Our dog, Comet, is a large German Shepherd mix that requires a lot of exercise at least every other day in order for him not to get the crazies. Even though he's 9 plus years old, he's still that way. He loves to run off leash but doesn't enjoy dog parks. So wherever we live, we try to find unofficial open areas where he can run free. However, usually such places are a half mile or more away from where we live.Rather than driving him in our car to get to these places, we use our bicycles. When we first got Comet and realized what his exercise needs were, I held the leash in my hand while bicycling. However, I found out how foolish that was shortly after I started doing this.I was bicycling along, holding his leash in my hand, when he saw THE CAT before I did. Normally he's a reasonable dog, but when he sees a cat, especially one that's moving, it flips some kind of switch. The next instant, I was down on the road with a gash in my leg, while he went charging across the street.After that incident, I developed a homemade bicycle attachment for dog bicycle exercise, the "B-Loop." The purpose of the B-Loop is to lower your center of gravity when there is tension on the leash. If the B-Loop is set low enough, a large dog should not be able to pull you off the bike with a lunge. I have used my original B-Loop successfully for 8 years with Comet (62 lbs) and a year with a larger dog we had who weighed 92 lbs.The B-Loop is very easy and cheap to make to exercise your dog safely by bicycle. All you need is a piece of webbing and a sturdy snap. I used an 18-inch piece of webbing, 1.5 inches wide for extra strength, and a large snap [metric measurements 460 mm by 38 mm]. You can use 1-inch webbing instead, but I would recommend using a double layer, so you'd need 36 inches [915 mm by 25 mm].To make each loop, use double thread and sew the two parts together in a cross and rectangle pattern for maximum strength. The loops need to be wide enough so you can put the snap through the holes.Put the B-Loop around the front stem of your bicycle so it doesn't interfere with the brake cable. Set it as low as possible, just above the fork if you can. Then join the loops with the snap.To use the B-Loop, attach one end of your dog's leash to the collar. Thread the handle end through the snap. Hold this end on the handlebar with one hand, making sure you can still squeeze the brake. If the leash is too slack, you can shorten it and loop the extra length to hold it.It is best to go slow the first few times you and your dog are using the B-Loop. If your dog is not used to running alongside a bicycle, now is the time to train him or her to stay to one side. Your dog will likely be more comfortable on the side away from passing traffic.IMPORTANT:
Be sure and keep both hands on the handlebars while bicycling with your dog. This keeps your weight centered properly.
Be respectful of other bicyclists and pedestrians
Use the sidewalk if you cannot use a roadway or bike lane safelyBe alert when bicycling with your dog. Possible hazards include:
Your dog trying to cross in front of you
The leash tangling in the pedals or tire spokes
Someone opening a car door as you bicycle by
A passing car squeezing you against the curb or a parked car
Grates, pieces of glass or other obstacles in the roadFor more information on ways to exercise your dog, see below.
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