If you are an avid biker, then the thought of getting your dog to ride with you may have crossed your mind.
Although it is not uncommon to see people on their motorcycles with their furry friends, even they may have undergone a step-by-step training process.
Training a dog for motorcycle rides can be easy or difficult. This solely depends on which breed you own.
Regardless, if you were wondering about how to ride a motorcycle with a dog, then there are several things you can do. You will also have to go through a step-by-step process from getting gear to training your dog.
Here are some of the tips you can follow!
Various Ways of Transporting Your Dog:
- Backpacks
- Custom Seat
- Tank Carrier
- Sidecaar
How to Get Your Dog Used To Riding:
- Getting Used To the Gear
- Start With Small Rides
5 Things to Keep at All Times:
- Paper Towels
- Food and Water
- Leash
- A Toy
- Always Take Breaks
Although it may seem easy, a lot of patience is required to get your dog to ride on a motorcycle peacefully. So, without any further ado, let’s get straight into it.
As is evident by the title of this article, it will be focusing on providing you with the best tips. This way, you will be able to train your dog in as little time as possible.
2 Things To Prepare When Riding A Motorcycle With Your Dog
The first tip is to prepare as much as possible. It is not as simple as purchasing the required stuff, putting it on your dog, and riding off into the sunset.
Well, the first step is indeed to buy gear. Gear is perhaps one of the most important things you can buy.
Let’s discuss what you should purchase:
1. Helmets
Although the chances are slim, there is still a very real possibility that rides with your dog go sideways. Accidents can occur, which can lead to serious injuries or even death.
So, what protective gear do humans use? A helmet is the first thing that may pop into your mind. Well, dogs need similar protection too.
Luckily, there is a whole market for this sort of stuff out there. Although there may be a lot of options out there, you need to make sure you get one that not only has excellent quality materials used but is comfortable for your dog too.
The helmet should at least have an ABS build, which does a pretty decent job absorbing impacts. The inner side of the helmet should be padded for the dog’s head to cushion with.
2. Get High-Quality Goggles
Have you ever gone swimming? You may already be aware of how it feels to swim without goggles.
Well, dogs may have a similar feeling when riding a motorcycle with you. Instead of enjoying their daily rides, they will spend most of their time preventing wind from entering their eyes.
A pair of goggles prevents all that. As it will not allow wind, dust, and even UV rays from entering the eyes, he will be able to adjust to this new mode of transportation much more easily.
Some breeds out there whose eyesight can be affected when exposed to the elements too much. Well, that should be a worry of the past if you get goggles for your dog.
I highly recommend you to read my buyer’s guide for the best dog motorcycle helmets and goggles.
Various Ways Of Transporting Your Dog
Yes, there are plenty of different options when it comes to getting your dog to ride with you. This section of the article will focus on the most common ways of transporting your dog on a motorcycle.
Let’s jump right into it!
1. Backpacks
Although getting a backpack to carry your dog is one of the least recommended methods out there, it can still be used.
There are backpacks equipped to handle dogs. They are designed to keep your furry friend comfortable while restricting its movement.
It must be kept in mind that such backpacks have only been designed for small to medium dogs. Plus, you have to carry them on their shoulders, so you should be ready to bear their weight throughout the journey.
2. Custom Seat
Another option that some of you might consider is getting a custom seat for your dog. These seats are installed on the motorcycle’s rear, which means that you need to make permanent changes to your ride. If you are not dedicated enough, a backpack is your only option.
Custom seats are great because they can be designed in any way possible. So, regardless of the size of your dog, you can get the dimensions of the seat just right.
Of course, you need to get goggles and a safety belt. The latter is extremely important because if it is not used, the dog could jump off at any second.
3. Tank Carrier
Tank carriers are great options for people that don’t want to make permanent changes to their motorcycles. These are compartments designed for dogs.
Many prefer Carriers because small dogs will be able to move around easily while also making sure that no wind or debris gets into their eyes. They are perhaps the best option one can buy with windows and ventilation.
If you are interested in buying a carrier for your dog, then you can check out this article on the best dog motorcycle carriers.
4. Sidecar
The final option on this list has been designed specifically for large dogs. A sidecar is a huge addition to your bike, and only a proper enthusiast will install it. It is not only the most expensive option on this list but one that requires the most sacrifice.
A side car will allow your pet to have an ultimate riding experience. All you need to do is make sure that all gear has been put on properly and your dog is strapped in snugly.
How To Get Your Dog Used To Riding
We have finally arrived at the fun part of this article. Training a dog can be a daunting task for some people. Well, if you have patience, this can be achieved too.
I will be listing down the step-by-step process, which will allow your dog to get adjusted to riding on a motorbike.
1. Getting Used To The Gear
Although your dog may be playful, it does not mean that he will be willing to ride on a motorcycle.
When you have all prepared for everything, you should try to put the gear on your dog. This should be done at home, only to assess how he reacts.
Normally, dogs don’t have any issues wearing anything new, as long as they are comfortable. If they are not, you should repeat the process twice every day to get used to it.
This is important because if you train your dog to sit on a motorcycle but don’t get used to a helmet and goggles.
2. Start With Small Rides
Next up, you should never suddenly take your dog for a long ride. This is because you should first assess his reaction to this new mode of transportation. If he looks irritated, it can take him a few weeks to adjust.
Small rides are more suitable. You should also give your dog a treat when going on rides. This way, he will be more excited to go the very next day. You can also take him to the park for a few days, which will allow him to get more comfortable.
5 Things To Keep At All Times
1. Paper Towels
Regardless of where you take your dog, their habits cannot change. They may need to defecate, which can cause some problems, especially if they do it in their enclosure. So, you should always keep an eye out for odd behavior.
If your dog is barking excessively or is too quiet, it may be a hint that you need to stop. You need to keep paper towels on you at all times.
Although it is easy to identify when the dog needs to go, you should be prepared for unforeseen circumstances.
2. Food And Water
If you are out for a long ride, then you should prepare to get your dog’s food as well. This includes water too because they can get thirsty quickly.
A nylon bowl is what you should carry too. Because it folds up easily, there will not be too much hassle when riding.
3. Leash
The final thing you need is a leash. As your dog will not remain on the motorbike during the entire duration of your trip, you must be prepared to walk him or leave someplace for a while.
How are you going to do that if there is no leash? So, you should always have one because it will be needed. This is not optional.
4. A Toy
Even if your dog has started to enjoy motorbike rides, he may get irritated if the ride is taking too long. This can be seen when barking or grunting, which indicates frustration or anger.
You should keep a toy too. But this should only be done if the dog is going for a long while. Introduce the toy only when he is getting frustrated. That will keep him at bay for at least a short while.
5. Always Take Breaks
We are nearing the end of this article, and the tips don’t stop coming. Well, if you have taken your pet for a long ride, possibly for a few hours, then you should always take a break. An example will clear this up.
When you ride for a long while, you feel the need to stretch your legs. Well, dogs need to do that too. They cannot signal this, so we have to be understanding.
Take a fifteen-minute break, walk your dog around, and serve him some food or water. This will keep him refreshed, and he will not cause too much of a hassle.
Risks Associated With Taking Your Dog For A Ride
There is no denying that taking your dog for a ride can be unsafe. Although the chances of something happening are pretty slim, they can still happen.
This article section must be read completely because the information provided here is pretty vital.
- The first risk I will be talking about is the possibility of an accident. Even if you are a skilled biker, there is always a small chance of something happening. You may walk away, but there is a decent chance that your dog will be injured.
- As they have to be restrained, dogs cannot move at all, making them suffer a lot more. This is something to keep in mind. They can cause accidents too. You can be distracted by their barking, which can cause a mishap.
- Taking a dog with you is not always a pleasant experience. They can be irritated and can act erratically. This will be seen when the conditions are not pleasant for them. If the temperature is too warm or cold, they will not have fun.
- The same can happen if the sun is shining too bright or traveling at high speeds and without using goggles.
- With dogs being happy and playful animals, they could break the harness or slide out of it. This can result in them jumping. Even if trained, going over speed bumps can cause them to jump out.
These things must always be kept in mind whenever you look to take your dog for riding. There are risks associated with it, and you should be aware of them at all times.
If something does happen to your dog, you should rush to the nearest vet as soon as possible.
Which Dog Breed To Choose For Riding
If you are among the small percentage of readers that do ride but don’t own a dog, then it is recommended that you go for one that has a small size. Take a pug or a Chihuahua, for example. Both of these breeds are small and playful.
On the plus side, they will also get used to riding on the bike much quicker than some other breeds out there.
You can also make do with dog backpacks or custom seats without having to worry about getting a sidecar, which is needed for large dogs.
If you want a dog for riding, you should know the responsibilities. If you think you cannot keep up with the job, you should not force yourself to do so. Much patience is required, and it is not present in everyone.
Conclusion
If you are planning how to ride a motorcycle with a dog, there are many things to consider.
While it can be easy to forget about your dog’s needs when riding on a motorcycle, remember that they need water and shade just like you. They also need some training to make them feel safe on your motorcycle.
If you want proper details of riding a motorcycle with a dog, I can assure you that you will not find an article that has covered so many bases, unlike this one. I hope you can train your dog, so you can travel safely and have fun!
I am a passionate blogger who wants to spread my interest in motorcycles. Fueled by my love for motorcycles, I provide readers with valuable insights and updates on motorcycles’ informative and engaging topics and document the latest happenings in the biking community. Despite my hectic schedule, I can provide these blogs, which involve regular trips to the gym and sports like mountain biking and BMX. I am usually available most of the time, so be sure to join me on my journey of motorcycles and bikes! I appreciate a quiet and simple life and am always eager to interact with my readers to provide helpful information on my blog site.
