On a whim, I ordered from a vet supply house a device which supposedly enables you to walk your dog while riding a bike. I paid $44 for it. The dog runs/walks along side the bike. It consists of a two foot steel arm which is bolted to the seat tube. At the end of the arm, there is a strong steel spring. Attached to the spring is an elastic cord with three resistance settings. The dog is attached to the cord and wears a harness provided with the package. The manufacturer claims the dog's pull is reduced by 90%, no matter how big the dog is. I haven't had time to install this contraption, but I will keep you posted on how it goes. We have four dogs, and I am hoping this will help get them (and me) in shape. I am a little concerned the dogs' foot pads will get worn down, running along the street -- I have a road bike, so I can't use this off road. Anybody used anything like this? Tom McGeehan, Somerset, KY

I bought one for my larger Bichon to use and so she could go out with me and get some mild exercise, yet be with me on my bike. She is a medium sized dog (20lb) and stands about one foot high. I went VERY slowly (almost could not balance the bike) and went only about 1 mile at a time with her. I found this to be too much for a dog this size. At least it was for her. And it was boring for her too.

If you use this, I hope it will be for a large dog and then go VERY slowly and very short distances and build up her endurance. I've seen people using them with large dogs and the dogs seem to be enjoying them ok. My dog hated it and was overwhelmed by it, and she was in pretty good shape and young at the time I tried it.

Just be careful and use it very sensibly and it might work for you and your pal. It doesn't take much for anything to be "too much" on these things.

We use the K9Cruiser. It attaches to the rear tire. Very low center of gravity. I'm not that heavy (around 130) and usually take both 70 pound Weimaraners at the same time. One day, they saw a squirrel across the street and made a mad dash to chase it. I never went down. The only thing that happened was that my rear tire slid sidewats a few inches but nothing else. I was amazed as were the people standng out in front of their house.
It's not even a workout dor me. They see me and get fired up to go run. They actually end up pulling me for the first mile or two.

http://adogsbestfriend.com/prototype/productlstR.cfm?cat=K9%20Cruiser

I just use a leash. My 75 lb.mutt runs along as I ride.