Introducting the bicycle. What age, how far?

[TrickyShepherd]

My other two use the bike to keep fit, and I wanted to introduce Storm to it soon as well. She could definitely use something to use as an outlet. However, I don't want to do anything to harm her bones or growth.

Over the past few months, I've taught her commands with the bike and to accept it being next to her. So we've got that down just fine.

I was wondering.... when should you start to introduce actual work outs with the bike? How far is safe?

Right now she's nearing 8 months old. My original thought, was 1 year and 1 mile to start.... I've heard of younger/older and longer/shorter, so I'm not 100% sure.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

[MaggieRoseLee]

[doggiedad]

i didn't bike with my dog. he was 1&1/2 yrs old when
reached the 5 mile, slow walk with breaks. i think i needed
the breaks more than him.

[Nigel]

Originally Posted by TrickyShepherd

My other two use the bike to keep fit, and I wanted to introduce Storm to it soon as well. She could definitely use something to use as an outlet. However, I don't want to do anything to harm her bones or growth.

Over the past few months, I've taught her commands with the bike and to accept it being next to her. So we've got that down just fine.

I was wondering.... when should you start to introduce actual work outs with the bike? How far is safe?

Right now she's nearing 8 months old. My original thought, was 1 year and 1 mile to start.... I've heard of younger/older and longer/shorter, so I'm not 100% sure.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

We started ours out at about 7-8 months. We used the 1 mile rule up til 18 months. We spoke with the vet about it and with some of the routes we would be using being asphalt, he thought it would be best to stick with one mile.

[qbchottu]

I would wait till 1.5 years or older. AD for example has an age requirement of 16 months or older because joints are still developing. Good guide to get started: Sirius Dog
Do you have an attachment? I like the walky dog.

[TrickyShepherd]

Originally Posted by qbchottu

I would wait till 1.5 years or older. AD for example has an age requirement of 16 months or older because joints are still developing. Good guide to get started: Sirius Dog
Do you have an attachment? I like the walky dog.

Thank you! That's where I would feel safe. Especially because our area is mostly asphalt, with the occasional grass strip. I don't want to harm her.

And no attachments here, I just use a 6ft leash and their prong. I like the attachments, but with everything going on around me, I like to have them pretty close when I need it. Lots of stupid dog owners here, and people that don't watch where they are driving. Having the leash makes me feel safe. I teach a lot of obedience with the bike, which the dogs have to be solid on before I actually take them out of our driveway. Other then my one hand being tied up, it's usually a very peaceful ride with them. Eventually, when we actually live further out of town and have some room, I'll probably get an attachment for the bike.

Originally Posted by Nigel

We started ours out at about 7-8 months. We used the 1 mile rule up til 18 months. We spoke with the vet about it and with some of the routes we would be using being asphalt, he thought it would be best to stick with one mile.

Most of our route is asphalt as well. There's no fields to ride in here, and I don't have the time option to drive out to a trail (which are all really far from here). This is why I was wanting to wait so long.... figured that wouldn't be good for her growing bones.

Originally Posted by doggiedad

i didn't bike with my dog. he was 1&1/2 yrs old when
reached the 5 mile, slow walk with breaks. i think i needed
the breaks more than him.

Lol!

Yeah, my dogs can out walk me! The bike however, I can do both of the older ones and still able to walk with the little one (and not be dead tired). It's definitely an advantage for shaving some time to their workouts. I love my bike! But, I still enjoy a good walk with them though.... very relaxing!