If you enjoy riding a bicycle and you would like to do this activity with your dog, you'll need a bike attachment for dog to ensure your pet's safety. Below I'll explain what dog bike attachments are, how to find the one that’s perfect for you and your pooch, and review several best dog bike attachment brands.
What Is a Dog Bike Attachment?
Dog bike attachments are made for one purpose – keeping dogs safe when they go for a bike ride with their owners. A bike attachment for dog basically consist of a rigid metal arm that gets mounted on the bike, and a flexible leash that gets attached to the said metal arm.
This allows the dog to run next to the bike without wandering away, while keeping him at a safe distance from the bike so he doesn’t get tangled and ran over. With the best dog bike attachment, you will be able to ride alongside your pet without worrying about their safety.
The majority of bike attachments for dogs are designed to be mounted somewhere around the bike’s seat post. However, a less popular type of a bike attachment for dog is the one that comes with a frame that goes over the back wheel. While both designs are perfectly safe for dogs and riders, they feel differently because they provide different balance points.
Below, I've reviewed some of the best dog bike attachment brands and managed to find six options, all in different price ranges, from $15 to $150:
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Bike Tow Leash - Yellow - Hands Free Dog Leash... | 742 Reviews | Check Price |
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Springer Hands Free Dog Leash Bike Attachment Kit... | 637 Reviews | Check Price |
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Walky Dog Plus Hands Free Dog Bicycle Exerciser... | 4,233 Reviews | Check Price |
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Bike Balance Dog Jogger Kit | 78 Reviews | Check Price |
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Woof Cycle Bike Trotter (Premium) Hands-Free Dog... | 158 Reviews | Check Price |
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Paws & Pals Hands Free Bicycle Dog Leash for Bike... | 393 Reviews | Check Price |
Is Your Dog Ready for the Bike Ride Along?
While many dogs enjoy running alongside bikes, not all of them like it. In addition to this, not all dogs are cut out for the bike riding activity. So, is your pooch suited for the task? What criteria does he need to satisfy for you to let him run along?
Consider a dog's size
Small dogs are generally not suitable for this activity. One reason for this comes from the fact that most dog bike attachments don’t go down enough for small dogs to be safe running alongside the bicycle.
In addition to this, small dogs will tire much quicker than medium or large breeds because they have shorter legs and have to run faster. Also, be cautious if you use a bike attachment for dog that's of medium or large breed too, since some can be strong enough to pull away and make you fall off the bicycle.
Dog's general health
Unlike jogging, running alongside a bike will be more physically demanding for the dog so your pet needs to be generally healthy. When you're just starting with this activity, check with the vet first. If the pup is not in a good physical condition, running along a bicycle may not be for them.
Training and confidence
The dog needs to be trained to walk on the leash and to listen to basic commands, especially to stop when you tell him to and to walk in the heel position.
Furthermore, it is very important that your pooch is confident. Insecure dogs may feel anxious and scared to run beside your bike, so they will hardly enjoy the activity, and this will make it riskier for you and your pet.
What Makes the Best Bike Attachment for Dog?
When you decide to start this activity and you're positive that your dog is suitable for running alongside a bicycle, it's time to shop for the right type of bike attachment for dog. Below are a few features that make it the best dog bike attachment.
Distance
The attachment needs to keep your dog at a safe distance from your bike. If the dog runs too close, he will probably bump into the bike. On the other hand, if he is allowed to go too far, he may run into things and get injured.
However, there is no exact distance at which your dog will be safe. In fact, it depends on your dog’s behavior and size, but also your own riding style. For this reason, the best dog bike attachment should come with leashes that have adjustable lengths.
Compatibility
You need to make sure that the bike attachment for dog is actually compatible with your bicycle. Fortunately, since most dog bike attachments go on the bicycle's back seat post, there shouldn’t be a compatibility problem with these attachments.
Ease of use
Some dog bike attachments are easier to install onto the bicycle than others, so pay attention to this factor as well. It's probably best to stay clear of those attachments that require too many tools or have too many installation steps, particularly if you are not mechanically inclined.
Strength and durability
A good dog bike attachment needs to be strong and sturdy enough in order to keep the dog securely attached to the bike. Look for attachments that are made from durable, reliable and high-quality materials, like steel or aluminum. That will also ensure that the attachment will last for a long time.
Cost-effectiveness
Finally, while not the most important factor, the price of a dog bike attachment still needs to be factored in, especially if you are buying on a budget. For the below list of best bike attachment for dog choices, we've considered all the above features and then ranked them in order of cost-effectiveness where their price tags make the most sense.
Top 6 Best Dog Bike Attachment Brands
1 Bike Tow Leash
Easily the best dog bike attachment currently available, the “Bike Tow Leash” is also one of the more expensive options. Like most other dog bike attachments, this product is suitable for medium and large dogs that weigh over 10 pounds. It has a unique design that allows dog owners to communicate turns with their canine friends. It also takes into account laws of physics to prevent tangling, tripping and steering sideways.
- American Pet Association 5...
- For energetic dogs weighing...
- Prevents tipping, tangling and...
- Fits on left side of most...
- Made in the USA with Solar...
The reason for a higher price tag is because this bike attachment for dog is more sturdy and durable than the rest, and it also provides greater stability and pull-resistance, even with larger breeds. The attachment goes to the bike’s rear wheel and installation is pretty simple, done without any tools. However, this system can only be installed on the left side, while you need to buy a special adapter to attach it to the right side of your bike.
While this leash is best used with a harness, it comes with a clip-style connection, which is not as secure as a metal bolt snap. Also, the mounting bracket seems a bit short and may not fit on some bike frames. In addition to this, the biggest issue with this is probably installation instructions, which are printed on the leash. It can be a little confusing but not terribly so.
PROS: Sturdy, Durable, Suitable for Larger Breeds, Simple Installation, Unique Design
CONS: Very Expensive, Instructions Printed on the Leash, Doesn’t Fit All Bikes, Requires Special Adapter for Right-Side Installation
2 Springer Dog Exerciser
Springer is another very popular choices among cyclists with dogs, and it's in a medium price range, being cheaper than the Bike Tow Leash. This dog bike attachment is made from high-quality materials, like the heavy-duty steel spring that helps you absorb any shock from your pooch. The rest of the attachment is also made from the same steel, so you can expect it to last for a long time and withstand any weather conditions without rusting.
- Biking with Your Buddy: The...
- Safety & Protection: The...
- Quick Release: The leash has a...
- Kit Components: This kit comes...
- Universal Fit: The clamp fits...
You can use the Springer dog bike attachment on both sides of the bicycle. You just have to secure the leash with a clamp and screws before you can rest assured that the attachment will remain firmly in place at all times. The attachment goes below the seat, allowing you to have greater control.
Keep in mind that this bike attachment works best with a wide-strapped harness, while it’s not safe to use it with a collar. The attachment fits most bicycles but unlike with other best dog bike attachment choices, you may need to use an adapter for some unique bicycle types. I've also looked through other owners' reviews of dog bike attachment and , some reported that the bolts come loose with time, so you may need to tighten them periodically.
PROS: Sturdy, Durable, Suitable for Use on Both Sides, Quick Release Mechanism, Suitable for Larger Breeds
CONS: Expensive, Doesn’t Fit All Bicycles, Reports of Bolts Coming Loose
3 Walky Dog Plus Hands Free Dog Bicycle Exerciser
Made primarily out of stainless steel, with a leash that has a 550-pound pull strength, Walky Dog bike attachment is one of the most durable ones in this price range. This is further improved by the fact that it is also resistant to UV rays and rot. It's three times cheaper than the #1 Bike Tow Leash and twice as cheap as the above mentioned Springer.
- TUV SUDProduct Service...
- High Carbon Stainless steel...
- The walky dog plus has an...
- Military Grade Paracord,...
- The Walky dog plus Lets you...
Walky Dog bicycle exerciser, as they call it, also includes a quick leash release system. Thanks to this, you can use it as a regular leash when you take your pooch for a walk. The length of the leash is adjustable and the entire dog bike attachment system comes with a shock-absorbing core.
However, the leash is a bit short compared to others on this best dog bike attachment list, although you can extend it if you remove the springs. It is also only suitable for some types of bicycles. You can also get the Walky Dog's Low Rider Attachment if you prefer a lower center of gravity.
PROS: Sturdy, Durable, Quick Release Mechanism, Suitable for Larger Breeds
CONS: A Bit Short, Doesn’t Fit All Bicycles, Some Reports of Malfunction
4 Bike Balance Dog Jogger Kit
The Bike Balance bike attachment for dog has a bit different design than previous best dog bike attachment entries above. The attachment is meant for rear-wheel installation and it is only suitable for bikes that don’t have a rear suspension setup or disk brakes. While this may look a bit unnatural, it allows you to mount your bike without any interference.
- Aircraft strength aluminum and...
- Fits most bikes with 12" to...
- Adjustable to most dogs. Easy...
- Now both "Standard" and "Heavy...
- CAN NOT be mounted on bicycles...
This kit also includes two different leashes. One of them is heavy-duty; the other is standard, which allows you to find the one that suits your dog’s size and behavior. The attachment is made out of aircraft-grade aluminum, which is why it is supposed to be very durable and safe.
However, I've gone through other dog bike attachment reviews for this brand and noticed some owners complain that the leash broke off on them during the ride, which can present a serious problem if it happens. In addition to this, my personal issue was with the lack of a shock absorbing system on this dog bike attachment.
PROS: Sturdy, Lightweight, Unique Design, Comes with Two Leashes
CONS: Complicated Installation, Doesn’t Fit All Bikes, Not Very Durable, No Shock Absorbing System
5 Woof Cycle Bike Trotter
Unlike some other items on this list, Woof Cycle Bike Trotter is made from high-quality plastic and not steel or aluminum. This is why it's far more affordable, but at the same time it won't be as durable. While I didn't have enough time to assess it, I've seen some other owners find the plastic to be too weak and breaking easily.
- SAFETY IN DESIGN: The Woof...
- EASY TO INSTALL: Installing...
- LOW MOUNT TECHNOLOGY: The low...
- CONVIENANT STORAGE AND...
- MADE IN THE USA: The Woof...
Obviously, because plastic is used, this is more suitable to medium-sized dogs and not the best choice for larger breeds, although the product is supposed to suit dogs that weigh up to 100 pounds.
This dog bike attachment can be mounted on both sides of the bike. It goes on the rear axle and uses the low-mount system to ensure additional stability. The installation is pretty easy and quick. Plus, you can remove the leash and use it for walking as well.
In addition to the plastic construction, another issue I found is that this attachment doesn’t allow for height adjustment. For the price point, however, compared to the above best dog bike attachment options, you can't really complain – it's obviously a cheap choice.
PROS: Affordable, Lightweight, Quick Release System, Easy Installation, Suitable for Use on Both Sides
CONS: Not Very Durable, Made from Plastic, Not Suitable for Larger Breeds
6 Paws & Pals Hands Free Bicycle Dog Leash
Finally, we have this cheapest bike attachment for dog that may be suitable in some specific cases. In particular, this is a good choice for those looking for a dog bike attachment that can be used on any bike but don't need it for long rides. The reason for this comes from the fact that it is attached to the bike seat. The good news is that the attachment is super easy to install and remove.
- RUN WITH CONFIDENCE: The dog...
- INCLUDES: Walk-run leash...
- ADJUSTABLE FIX-SEAT LOCK: Seat...
- HIGHEST QUALITY MATERIALS:...
- LEAD THE WAY: With the hands...
Considering the price, it's very surprising to me that the attachment is actually made out of stainless steel, but the first look is a little mislead since it's all not actually heavy duty material. I also did check with other owners and some reported that the Paws & Pals bike attachment breaks easily and that it is not very durable. Another common complaint I heard was with the bar, which doesn’t stay in place and becomes loose easily.
You can use the leash that you get with this item for walking as well. While this is good, some dog owners reported that the leash is too long and allows dogs to get in front of the bike instead of staying behind it. Overall, it's not the best dog bike attachment option out there but for how much it costs, this may be well worth it for owners on a budget.
PROS: Very Affordable, Quick Release System, Easy Installation
CONS: Not Very Durable, Some Reports of Malfunction, Leash Too Long
In Summary
If you often ride a bike and want to take your dog with you, then you need to make sure that both of you are safe during this activity. A good bike attachment for dog can help you with this and you'll both enjoy your rides more if safety and convenience aren't something you constantly have to worry about.
When you shop for the best dog bike attachment, pay attention to the quality of materials, strength, length of the leash, compatibility with your bike. Also, make sure that your pet is actually suitable for running alongside the bike and that their temperament fits using a bike attachment.
READ NEXT: Top 12 Best Dog Bike Leash Choices
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