Can I bike with my dog?

[Anna]

I want to make sure that Buck gets the physical activity he needs.  I've been trying to run next to him so that he gets more exercise.  But even at my top speed - he looks like one of those horse that trot.  he doesn't even have to actually run to keep up with me. 

First off - it's a little embarrassing.  and I'm sure we look ridiculous. Short middle aged woman with a sweaty red face running as if her life depended on it and this little white puff ball - cantering delicately next to her looking around, leisurely enjoying the view.

Second - my two kids are on their bike - a mile ahead of me goofing around.

 

Then I got the ideal today.  Is there some type of device - like a pole that you attached to the bike where you can then hook a short leash - so that the pup can run next to you- while you bike?

 

I know I can't just get on a bike and hold the leash.  B/c there have been many times - when I am running and all of a sudden - he veers into me. 

 

what do you guys think?

 

 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

How old is Buck? Running for any length of time, especially on pavement, is not a good idea for puppies.

[Anna]

he is 4 months old.

is it bad for him to run at this age?  he is apprx 24 pounds.

I started doing more exercise with him - cuz I notice that he gets more zoomies. and he runs around the house in top speed.  seems a little antsy. And starts nipping at the kids more.  I thought he needs to relieve some of his puppy energy.

 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Exercise is great, but no vertical jumping and no running on paved surfaces. Running on dirt or grass is fine, for resonable periods of time, with rests in between. Try "fetch" games in the yard or even in the house; if you have stairs, you can also throw the ball or toy up to the top of the staris and he has to run up to get it and then back down to you to throw it again. Good exercise.

[Adina P]

What Karen said.  Basically whatever running and jumping he does on is own is fine...but purposely taking him out for exercise where he repeatedly runs or jumps is a bad idea.  So it's not like you have to stop his zoomies because they'll hurt him...but you don't want to take him for a jog or bike ride where he'll be pounding the dirt/pavement with you for any length of time.

[Jennifer and Jack]

I never have to reply when you guys do because you taught me everything I know so I usually regurgitate anything you have ever said to me. I was taught the same thing. I did walk Jack as a puppy, just not long walks, and because I wanted to run, I bought him a jogging stroller made for dogs, He walked his share, and then we jogged , he rode, It was great for me because it added resistance to my run and helped build up some bone strength. He enjoyed the wind in his hair!!!

 

 

[Katie, John & Parker pup]

what if he veers off while you are on the bike?

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Anna, perhaps you can tell us about your puppy and post a picture? we'd love to see him.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

How trustworthy is Buck when you're walking with him?   I really think that's an important element here. You have to have lots of confidence that you have control before you would want to bike with him.

[Diane and Alma]

We were camping last year and I saw a guy running his dog (long leash attached) out the window of his car as he drove slowly around the loops!  The dog ran alongside as if she had done this many times.  I later ran into him on the beach and asked him about it.  He said the dog, a border collie, was a 2 year old rescue.  It was the only way he could excercise the dog to calm her down.  He also runs 5 miles a day with her.  I'm not sure I would recommend this but he seemed like a genuine guy who wanted the best for his dog.  Maybe a treadmill would be safer - a trainer in our area uses this method.  I also think dogs get the best excercise when they play together.  I can take Alma to the park with another dog and after 10-15 minutes she is tired. 

[Jane Smith]

I use what is called a walkydog. Its a pole that clamps on the pole under your seat it extends out and has about a ten inch leash on the end. I like using it with their harness so there is no pressure on the neck. Works wonders. A couple runs up and down the street and they had it down. Dont remember where i got it but you should be able to google it.

[Heather & Brinkley]

Gosh, I feel like Brinkley would take me down is a second if he saw a cat or a squirrel.  You're trusting!

[Jane Smith]

I actually have more control of them on my bike while moving then i do on foot at 5'2". The only time i almost had an accident is wnen lucy decided to stop dead to take a dump. Do make sure theyve gone first