Required to Know:Cycling with Your Dog

When my friend Tom told me that he would take his dog back to his hometown by bike.I was surprised and immediately decided to accompany him to record that trip.

Taking a dog by bike for about 1000 km is not easy, so we had discussed and analyzed for a long time and finally made a list for what we need on the road.

This is his dog named happy.She was raised in our dormitory for one year.Look at her, She must be very excited for the coming “adventure”.

This is her VIP seat (“grand” and “well decorated”)Tom was helping her to sit down.Cycling with a dog

In the first day of our trip, she wasn’t adapted to the bumps and puked in the cage.When we put her down from the cage, she turned to us for comfort.But after eating and drinking, she got alive again so that we can continue our trip.

We ate together, rested together and took photos together.

Due to our experience, the highway is what we like most because the road is not difficult to ride.Yes, Happy is in that cage.

The rural road is also acceptable for we can enjoy the pastoral scenery, Happy is in that cage.

The tunnel is very insecure for the rider.It is too dark, so I don’t advise you to do it. Yes, Happy is still in that cage.

When Encountering such a mountain road, nothing can we do but to ask for God’s bless to go out of there as soon as possible.

The riding trip cost us twelve days in total.It was very tired to ride over mountains and hills.But the scenery long the trip is absolutely beautiful.More important, you can set your spirit free when on the road.And those amazing days with Happy makes it worthwhile.Happy really did a good job.We are so proud of her.

To summarize, taking your dog ride with you is feasible and funny, and if you really do it, it will be unforgettable.

If you also want to cycle with your dog for a long journey, here are some advice for you.

My roommate and I were both amateurs and we didn’t prepare well before the ride.So, if you want to ride with your dog, do prepare items and resources you may need, read some riding raiders before you ride, plan the general route and the every-day route, set a destination every day.a flexible route would be better because you may encounter a broken road.You’d better reserve a room for rest ahead of time.Using tents is not recommended for the tent would be a heavy luggage and living in a tent is not that safe.

Do more exercise and training to strengthen yourself up before you start.You also have to go through the regional traffic, terrain, climate and other conditions to prepare for possible contingencies. (We exercised and trained for a month before our trip.We rode over mountains to adapt to continuous uphills.But when we really started, we found it’s more difficult.)

If you want to take a dog to ride with you, unless you were experienced, I advise you to make sure your dog is already familiar with you, or not only you, but also your dog would be uncomfortable on the road.Our dog had been lived with us for a year, so there is a tacit understanding over us.We can know whether she is hungry or want to poo according to her bark.Dogs are not as adaptive as us, so it’s our job to take care of them.

If you want to include your dog in your short-distance ride, and your dog is too big to sit on your bike, you can have your dog trot along the side of you as you bike.But it may require more.

Firstly, get your dog to exercise.

If your dog actually has the energy and stamina to start jogging, which the dog really does when it cycles with you, it is perfect. But even if your dog appears to be healthy, you also should have your veterinarian check your dog over. You must be sure that your dog doesn’t have any underlying conditions that could be worsened by strenuous exercise.Also, if your dog is overweight, jogging is not the best way to begin a new routine; it needs to be built up to with a regular walking routine first.

Once your dog is ready for exercise, you can buy the necessary gear. Essentials include suitable dog booties,which is very important to protect your dog’s feet; a non-tangling lead to attach your dog,a lead to detach your dog from the bike to do other things; a body harness to protect your dog’s neck; a brightly colored reflective vest for your dog; blinking lights for your dog and bike; a small first-aid kit and water bottles for you and your dog.

Secondly, get your dog used to riding.

If your dog isn’t used to riding, it may lead you rather than you lead it, which may be very dangerous.you should start off by walking the bike along with the dog to get her acquainted with being attached to the bike.

Thirdly, use commands.

As you did before, create a new command and practice it. The new command is used to bring your dog’s attention back to you when she is distracted by something.Try to choose words that are simple but specific to you and your dog so that she is not confused by hearing other people use the words.

Lastly, praise your dog.

Don't expect your dog to be able to run for long distances in the beginning. Just like us, dogs need some time to acclimate to a new exercise routine. You should pedal at a pace that allows your dog to keep up easily. When she is tired, take a break.When she does a good job, praise her for being a good biking partner.remember, It’s important to have fun together.

In the end, I wish you all a happy journey, with your dog, with your bike.