Can You Mountain Bike with a Dog?

Yes, obviously you can go mountain biking with a dog. Your dog deserves to be an explorer like you as well. Life is more fun with a dog; easier if you can have them everywhere you go. They’re like little emotional support systems in case you lack one. Wanting to take your little one as your mountain bike is pretty normal. It enhances the mood as you ride, making the overall experience more fun. 

If you mountain bike and have been wondering where you can see a mountain bike with a dog, this post is for you. 

How do You train a dog for Mountain Biking?

You don’t need to go overboard with dog training for them to be their best self during the ride. All the dog needs are basic obedience, manners, and good recall. 

However, make sure your dog has all three boxes checked. The things needed are essential but crucial. If your dog knows when to sit, heel, on command, and stay close to you when you tell it, it is prepared for the next big step. 

The dog knowing when to stay close is essential as it will need to stay close to you when you’re riding. Other commands are not required here.

Can puppies go Mountain Biking?

Yes!! Puppies can go mountain biking, but it’s not recommended. You should wait for appropriate maturity in your dog before introducing mountain biking. 

Considering you have a one-year-old child, surely you won’t take them mountain riding, right? You will wait until the proper age with physical training and endurance and make the child properly ready for the long journey. 

The same thing applies to your dog. A dog that is too young or old can’t go on for a long time. If the dog is young, you need to wait until its bones mature and they have mastered obedience. Afterward, you may take them mountain biking.

What to do Before Mountain Biking with Your Dog?

Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, here are some things you might consider doing before your next ride with your pup.

Plan Out Your Route

You may need to plan this time if you’re a free rider. Your dog won’t be the most comfortable going to the unknown on its first ride. So, planning where you will go before the journey is the best way to ensure the dog enjoys the ride and is safe in case of accidents.

After you’ve planned your route, check the weather of the trail you’re mountain biking on, as the optimum temperature is needed for your dog. Don’t take them to extreme temperatures (either too hot or too cold) on their first ride. We recommend not taking them to severe weather, ever.

Have a Safe Speed

Whether you’re carrying your dog or your dog is following behind you, make sure you have a slow speed. Dogs are not used to speeding, so it might scare the dog if you’re going too fast. 

Try to understand its capacity and then pick a speed accordingly. If your dog is running all the time, it will run out of breath and most likely won’t enjoy the ride. Ride at a safe speed so that the dog is comfortable and is enjoying its time outdoors.

Hydrate the little one

Remember, your dog is not you. It does not have as much endurance as you and will need extra care and precaution. Therefore, mountain bike through a route where it can hydrate often. 

Besides having natural options for water, bring extra hydration gear with you. If you’re on a long ride, pack cool water as the dog will get hot and tired, and the cold water will help maintain its body temperature.

What Should you Avoid during Mountain Biking with your Dog?

You know what you should do to prepare your dog while mountain biking. The following is a list of things you should avoid.

Test your dog

If your dog is trained, test your dog with commands that you’ll need while mountain biking. If your dog knows the commands beforehand, it will communicate and make the ride more enjoyable. 

Avoid rough trails

We love mountain biking through rough trails, and we know so do you. However, keep in mind that your dog is sensitive and won’t be comfortable self on rides through rough trails. 

The ups and downs of the trail might scare the dog, so it is best to avoid them.

Avoid long rides

Don’t go too far with your dog, especially if it’s the first ride. Your dog has its limits, so it may not cope well with a long ride. What breed of your dog is playing a role here, Some breeds of dogs can travel for a long time, and some can’t, but it is best to stay on the safe side by avoiding long journeys.

Choose an easy route that’s not too far, and your dog will have an amazing time.

Leashing your dog

If your dog is following you from behind, don’t ever leash it to the bike. 

Leashing your dog on your mountain bike is extremely harmful to the dog. You don’t know what is coming in front of you, and there might be sudden movements of you or the bike, which the dog won’t be prepared for. So ultimately, it will hurt the dog physically.

If your dog is attached to your bike, it will also be dangerous for you because your body has sudden movements while riding. 

What Precautions Should you take for Your Dog?

Precautions are a must while mountain biking. The way you take certain gears while biking, your dog needs some as well.

Spectacles

Your dog will be running and walking on the ride, so it’s important that their eyes are protected. Or else they’ll get dust and other particles in them. Make sure your dog wears rex spectacles on its bike ride. 

First-Aid

Bring a first-aid kit with you during the ride. Dogs’ skins are fragile so they might hurt themselves without knowing, so having appropriate gear ready to tackle the situation is vital.

Off-leash!

Last but not least, make sure your dog isn’t on a leash while riding. As we mentioned earlier, it’s dangerous for your dog. 

If you have to, train your dog off-leash and make sure they learn good manners and recall without the leash. 

Wrapping Up

Bike rides are always adventurous and fun, and doing it with your loved ones only makes it better. Riding with your dog is not only fun but also has so much sentimental value. 

Ensure your dog is up to age, knows obedience, and has recalled. Train your dog with appropriate commands, take proper safety precautions, and you’re good to go. Next time, you won’t be alone on your ride and will have your best friend with you!