As of: March 17, 2024, 2:30 p.m
By: Anna Katharina Kuesters
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If you like cycling, you can also take your dog with you on smaller tours.
However, the four-legged friend should have to walk on asphalt as little as possible.
When it's bright outside again and the sun attracts people into nature, then the bike shouldn't be missing.
If you are planning a bike tour with your dog, you should consider a few things beforehand.
For example, not every dog is suitable for running next to the bike.
And the bike route should also be carefully considered so that the activity is fun for the dog too.
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Get used to the bike step by step
Soft forest paths are ideal for a bike ride with a dog.
© Pond5 Images/Imago
If you have never ridden a bike with your dog, you should first check whether the dog is physically fit enough for it.
According to the pet shop
Fressnapf,
the basic rule is : The dog must always be fully grown.
Puppies are not allowed to walk next to the bike and overweight animals or those with heart or joint problems should also stay at home.
If everything is physically right, you need to get the dog used to running next to the bike step by step.
To do this, proceed as follows:
Push the bike at the beginning, walk to the right of it and keep the dog on a leash.
If this works well, the owner can drive the bike in the middle, himself on the left and the dog on the right.
If that goes smoothly, you can move up and do your first laps.
You should never tie the leash to the steering wheel.
It should always fit loosely in the cyclist's hand.
The reason is simple: If your dog pulls hard, you can quickly let go of the leash.
Otherwise, the animal could potentially knock you and your bike down and an unpleasant fall could occur.
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Build fitness
Both humans and animals build up their fitness over time.
It is therefore important to start with short cycling routes and extend them a little every day.
Martin Rütter
also recommends always having water and a few treats for the dog with you.
Regular breaks are important when outing with your dog.
The bike route also needs to be well planned, because long runs on asphalt are not good for the dog's paws and joints.
It is best to choose soft forest or field paths.
Dogs that pull a lot or are restless should not just walk along on a leash.
Put a harness on your dog so that he doesn't get short of breath while running and pulling.
A spacer on the bike to which the leash can be attached also ensures that your dog does not suddenly run in front of the bike.
Find out here what advantages regular walks have for you and your dog.