Bicycle Trailer To Walk Your Dogs
Walking with your dog is a very nice experience, but there are times when we want to exercise more and our best friend is not much of an athlete. In that case, we recommend that you use a bicycle trailer. In this way, both of you will be outdoors enjoying the ride.
Dog bike trailer?
Yes, as you have read. We can buy a bicycle trailer to take our pet during the walks, safer and less tiring than forcing him to follow our steps (or our pedaling).
Riding a bike with a dog can be dangerous or complicated, especially if the animal is not in good physical condition, has not yet learned certain rules or is too old to keep up with us.
In addition, some dogs do not have the necessary discipline to run alongside their owner on a bike. Or perhaps you prefer to take it in a trailer to a specific place – for example, the beach or the mountain – and there you let it run freely and have a great time.
A bicycle trailer is a compartment with wheels and semi-transparent windows that have a universal hitch for the rear axle of the bike. Inside, it can have a non-slip mat, have vinyl sides to protect the animal from the wind or rain and some offer a kit that turns it into a stroller (like the one for babies), ideal for those who, in addition to cycling, want to go out to run.
Why use a dog bike trailer?
There are many reasons why we can choose this option to go for a walk or exercise accompanied by our pets:
1. If your dog does not know how to run by your side
When they are puppies they still do not have that necessary resistance – and not enough discipline – and when they are adults they may not have the good physical condition to run by your side without problems.
2. If the tour is long
Let’s suppose that your pet is used to exercising, but in short stretches of few streets. What if we want to take it to a more remote site? Couldn’t reach the goal!
3. If your pet doesn’t like exercise
Perhaps you are elderly, overweight or your breed is not ‘compatible’ with physical exercise, as is the case with brachycephalic dogs or those with short legs (such as the corgi). In those cases, it will be better that you mount them in a special transport and they go with you sheltered.
4. If your dog has health problems
Not only because of old age, but it can also happen that you have had a recent illness or are still recovering from an accident or an operation. That doesn’t mean you should put off walks outside. A bicycle trailer is ideal in these cases.
What characteristics should a bicycle trailer have?
If you have convinced yourself that a dog bicycle trailer is the best solution for you and your pet, the next step is to buy the model that is the most suitable. Some issues to consider are:
1. Size
Dog bike trailers come in different sizes and capacities, depending on the animal. Likewise, these carts are usually used for small dogs, such as poodles or yorkshires. Also take into account the weight it supports, usually up to 20 kilos.
2. Hitch
Almost all trailers have a universal hitch, a metal piece that bolts to the rear wheel. But, in addition, it is recommended that you have a safety strap or secondary restraint in case of accidents.
3. Quality
This is essential, since the idea is that it lasts several years and not that it breaks after a few weeks of use. Plus, a quality trailer is safer for you and your pet. That it has robust wheels, a solid frame and a sturdy cabin are some of the requirements.
Finally, if you don’t have much space at home to store it, opt for a model that can be folded and stored anywhere (even under the bed or behind a piece of furniture). And don’t forget to include certain safety accessories such as reflectors, safety flags or even flashing lights if you walk at night.
