Dog Exercise, The Best Way To Bond With Your Husky

Getting Started

In this article I will be describing how to bike with your dog. This is different from Bikejoring, where your dog actually pulls you while you are riding on your bike.

When you bike with your dog, your dog runs along side your bike.

Sidebar...

There are many contraptions out there that you can buy to attach your dog to the side of your bike. Every dog is different and I find that when my dog is hooked to some contraption on the side of my bike I end up being to wide for the sidewalk or the traffic. I like to have a leash that I can adjust as I go along. If you find an attachment that works for you, by all means use it.

Pre-Bike Training.

It is easy to scare your dog if you don't give her enough time to get used to your bike.

At this point you are just introducing the bike and your dog. Don't scare your husky or yourself by just grabbing her leash and going. The GOAL of this dog exercise is to learn to work together and build trust. You don't need anything fancy, just a short leash (3-4 feet), a regular dog collar, and a bike.

With your husky on the leash, walk up to your bike. If she is scared, don't force her. The first goal in training your husky, is to teach her to trust your judgment around something new. It is not about your husky being able to walk right up to the bike. Try again each day until you husky is willing to just walk up to the bike without fear.

You can take some good tasting dog treats and sprinkle them around your bike before you introduce your dog to your bike.

When your husky is comfortable with your the bike, take a walk around the yard or driveway, just walking your bike AND your husky. Keep the leash in your hand and put the bike between you and your dog.

Practice this for several days until you both feel comfortable. Remember, this is mental stimulation for you and your husky. The goal here is not to ride the bike (not yet at least), it is to build TRUST through this dog exercise. Trust happens over time.

When you feel VERY sure about how your husky is going to react to distractions (squirrels, other dogs, children, cars) with you walking the bike, you may try a practice ride.

When you try a practice ride, secure the leash to the stem of the bike (the part below the handle bars). It should be long enough that your husky has room to move freely, but short enough that the leash does not get caught in the tires. Your husky should be NEXT to your bike, NOT out in front.

Now, practice riding down the driveway with your husky trotting along side. Do this several times before venturing out of your yard.

Biking with your dog encompasses traffic, sidewalk irregularities, people, and other dogs that you normally encounter while riding your bike. It also includes watching out for potholes, grates, and irregularities that your dog could stumble on or fall into. These are the reasons pre-bike training with your husky is so imperative. Be sure you know how your husky will respond to distractions, and make sure you can multi task.

Take your time with this. If you scare your husky you may never be able to bike with your dog again. Remember, if you take your time with this dog exercise now, you will build trust with your husky.

When you ride with your dog, you will be going slower than riding by yourself. Remember that your dog is running next to you so adjust your speed to your dog, don't expect your dog to run the speed of your bike!

Always check the feet.Pavement can be hard on a dog's pads and joints. Don't ride on hard surfaces without checking the pads for blisters. The most common joint injuries are shoulders, hips, and wrists. It's your job to take care of your dog. Don't expect too much too soon or your dog will quit, and end up hating to go for a bike ride.

What if your husky gets it, and you are ready to ride on day 1?

GO SLOW.

Your husky might have the enthusiasm of a marathon runner, but they do not have the conditioning. Running along with your bike requires more mental focus and muscular conditioning than your husky gets just playing around with other dogs. It doesn't have to be hot weather for your dog to overheat. Large dogs and extra weight all add up to a dog that can't cool himself easily. No matter how enthusiastic your dog, you have to be the coach and caretaker. Be smart about it!

When you bike with your dog, remember your dog is working much harder than you are. Make sure you give your dog plenty of breaks, offer water, and check her feet often!

Making a girth hitch with the leash

When you are ready to bike with your dog, you can use a regular leash and girth hitch it to the stem of your bike. This leaves your hands free for steering and braking.

A strong dog can still pull your bike unexpectedly. Also, watch where you are asking your dog to step. Unexpected pot holes can injur your dogs' shoulders.

More Exercise Articles

Dog Friendly Trails and Hikes!

Click here for my dog care book.