Posted: 09 February 2010 at 2:22am | IP Logged

 Hi walker, I don't have a dog so no direct experience but if the dog is well behaved on a leash there should be no problems using a trike or bike for longer 'walks' or runs. A delta may be better than a tadpole trike as a delta is easier to mount/dismount if needed.

Check your local bye-laws, though, some areas have some strange bye-laws.

If it's a husky type/working breed, he could help pull a trike.  

Mike Savage

South West Cork

Posted: 10 February 2010 at 4:59am | IP Logged

Hi Dog Walker

I have two Siberian Huskies and have had them pull my tadpole trike, which is fun for all, just because your dog isnt a huskie doesnt mean he/she wont enjoy pulling you along.  lots of different types of dogs are used in teams.  The only point is to get a proper fitting pulling harness.

I have also seen attachements for bikes/trikes for attaching dogs at the side for exercise purposes, such as

http://www.gizmag.com/dog-powered-recumbent-trike/8789/

http://www.walkydogusa.com/

http://www.dog-training.com/springer.htm

Posted: 11 February 2010 at 3:49pm | IP Logged

Dog Walker

I only usually take them for short runs (2-3km) as I am not good at controlling them when harnessed, I try to keep on straight runs or on a very defined track and hope for no distractions such as cats or other wildlife they may want to suddenly chase.  Luckily the disc brakes on the trike are excellent!

I only take them out with the trike in the morning during winter when day time temps usually stay below 30c and the morning temps are usually below 10c.

During summer (ie. now) I just walk them and have to ensure I am finished by the time the sun is fully up, last week we had an overnight low of 26c so they were not keen on running at all so we just walk

Posted: 12 February 2010 at 11:24am | IP Logged

I was happy to see this post, and it is timely for me since I just had back surgery Tuesday.  I will be in a back brace for several weeks; after that, I might still not have the strength in my back to walk my 8 month old labrador retriever.

I do want to respond to reply #2: Last summer, I was watching a guy on an upright bike taking his medium size dog out for a bike ride/ walk.  His first time around the lake on the concrete path, he did fine. The dog was actually pulling him more than he pedaled.  I went down by the path for a closer look.

Next time around, the guy did a face plant right in front of me.  He had held the leash and handlebar in his left hand while his right hand was on the right handlebar grip.  The dog decided to make an abrupt left turn to chase some geese on the lake.  The steering was yanked away from the dog "walker."  Luckily, his injuries weren't too severe, but he had to be taken away in a van and his bike was a mess.

The lesson here is that what may seem safe and prudent may not actually be so in reality.

Having recently acquired a tadpole trike, I will be looking for a safe and effective leash to connect to the rear triangle of my trike.  There is a lot to consider in terms of safety for both the rider and the pet; however, I am convinced that the leash needs to be connected to a point on the bike or trike that will not turn or slide if the dog takes a different route or angle.

I will be looking for something that will transfer to my recumbent bikes easily and be easy for a young dog to learn easy walking and running with.

Also, there might be a need for a pre-set disconnect in case of a higher speed entanglement.

So, keep the replies coming in.