Originally Posted by michaelm101

Post Title: My Dog's Exercise Rig – Let’s Clear the Air

Hey all,
I wanted to drop a quick note to clarify a few things, as my original post asking for mechanical advice somehow spiraled into a debate about whether I care about my dog.
Let me be very clear: I’ve been an animal lover and rescue volunteer for over 25 years. I've raised and cared for cats and dogs since I was four. I take their wellbeing as seriously as my own.

The dog in question is a 3-year-old, 15-pound spaniel mix who’s on medication that causes weight gain. He’s energetic, bright, and genuinely loves running. This setup isn’t about me getting in a ride—it’s about him getting the kind of exercise that a basic walk just doesn’t provide. Walks are nice, but they don’t raise his heart rate or help manage his weight effectively.

And for those suggesting I just let him run free: that’s simply not safe. We live in an area with coyotes, and mountain lions have been sighted in past years. A loose dog out here is a vulnerable one—that’s not a risk I’m willing to take.
Here’s a photo of the setup:


I’ve been a competitive tennis athlete since childhood and have academic training in complex systems and physiology. I don’t just throw things together—I test, monitor, and adjust. And I’m here on this forum because I was hoping to improve the clamp mechanism, not defend my ethics.

I get that seeing a dog next to a bike can raise red flags for some people. That’s fair. But it helps to ask questions before making assumptions. I’m always open to constructive input. If you’ve got suggestions to make this setup better, I’d truly appreciate them.

Thanks to those who responded with helpful advice.
The rest—take a deep breath. I promise, I’m not the villain here.

Originally Posted by TiHabanero

I asked because I wanted to know if it were feasable to move the mount to the rear of the bike, however if the dog is already trained (self-trained at that!) takes his cues from the front wheel, then it is best to leave the mount at the front of the bike.
The suggestion to go to schedule 80 pipe is a simple way to enhance durability.
Your pup is a cute one!

Originally Posted by michaelm101

Thx! I'm assuming the pipe you recommend is a plumbing shop only store item?

Originally Posted by michaelm101

Thx! I'm assuming the pipe you recommend is a plumbing shop only store item?

Originally Posted by veganbikes

Despite someone having done this for a period of time and thankfully the dog has never gotten hurt or you aren't telling us what has happened, this is a TERRIBLE IDEA. One of the worst. Dogs cannot always keep up with a bike going at speed and they also don't have a way of getting water and because we do not speak their language we cannot understand when they need a break and it might not be when you need a break or when you need water. If someone else comes along and the dog decides they want to check them out or chase them (maybe a squirrel or another dog or someone else) you won't be able to control them and they could get hurt with a bike and a full sized human falling on them.

All in all I never ever recommend cycling with a dog tied to the bike. Riding with a dog on a private trail with no other trail users probably not so bad if they can be off leash but generally that can also be bad if they decide to run away or someone again comes into view and the pup decides they want to follow them.

When it comes to dogs I would recommend walking with them it is safer and better for everyone.

Originally Posted by Koyote

This is the only correct answer.

Originally Posted by michaelm101

Post Title: My Dog's Exercise Rig – Let’s Clear the Air

Hey all,
I wanted to drop a quick note to clarify a few things, as my original post asking for mechanical advice somehow spiraled into a debate about whether I care about my dog.
Let me be very clear: I’ve been an animal lover and rescue volunteer for over 25 years. I've raised and cared for cats and dogs since I was four. I take their wellbeing as seriously as my own.

The dog in question is a 3-year-old, 15-pound spaniel mix who’s on medication that causes weight gain. He’s energetic, bright, and genuinely loves running. This setup isn’t about me getting in a ride—it’s about him getting the kind of exercise that a basic walk just doesn’t provide. Walks are nice, but they don’t raise his heart rate or help manage his weight effectively.

And for those suggesting I just let him run free: that’s simply not safe. We live in an area with coyotes, and mountain lions have been sighted in past years. A loose dog out here is a vulnerable one—that’s not a risk I’m willing to take.
Here’s a photo of the setup:


I’ve been a competitive tennis athlete since childhood and have academic training in complex systems and physiology. I don’t just throw things together—I test, monitor, and adjust. And I’m here on this forum because I was hoping to improve the clamp mechanism, not defend my ethics.

I get that seeing a dog next to a bike can raise red flags for some people. That’s fair. But it helps to ask questions before making assumptions. I’m always open to constructive input. If you’ve got suggestions to make this setup better, I’d truly appreciate them.

Thanks to those who responded with helpful advice.
The rest—take a deep breath. I promise, I’m not the villain here.

Originally Posted by RichSPK

Also, I'm not sure how leashing your dog to the bike keeps them safer from predators than walking them on a leash. I didn't miss that you want your dog to get their heart rate up, though.

Originally Posted by dedhed

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Charlotte-P...ing/1000107425

​​​​​​https://www.lowes.com/pd/Charlotte-P...C-Pipe/3356302

Originally Posted by michaelm101

Originally Posted by dynaryder

I don't know a single mechanic that recommends these things. I would never do it.