Look mum, no paws! How to ride with your dog

Whether you’re aiming to use your car less, or if you just want to spend more time with your dog, there are several ways you can bring your canine friend along for the ride. And while it might seem like a more recent thing to see dogs in cargo bike buckets, bikes and dogs have gone together for decades. There is even a dog sport dedicated to it called bikejoring. 

But if you’re feeling more casual and don’t fancy getting towed along the local bridleway by Ludo who may or may not veer off at the sight of a deer, hath no fear. There are plenty of less intense ways of combining bike rides and dogs. 

Why take your dog riding?

When I got my first dog, a springy little border collie puppy a few years ago, I was adamant that I’d be taking her everywhere with me during the crucial socialisation stage to get her used to the weird and wonderful world we live in. And for me, the easiest way to do that was to take her riding with me. 

Now, that idea had its merits, as my puppy has grown into a dog that loves bikes. Now we just need to impart this wisdom into her little sister, who currently thinks bikes are things to be herded. But how I did it with dog number one was through two methods – a bike trailer and a dog-specific backpack. And now that she’s fully grown, she often accompanies me off-road as a trail dog. 

But there are several ways you can get your dog involved in your riding – and that’s what we’re going to delve into below. So buckle up for cute dog pictures and may you have many happy miles with your canine companions. 

A dog backpack

This was the first way I tried of transporting my pup via bike, and while she loves the wind in her ears and tucking in on my shoulder on descents, some dogs just won’t find it comfortable. 

It might seem ridiculous to some, but for your dogs to be most secure and comfortable, we’d recommend sourcing a dog-specific backpack. There are several options available depending on size/weight and activity, but some good brands to look for are Ruffwear and K9 Sport Sack. 

The way you get your dog inside depends on the individual bag, but generally you open the bag on the floor, get your dog to sit or lie down in it so you can put their front paws through the relevant holes and then secure them with zips and buckles before hoisting them onto your back. 

This is a great option for smaller dogs and those who aren’t going to be riding really fast or for a long time. Like with any method here, make sure your dog is comfortable and not stressed and introduce the backpack slowly, using positive reinforcement if they show interest. 

But if that doesn’t work, then there’s always…

A bike trailer

You don’t need a dog-specific option for this – I’ve seen plenty of dogs in child trailers and even saw a dog in a cage attached to a trailer most recently. But if your dog has mobility issues or can’t walk as far as they used to – perhaps they’re recovering from injury or growing some grey whiskers – it’s a great low-effort option. Well, from the dog’s perspective. 

You’ll need to make sure that the trailer you buy is big enough for your dog(s), and offers suitable ventilation. You’ll also need to check the fitting is compatible with your bike, so check if the trailer works with thru-axle or quick-release, for example. 

The obvious downside to this method of transporting your dog is the extra weight and effort it’s going to add onto your riding. So if you have a Bernese Mountain Dog, it might be worth using with an e-bike, but for most, it’ll just need an easier gear to set off in and some extra leg power. 

Brands like Thule and Burley do dog-specific bike trailers that double as a stroller, and they have ‘windows’ for the dogs to stick their heads out of and get the best view and bark commands at you when you’re riding too slowly. 

When it comes to getting your dog used to the trailer, we’d recommend introducing it slowly away from the bike, with the brakes on to begin with. And once your dog is happy going in and out of the trailer, then begin to move it with the dog inside, before eventually attaching it to your bike and taking it for a test ride. 

Trailers are a great option compared to a stuffy car on a warm day, and better for longer distances, too. 

A cargo bike

This is where things get super duper expensive, unless you already have a cargo bike at hand. But a traditional front-loading cargo bike with a ‘bucket’ is a great way of transporting pets.

Or if you want to be picky, bike brand Babboe used to make a dog-specific e-cargo bike called the ‘Dog-E’ which had a ramp at the front of the bucket to make it easier for the dogs to get in and out. At the time of writing, Babboe bikes can’t be sold due to safety concerns, so the pictures we’ve used are just for illustrative purposes… 

Either way, it’s important you pick an option that your dog is comfortable with and that you feel they’re safe in, too. Some dogs might need to be tethered if they’re prone to being a bit too interested in passing traffic or other distractions. 

A bike basket

Got a teeny tiny pooch? Or maybe even a cat or a rabbit? A bike basket might just be what you need to get your buddy from A to B. 

A few years ago I tested the Raleigh Modum e-bike, an urban compact bike and one of the optional extras was a dog-specific rack-mounted basket. Sadly, the weight limit was 10kg and my pup was sitting around 15kg at the time, so she jumped in while it was stationary but that was as far as she travelled in the basket. 

But if you’ve got a smaller pet, popping them in a basket is a great way to keep an eye on them – as long as your bike is compatible. You could mount it on the bars or on a rear rack, and some baskets come with covers so keep the rain out as well as keeping your pet safe from making a great escape. 

Finally, take them off-road

Dogs are incredible, and some of them really love to run. And some of them love to chase. Combine the two and you get the makings of an excellent trail dog.

Now I know this is road.cc and not off.road.cc, but it’s still worth mentioning that with a bit of training, many dogs (breed-dependent, of course) can enjoy your off-road rides with you by running alongside. 

> Cycling and the law: how can dogs and bikes coexist on shared paths?

Of course, you’ll need to make sure your dog’s recall is spot on and assess the area you’re riding in for any potential dangers, but it’s a great way to tire the dogs out while you get some miles in – just start with short and steady rides first, and remember your dog will most likely tire before you do. 

How do you travel with your dog? 

We’d love to see pictures and read stories on how you incorporate your pet with your love of bikes – let us know in the comments below!