Going For a Bike Ride With Your Dog

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If you are a biker, we are sure you are familiar of those guilty pangs that lunge at you every time you buckle up and sneak out for a ride while your dog whines away sadly, knowing very well that you are off to have a good time without him. Granted, your worries are not unwarranted. Your dog might not be able to keep up or his leash might get caught in the wheels of the bike. Here are some basic steps you can take to ensure that you no longer need to leave your canine companion behind every time you set out.

If your pet dog has the stamina and energy to jog along side the bike as you ride, this is a great way for him to get some exercise. However, even if your dog seems to be in the pink of his health, you should consult his vet to make sure that it is a good idea for him to start a new routine. The vet will make sure that your dog does not have any sort of underlying condition which can be exacerbated by heavy exercise. Most importantly, if your dog is obese, going headlong into a new jogging routine might not be the best idea. It is better to start off with regular walking first.Once you are in the clear, purchase all the necessary gear. The essentials include – a new

(attaching the leash to the neck might be risky. It is safer to go for a whole body harness),

, a bright reflective vest (you can stick reflective tape to the vest), blinking lights for both the bike and the dog (go for a light-embedded collar or a small attachable light), a first aid kit for emergencies, an extra set of leads for purposes other than jogging as well as water bottles.

If your dog has no experience jogging along to your bike, start off by walking your dog on one side and the bike on the other to get him used to the idea. Try using soft and grassy paths. When you take your dog along for the practice runs, teach him the commands for making turns, slowing down, or garnering the attention if he is distracted. Choose specific words so that there is no possibility of confusion with the words that you can encounter on the street every day. Don't expect him to run the half marathon when you start out. Understand that, just like us, they need time to acclimatise themselves to a new routine. Build up the speed and distance over a period of time. If he is tired or panting, stop a break and let him get hydrated. Go for positive reinforcement by

during the break. But make sure you do not overdo it. It is not a good idea to mix exercise and food.