slowly and keep an eye on your four-legged friend - if he looks tired, it is better to slow down and give him some time to rest.
Take enough water with you
As mentioned above, it is important to have enough water with you. Your dog needs a lot of water when he runs, so fill up the water supplies before you start.
