Bike riding can be a great way to exercise and enjoy the outdoors. If you are a dog owner too then taking your dog along on a bike ride isn’t always that easy. You either have your dog off-leash and he runs alongside you while you cycle or else you have to hold onto the dog leash by hand which can be quite dangerous especially if your dog lunges or pulls.
In recent times there are many new State laws prohibiting dogs from being off-leash so this option is no longer available. In recent years a new solution has come onto the market – the bike dog leash. This allows you to ride your bike safely while your dog is attached to a device that connects safely to your bike to reduce the effects of dog pulling.
In this article, we have made our selection of the top 5 dog bike leashes.
Best Dog Bike Basket | |||
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| PetSafe Happy Ride Bicycle Basket |   | Our Rating 4.5 | |
| Anzome Dog Bike Basket |   | Our Rating 4.3 | |
| Travelin K9 Pet-Pilot Wicker MAX – Dog Bike Basket |   | Our Rating 4.4 | |
| Pet Carrier Bicycle Basket Bag |   | Our Rating 4.3 | |
| Cofit Detachable Bike Basket |   | Our Rating 4.5 |
Article Summary: 5 Best Dog Bike Leashes |
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What Is A Dog Bike Leash? |
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Buyers Guide for Dog Bike Leash |
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Who’s Suitable Or Not For A Dog Bike Leash? |
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How To Train Your Dog For The Bike Leash |
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Top Picks for Dog Bike Leashes |
Top Picks: Dog Bike Leashes |
no 1. 1Running Dog – Bike Tow Leash
This American-made 1Running Dog Bike Tow Leash is one of the top-rated dog bike leashes available and is one of our top selections for dog bike leashes. It has been awarded the 5 Star For Safely Riding with your Dog from the American Pet Association.
It has a unique patented design that prevents the bike from tipping over when your dog pulls as it automatically reacts to your dog’s movement to communicate bike direction and speed changes.
It is suitable for dogs between 10 lbs to 180 lbs and the good news is that you don’t have to be an engineer to install it as it comes with instructions and it’s also easy to set up in less than a minute. The bike tow leash fits on the left-hand side of most bikes and it is recommended for use on wide tire bikes with or without disc brake. It also works on mobility scooters and trikes by attaching to the rear wheel.
Key Features
Well Made with Easy Setup
Many of the users have used the bike tow leash for some time and most found it durable and well constructed. It installs very easily and quickly. And instructions are included.
Safety
It has been awarded the 5-star safety award from the American Pet Association. Its unique patented design prevents the bike from tipping when your dog pulls. It can be hooked to a harness or a collar but the manufacturer in their video recommend using a no-pull collar when using the bike tow leash called a Martingale Collar
The leash length is long enough to prevent your dog from going in front of your bike but it is still able to keep your dog a good distance from the side of the bike.
Universal Fit
It works on most bikes with or without disc brakes and also suitable for mobility scooters and trikes by attaching to the rear wheel and it’s very weighing approx 1 lb
Accessories
It comes with the standard length bike tow leash, standing mounting clamp, and installation instructions. If you need to take 2 dogs out you will need to purchase a separate attachment called a “coupler” that fixes onto the existing bike tow leash. Also, it can work on the right-hand side but an additional adapter will be required
The Pros
American made award-winning product for Safely Riding with your Dog.
Easy setup & works on most bikes, mobility scooters, and trikes.
Attachments available for 2 or more dogs & also if you need to change to the right hand side
The Cons
More expensive than other products
no 2. Walky Dog Plus Hands-Free Dog Bicycle Exerciser Leash
The Walky Dog Plus Hands-Free Dog Bicycle Exerciser Leash makes our top 5 selection and with its recent upgrade. It’s built to last and is constructed of high carbon steel with a military-grade leash with a 550 lb pull strength. Works well on medium to large-sized dogs
For safety, it has a patented “Quick Release” so within seconds you can disconnect your dog from the leash. Another important safety aspect of the Walky Plus is that it has an internal shock-absorbing system that allows for sudden dog movements and lunges. It is recommended for use by only medium to large-sized dogs.
Key Features
Well Made / Safety & Protection
Constructed of high-grade steel and has an internal shock-absorbing system allowing for sudden dog movements so you won’t be knocked off balance.
Quick Release
The patented “Quick Release” allows you to release your dog quickly and easily from the leash or else quickly place it on another bike.
Universal Fit
The Walky Dog Plus fits most bikes
High-Quality Leash
It comes with a military-grade paracord leash. This has a pull strength of 550 lbs with 7 strand inner core and
The leash can be adjusted to suit your requirements. You can add 6.5″ by simply removing 2 springs inside the steel wand.
The Pros
Well made using high-grade stainless steel
Patented quick release
Fits most bikes
Comes with a high-quality military-grade leash that can be adjusted in length to suit your needs
The Cons
Not recommended for use on the following
puppies under 12 months, dogs under 33 lbs & the biker’s weight should be greater than at least 77 lbs compared to dog’s weight
No 3. Spring Hands-Free Dog Bike Attachment Kit
The Springer Hands-Free Dog Bike Attachment Kit is another great option and with over 600K in use by bike enthusiast dog lovers, it is one of the most successfully used dog bike leashes on the market
It uses a heavy-duty spring that is low mounted so as to absorb nearly 90% of the force that your dog pulls and tugs. Another great thing about this springer is that it has a patented safety feature that quickly releases your dog if he/she accidentally gets caught around an obstacle such as a tree or fire hydrant.
And the other good news is that the springer allows you to 2 dogs at the same time and along with that it also fits the majority of regular, touring, and mountain bikes.
Key Features
Safety & Protection
Safety is a top priority for this product. It has a low mounted spring that absorbs over 90% of a dog’s tugs and pulls which means that you will not lose your balance when cycling.
Quick Release
It comes with a “safety release” so that can free your dog instantaneously should the need arise.
Universal Fit
The springer fits the majority of bikes from regular, mountain to touring.
Kit Components
The entire kit comes with an 18-inch leash, 3 safety releases, and 1 metal hook There is no harness included. There is also the option to have two dogs on either side. YOu would need to purchase the Springer Dual Arm.
The Pros
Good quality well made
The low mounted spring absorbs up to 90% of dog tugs and pulls
There is a quick-release safety option
Option to walk 2 or more dogs with the additional purchase of Springer Dual Arm
The Cons
Some users had difficulties setting up the springer on the bike as the instructions were not clear.
Other users had issues with the device not working the way it should
no 4. Videosystem Dog Bike Leash
The Videosystem Dog Bike Leash is our best budget pick for bike dog leashes. It can be installed or removed in seconds by simply unscrewing. The guide pole keeps your dog at a safe distance of 15″ from the bike wheels.
There is a shock-absorbing system that allows you to maintain control of the bike. There is also the option to replace the elastic dog leash that comes with the unit. The manufacturer states that it is not suitable for pets over 25 lbs. It should fit the vast majority of bikes as it is attached with a clamp around the bike seat.
Key Features
Safety & Protection
It has an in-built shock-absorbing system that helps you maintain control of the bike. The pole sets your dog at a safe distance of 15″ from the bike wheel.
Universal Fit
The Videosystem bike leash fits the majority of bikes from regular, mountain to touring as it fits with a clamp onto the seat bar.
The Pros
Competitively priced
Easy to install or remove
Fits most bikes
Many users were impressed with its quality and durability although it did break for some users.
The Cons
Recommended only for dogs up to 25 lbs
No quick release
N0 5. Unicam Retractable Dog Bike Leash
The Unicam Retractable Dog Bike Leash is durable and made from high strength stainless steel. The handle of the rod has a good grip as coated in silica gel.
This unit works on most bikes as it is attached to the bike seat with a clamp and it is tightened with an Allen key which is provided. The guide pole keeps your dog at a distance of 16.5″ from the bike There is also a retractable elastic leash with a maximum length of 30″.
Key Features
Well Made / Safety
The Unicam Dog Bike leash is made from high-quality stainless steel and the handle has a silica gel coating. The guide pole keeps your dog at a distance of 16.5″ from the bike. There is also a rubber ring on the inside pole that keeps the pole in place and saves it from twisting around.
Easy To Install/Remove
It’s very easy to install or remove the mechanism. It clamps into place and is tightened with the use of an Allen key which is provided with the product.
Universal Fit
It also fits the majority of bikes from regular, mountain to touring as it fits with a clamp onto the seat bar.
The Pros
Well made using high-quality stainless steel with silica-coated handle with a good grip
Fits most bikes
Easy to install or remove
The Cons
The bungee cord could be improved or replaced with a stronger cord.
No listing for the recommended weight limits for use with this product
What is a Dog Bike Leash
A dog bike leash is an attachment that fits onto your bike so that your dog can run alongside you safely while you cycle.
There are different types of dog bike leashes but all have the same principle, to allow you to cycle safely while your dog runs alongside you. Some units have shock-absorbing systems that absorb the impact when your dog pulls so you will not be dragged off-balance. Others have a metal pole that clamps onto the bar that runs up through your bike seat and leash attached to the end of the pole while other units work with a strong flexible tow leash.
Some have a quick-release feature that allows you to quickly release your dog from the device if you encounter an obstacle. Other units have attachments that you can use to have multiple dogs on the leash on either side of your bike.
Buyers Guide for Bike Dog Leash
What To Consider
Safety
Keeping your dog a safe distance from your dog is so important. Many of the dog bike leashes come with a fixed metal pole that is at least a foot away from the bike to ensure your dog’s safety. Some other units consist of a flexible tow bar. There are quick release options available on some whereby you can quickly disengage and release the dog from the device.
Easy to install
You need to consider how easy it is to install the unit. Do you need to have an engineering degree or is it suitable for a regular person to install without the use of power tools?
Position – Left or Right Side
Do you want the dog bike leash on the left or right side. Our selections are all positioned on the left but there are attachments for some of them so that you can also have it on the right-hand side if needed.
Will It Work For Your Dog or Dogs?
You first need to consider if your dog is suitable or not suitable to use a dog bike leash. It’s not for every dog to use such a device. In the next section, we have listed dogs that we think would be suitable and not suitable to use the device.
If you have more than one dog then it is possible to take additional dogs on a bike trip. There are attachments available on a number of units that allow you to have this possibility.
Who’s Suitable Or Not For Using A Bike Dog Leash
We believe the following dogs would be suitable for using the dog bike leash.
Suitable
Medium/Large Dogs
Medium and larger sized dogs are more suitable for using the dog bike than smaller dogs as firstly some of these larger dogs are genetically designed to run and run. A sample example of such dogs includes Siberian Huskies, Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies & German Shepherds. There are many other breeds too that like to run too.
Fit Dogs
Not all dogs are fit – the same applies to people. Unfortunately, some dogs don’t get nearly enough exercise and if you were to suddenly bring an unfit dog along on a run there could be health implications for your dog.
Can you imagine if you do no exercise and some trainer comes along and demands you run a track race?
High Energy Dogs
Some dogs have mountains of energy and bringing them on a run with a dog bike leash could be a great way for them to get rid of this excess energy resulting in a happy relaxed and tired dog.
Not Suitable
Not all dogs are suitable to run alongside you while attached to a dog bike leash while you cycle your bike.
Puppies
The dog bike leash should not be used for puppies. Puppies are still growing and developing and you do not want to exert them too much as you could cause an injury. They could find it very difficult to keep up and this could put them at risk.
Small Dogs
Very small dogs could struggle to keep up with a bike dog leash. There is also the danger that you may not be able to see them if they fall behind in your blind spot.
Unfit/Obese Dogs
I guess this goes without saying. Some dogs are not in shape and would need to improve their fitness in order to keep up. It would be the equivalent of asking a couch potato to run a few laps of the track. You need to build stamina and fitness and this can only begin with short walks and eventually, your dog will get there.
Untrained Dogs That Pull
Although the effects of your dog pulling are not felt as much while using the dog bike leash an untrained dog even on a leash can cause difficulty. It would be recommended to train your dog to firstly not pull on the lead. Plenty of encouragement and leash training may be required. Then after that, you could introduce the bike dog leash slowly and build up to longer bike trips over time.
How to Train Your Dog for the Bike Leash
1. Your dog must first feel comfortable around a bike. If you’re a biker no doubt he has seen you with the bicycle. Note his reaction around the bike. Does he ignore it or is he scared of it? Allow your dog to sniff and smell the bike. Encourage your dog and use plenty of praise and treats.
2. Without cycling or moving the bike you gently attach his harness or collar to the dog bike leash. Again plenty of praise. Stay there with your dog and chat with him. Repeat this exercise.
3. Next step is to take a walk a little holding your bike while your dog is attached to the bike leash. Gradually increase the length of the walk and introduce some basic training commands such as stop and go. Use treats and encouragement.
4. When you feel your dog is ready the next step go to a quiet place without any distractions if possible and then with your dog attached to the bike take a short cycle. Again lots of praise and plenty of patience. Your dog will eventually get accustomed to the leash. Just take short cycles and gradually increase the length when your dog is ready.
Conclusion
Our overall top pick for the best dog bike leashes is the American-made 1Running Dog Bike Tow Leash. This is one of the top-rated dog bike leashes available and has been awarded the 5 Star For Safely Riding wand ith your Dog from the American Pet Association. It also had aunique patented design that prevents the bike from tipping over when your dog pulls
