I took the dog out for a bike ride last week and let her run off leash in the woods. We probably covered 6-7 miles. Besides running a little slower on the way home than on the way out she did fine. How far do you run your dogs on bike rides?

When you say you took her for a ride,do you mean on the bike(rack/basket/trailer) or next to you on a leash? If leashed,that's a bad idea. Dogs are strong,and even the best behaved/trained ones can act up. Rover decides to go for a squirrel,and you're holding the leash or have it looped on your bars,you can get yanked off the bike PDQ. And if she gets too close,she can get hit by a pedal or fouled in the wheels(I've seen both happen).

YMMV,but every time someone's ask at my bike clinic,I've advised against it. Tote them along,but don't run them.

On leash for about half mile to the trail then off leash through the trails. Yeah, she pulls like crazy when she's excited, but nothing I haven't been able to handle. I'm more interested in how far is too far to run a dog. I want to make sure I don't over do it.

How old is your dog and what breed? A 3 year old Whippet will run farther than a 7 year old Great Dane. In short we need more info to properly answer this question.

I love dogs. Work with the local greyhound rescue. I love bikes. Been riding for 45 years.

The two don't mix.

These things work well:
https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Balance-D...ycle+dog+leash

The only problem I had was going between 2 bollards to get on a bike path. Dog tried to go around instead of follow the bike.

I ride with my shepherd/golden ret. cross for 10 - 15 km at a time, mostly around town on a leash. Sometimes we do 3 or 5 km to the trail and then the sky's the limit. Running on pavement makes his paws sore so I try to let him run on grassy boulevards whenever possible.

The trick for safety when riding with a leash is to only speed up as a reward for the dog being perfectly calmly at heel, and use a 'bump' with the treads on the front tire as a deterrent against getting in the way or coming too close - a dog will quickly learn that bike wheel = no fun.

Edit: The true secret is to practice practice practice... and never forget you are riding with a dog. The moment you decide to relax and enjoy the ride is when doggie decides he wants to chase a squirrel on the left side of the road... he zigs and you zag, and you become a pile of dog, bike and body parts wrapped in a leash.

What sort of dog is that, BTW? A basenji?

She's a rescue dog so no paperwork regarding breed. But we think she's Australian Cattle Dog/German Shepard mix, six years old. She runs 3 miles with me about once a week, and I wouldn't run her more than that in warmer weather. On a 45 degree (F) day though, she seemed happy to keep going.

To me, its not worth the risk to have a dog on the bike or on a leash connected to the bike.

If you crash while dog is basketted- possible crippled or dead Fido. Masive vet bill, and guilt to last a lifetime.
If leashed - that sounds like a recipe for amputated Rover arm if he gets his forelimb in your spokes. Or run over. Massive bill, and guilt.
I, the human, shoulda known better.

Running free might work, as long as Spot knows to stay well away from the bike. That sounds like fun.

+ 1

My Whippets preferred the couch. I took one Whippet 1x with me on a bike ride and didn't do it again. I don't think it's a good idea riding a bike with any dog.

Whippets are great in an open field. (put your speakers on)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFogZ...related&search=

Why don't you find a bicycle for your dog?

Great pic. Where's his helmet???

Rock-wilders don't need no stinking helmets!!!

If you slow down you'd be surprised how far a healthy dog can go. Years ago when I was living in Seattle I'd take my German Shepherd 10 or 12 miles on the bike, at a walking speed. Just sort of lazily going along. If you're moving at a running pace 3 miles sounds about right. Give the dog an hour or so to recover and they're good to go for a little more. Medium size breeds seem to do best. St. Bernards, for example, are not good biking dogs. Small breeds with short legs wear themselves out rather quickly. The best bike dog I'd ever seen was my moms collie in her prime. That dog would go all damn day trotting next to a bike. She's 14 now and her biking days are long over.

Just be a bit careful. The pads on dog's paws are not meant to be run on asphalt. Why not give your dog a break and try this...

A friend used to go for 10+ mile rides with her black lab running alongside. The dog had what appeared to be terrible joint pain by age 7 or 8.

I am considering finding a set of boots for Wilfie for Christmas but every style I have tried before fell off or wore out very quickly.

Oh my goodness! I had no idea you had such extensive experience riding with dogs! I recant everything I have ever said about riding with dogs and I regret successfully riding hundreds of times with every dog I have ever owned. Please forgive me

How hard is it to keep a sighthound to stay with you in the woods if not on a leash? I have always wanted a whippet or afghan (although they are apparently not the easiest dogs to live with) but I am afraid they will be gone as son as I unclip the leash.

Dogs will run themselves into the ground just to be with you, so keep a close eye on them. Make sure you have water for your dog as well as yourself, stop frequently for a sip and a breather. If you notice your dog slowing down or panting excessively, it's time to go home. Watch your dog for any signs of limping or stiffness that night and the following day. If your dog is more than just a bit tired, you over did it and should back off a bit next time.

I have mixed feelings about a dog being taught to run with a cyclist for exercise and fun. I suppose it depends a lot on the dog and the rider, but could become an issue if your companion decides to run after a rider who doesn't like, is afraid or, or unfamiliar with dogs. Of course, safety should be first and foremost for both you and your training partner. Don't do it if there is a risk of your dog being injured by traffic or other cyclists such as on the street or a busy MTB trail.

Through the trails its a good mix of speed, she runs past me going up hill, and the rest of the time we're fighting for the lead postion on the trail. And of course, she continually stops to sniff, and mark.

She's been really good. I tried going off leash in the woods the first few times while walking and she did fine. On the bike ride she got distracted once or twice at logs where she must have smelled some resident rodents. But a quick call and she was right back with me.