How To Use Your Dog Bike Trailer
While dog trailers lend themselves to some pretty cool options, there’s definitely some things to be aware of before you purchase one.
They’re not rated for child safety, so if you were planning on hauling your kid around in one then think again and spring for a bike trailer which is specialized for that usage.
A good trailer should be alright for light trail riding, but don’t get the idea that you’re going to be able to take your dog on a serious mountain biking run in a trailer. It’s not going to end well for either of you, the same goes if you tend to treat the streets like a playground while you’re getting from place to place.
Anyone who rides normally should be just fine with picking out a pet bike trailer, though, and it can add a lot of fun for the both of you to those long, leisurely rides. Just be aware of their limitations. Your mobility will be compromised somewhat no matter which option you go with, and it’ll take longer to stop due to the extra weight and you’ll accelerate a little bit slower out of the hole for the same reason.
It’s also a good idea to get your dog used to the trailer before you intend to use it. Get them used to getting in and out of it before you take them on their first trip and it’ll make the whole experience much smoother for both of you.
Collapsible Dog Trailer
A cover top suits active dogs that like to pop out their head during an expedition. It is common for most dog owners to go for something that covers the head of their dogs. The comfort of the bike pull behind for dogs is with this product.
Small Dogs Bike Carts
In case you have a Beagle at home, you need a small-sized trailer to accommodate it. The dog bike buggy works well for the small dog breeds without compromising on space. It is easy to ride along without any constraints.
Multipurpose Dog Bike Trailers
Have you seen a dog lover push a stroll at the park? Well, you might have laid eyes on the multifunctional 2-1 trailers that work well as jogger strollers. It reduces the strain of dealing with a hyperactive dog in your home.
Increasing Your Safety
Apart from having fun with your dog, you need to ensure its totally protected. While in motion, a lot can happen without your control. It calls for a high sense of vigilance with the trailers. Below are several safety tips you should keep in mind when on the course.
While prepping, make it a point to check your dog has gotten used to the pet carts for bicycles. Some dogs end up claustrophobic when attached to the trailers and start tearing up. Spend some ample time with your dog to ensure it gets used to the trailers.
Make sure you survey the course before starting your journey. Keep an eye for potholes and bumps in the road. Start off with slow speed to ensure your dog gets a sense of the fun during the expedition. Take extra care when traveling on a rough road.
Know that the law of physics applies. It is important to note that you are towing an object with weight. Hence it ends up affecting your momentum. When treading in a steep course with the trailers, your moment will increase, affecting your control and balance. When treading on a high course, the object will act against you, thus offsetting your control and balance.
Commonly Asked Questions About Bike Trailers
Below is a list of looming questions dog owners ask before purchasing a dog carriage for bikes for their pups:
How Will My Dog Get Accustomed to the Bike Trailer?
It does not need rocket science for familiarizing your pooch to the pet bike trailers. At first, it might seem a bit challenging with the thought of getting the dog on the trailers. The first step is using treats when you want to go out on a ride. The longer the ride’s length, the faster the pup gets hooked on the bicycle with a dog trailer. No dog can refuse the sheer fun of waggling their tongues in the fresh breeze air.
Use the treats of favorite toys to engage your dog in getting into the trailers. Ensure you secure it first before starting the ride. Commonly, your dog will want to jump off the trailers. Create a link to the leash while tightening with a loop fastener. For the first ride, go for a short one to gauge how much the pup takes to the trailers.
My Trailer Keeps Towing off the Side of My Bicycle — Why?
Two significant reasons could be leading to this disturbing behavior. Firstly, some manufacturers prefer producing their trailers with the initial design that places the hitch at the bike trailers centerline. It gives off much-needed balance while on the road.
When in motion, it makes it far easier to drag the trailers for dogs. The second option will only make the hitch lose its balance. Therefore, it will allow the constant drifting off the trailers and ends up affecting the overall balance of the bike.
Without a hitch, it is easy to get involved in a grizzly accident while in motion. When riding at full speed, any bump on the road can dislocate the trailer from the bike. The trailers need a closely attached hitch that holds the two components closely together.
How Will I Select My Hitch?
For added safety while on the roads, you must secure the bike to the rest of the trailer tightly. The meeting point acts as the hitch. Even though most manufacturers allude to selling a universal hitch, it does not mean it a one-size-fits for all trailers. A mountain bike is notorious for refusing to attach to these hitches. Before placing an order for the hitch, make sure it fits all for the bike.
A common trend currently used by manufacturers in the production of hitches that are specific to the bike. It is due to the hassle customers’ faces in trying to find a specific hitch that works for their bike. Therefore, it becomes a bit simple to go with the brand of bike that manufacturers the hitch each time. A specific company will produce its bike and a matching hitch for the trailers.
Which Size Does Suit My Pooch?
Dimensions are different when shopping for bicycle trailers. Some work well with the small dogs in bike trailer, others prefer the large ones. Manufacturers make it a priority to inform the buyer before purchase. Check the manufacturer’s comments before selecting any trailer.
View Comments
Our Springer Spaniel didn't like his Solvit Houndabout because of the rocking sense of instability when hitched behind the bike. He made it only down one block. The Burley trailer looks like it might work for us because the axle is in back but we would have to forgo the stroller option. It would be nice if we could test drive them
Thanks for a great article. I take my little Maltese riding in the front basket of my bike. She gets her little toenails caught in the mesh, so I made a liner for the basket. There's a tutorial on my blog if you'd like to make a liner for your basket: Link
thx for all the great tips it realy helped me pick out the best trailer
We are always happy when we could be of any help. :)
I have two 50 lb dogs and am wanting to put them both in a trailer, would there be an option for that?
Are you going to want to secure them inside so they don't jump out, or fly out if you crash? Or does it make more sense to let them be able to turn around and have more freedom of movement?
Hi Ben,
It is difficult to give a general answer in this case - for example, I know my dogs and they will stay in the bike trailer without them jumping out. I would not fix them for the purpose of securing them in a crash, but rather to make sure they will not escape (if they tend to).
All the best,
Susan from Dogsrecommend.com
Could 2 to 3 min pins ride together in 1 trailer?