Backpack to carry dog or Bike Trailer (chihuahua, paws, store)
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Hi, has anyone used a good dog backpack to use as a carrier for a small dog? Or, a good bike trailer to carry a dog while biking? There are so many out there and many have mixed reviews. I want to take my dog on some bike rides. Thanks.
There are lots of bicycle trailers made specifically to carry a dog, so the dog is safely confined and can't jump out, yet can see and has good ventilation.
I understand that I need to buy a trailer. My question is, does anyone have a brand they liked or didn't like? As my question said, there are tons of brands listed some with mixed reviews. Does anyone have a brand in particular that they like?
You've come to the right place! I've been a bicycle advocate in a past life (joking! But it was many years ago now. However, some basics stay the same!). I also have long used bicycle trailers, for cargo and dogs.
First off, Burley has been a premium name in bicycle trailers for over 40 years now. They've earned trust. But, they are more expensive, so you'll likely be looking around whatever I say!
That said, go with a brand name first. The Schwinn's might be ok - IDK - but at least they have a brand name to protect. DON'T buy a trailer online (except for one of the brand names I recognize, see list*), and I don't care about any small savings you get for doing so. Make sure you SEE the product you are buying.
Go to a bicycle store - and preferably two - see what they have and recommend. They will be au courant with the products available. My bicycle trailers are all at least 20 years old. There will have been some product changes in that time. Bonus karma points if you then buy from one of those stores, to pay them back for sharing their expertise.
*List of brands I still recognize, and would trust, not in any order:
Burley
Surly
Thule
Topeak
There are a lot of other brands online, and I don't recognize any of them. Some of those other products may be fine products. Also, I think it likely that 99% of what's offered on the internet will likely work, to an acceptable degree, for short rides (<5 miles), and a year or two of wear. OTOH, I'd expect a product from one of the brands I mentioned to last for decades, with a little reasonable care. If you plan on JUST riding around the park, cheap may be fine. If you are planning on cycle-camping, off-road riding, or cycle-touring, go with the expensive brands.
Also, investigate bikejoring. That's where you put a special harness on the bike, and the dogs can help pull you.
DON'T attempt to ride with a dog on leash, unless you are a very experienced cyclist, and know exactly what you are getting into. I did see a product that attached a post to the seat post, and that perpendicular post attached to a leash for the dog. I would be cautious about that setup, but it should be somewhat safer than just holding a leash while riding a bicycle.
Just keeping the dog on a leash while riding is dangerous because:
one hand has to hold the leash when
you need two hands to control the bike and brake safely, especially in dicey situations;
and, should the dog dart away, as they are prone to do, for instance, on sighting a squirrel, THEN
Either the dog will pull the leash out of your hand, and will then be effectively off-leash, OR
the dog will pull you in the direction it is going, and will be pulling you from a point higher than your center-of-gravity, which means you will probably go in the direction of your dog, while your bike may NOT.
AND, your dog can dash in front of your front wheel, colliding with your front wheel, which will disrupt your steering in some unfortunate manner, meaning you'll likely crash in a painful and dangerous manner.
If there's something I haven't covered, please let me know!
Oh, and btw, fwiw, I wouldn't recommend a backpack for riding unless you were on my "worst enemy/most deserving of bad karma" list. That goes double for an animal backpack. There are people who like backpacks for riding, but there are way too many reasons it's a bad idea - so I won't recommend.
Hiero2, thank you! Let me say first, my dog is a 12 pound chihuahua mix! He will not be on a leash running! You gave me some very helpful suggestions. The rides would be over 5 miles, but not off-road. Just on paved bike/walking trails. It was very helpful advice to go to the store in person. I would have bought something online which is why I am very hesitant. I'd rather spend the money once and get something good, than buy something cheap that needs to be replaced in a year. So I'll go to bike stores. I appreciate the advice not to use a backpack. If you look online, they make it look so easy, with the dog's paws on your shoulders! But, what about a front basket? No good? I'll start looking at stores and come back here with further questions--thank you. Thank you also Oregonwood and Katie1.
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