Seven Easy Steps to Train Your Dog to Ride in a Bicycle Basket | Beach and Dog Co
  • My Cart

    Close

    Seven Easy Steps to Train Your Dog to Ride in a Bicycle Basket

    Posted on

    Training your dog to ride in a basket is a simple process that takes just a bit of patience and persistence. Most dogs are understandably nervous the first time out for a ride, so please take this into consideration when going for a ride the first time. With a little practice your dog will be excited when she sees you get your bike ready for a ride.

     

    Train your dog to ride in a bike basket

     

     

    Before You Begin Riding (a couple rules)


    1. Always stay calm. Dogs are very social animals and they know when your anxious or frustrated. If things don’t go well the first time, take a break and play with her for a bit. She’ll quickly understand that riding is normal, but only if you act like it's normal.

    2. Keep your dog secured for the first several rides. Only you know how you dog will react to new situations, so always use good judgement. But to be sure, use a basket leash (or two) to keep her secure while she learns. Remember, she’ll be a bit nervous and her first instinct may be to jump to solid ground. After a few rides she’ll be a pro and may even go to sleep while you ride.

    3. Choose a quiet space free from distractions while practicing. Dogs love other people and dogs, so don’t tempt them to jump out until they understand that a moving bike is not something to be jumping out of. Try to isolate them for the first ride, if possible.

    4. Make sure your bike fits you properly and is well maintained. A 20-pound dog on your handlebar will change the steering characteristics a bit. A poorly fitting or maintained bicycle will be extra hard to control.

     

     

    How to ride with your dog


    Step 1: Choose a quiet and flat space, free from distractions and obstacles.

     

     

    Training your dog to ride in a bicycle basket step 1

     

    Step 2: Clip the basket leash to one side. For especially skittish dogs use a second basket leash to center her in the basket. If you're only using one leash then use of a harness is highly recommend in case of a sudden exit from the basket.

     

    Training your dog to ride in a bicycle basketTraining your dog to ride in a bicycle basketTrain your dog to ride in a bicycle basket

     

     

    Step 3: Slowly walk with your dog in the basket. Give her gentle encouragement. Try to keep this session short if she is nervous, you don’t want to scare her. The goal is to assure her that this is a perfectly normal activity and nothing to be worried about.

     

     

    Training your dog to ride in a bicycle basket step 3

     

     

    Step 4: If your dog seems OK up to step 3 then start riding slowly over even ground, continue the gentle encouragement. She’s starting to get it now. You’ll see her try to smell all the wonderful smells on the wind.

     

    Step 5: Find a bump! Ride over small bumps to see how the steering reacts with this new weight on the front of your bike. Let her know that a bump is approaching and see how she reacts. After a couple bumps, most dogs know that they are secure enough in the basket for it to not be a big deal.

     

    Step 6: Keep riding. Ride faster and longer each session. Always correct a dog that wants to stand, jump, or bark at other dogs. Remember, sudden movements from your dog will shift the center of gravity and make steering the bike difficult to control. Praise her for good, calm behavior.

     

     

    Training your dog to ride in a bicycle basket step 6

     

     

    Step 7: Enjoy your basket! Get use to oooh’s, aaah’s, and pointing from bystanders. People love seeing dogs in bike baskets. You will get stopped a lot and have to answer questions. Try to pass on your passion for riding and a healthy lifestyle to everyone you meet! Your dog will become one of the many healthy lifestyle ambassadors at Beach & Dog. We thank her and you, and we wish you well on your journey!

     

    Training your dog to ride in a bicycle basket step 7

     

    Happy trails!

     

    Kelly Prechtl

    Beach & Dog Co.

     

    Our models: Jersey Girl, Jack, Leo

    4 comments

    • Debbie Lawley: December 13, 2020

      Hi, we are still struggling a bit, we have followed the instructions but he still whimpers at some point even on our short trips. Any ideas to make this a happier experience?

    • Denice Burger: March 25, 2019

      I’m about to google basket leash but a suggestion on where to find them would be a great addition to the article. That’s exactly what I had in mind and didn’t even know they actually existed. Thanks for the tips. My YorkiePoo and I are hopeful.

    • Diane: March 10, 2018

      My King Charles took to this the first time out! All I have to do now is say BIKE and he’s ready and excited to go! He loves it and I’m so happy to be able to take him with me!

    • Susana Favela: August 11, 2017

      I love this on training your dog to ride in a basket so looking forward to purchase my basket and get to riding with my Shitzu ??

    Leave a comment

    All blog comments are checked prior to publishing

    Hello You!

    Enter your email address for discounts, promotions and more!

    SEARCH THIS STORE