Train Your Trail Dog to Run Beside the Bike in 3 Steps
There’s something incredibly special about sharing miles with my dogs! Watching them run beside me—ears flopping, tongues hanging out, totally in their element—brings me a kind of joy that’s hard to describe. It’s not just about exercise; it’s about bonding, trust, and shared adventure. Seeing them happy (and let’s be honest, completely worn out afterward) makes every minute of training and preparation worth it. I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to safely and enjoyably ride with dogs—and I’m excited to share what’s worked for me.
STEP ONE: Build foundation of obedience and trust
Before introducing your dog to biking, it’s essential to build a strong foundation through basic obedience and trust. I’ve taken all three of my rescue dogs through obedience classes to help establish that bond. You want loyalty, mutual respect, and clear communication—and that starts with consistent training.
During obedience work, your dog should learn to heel calmly at your side without pulling, surging ahead, or reacting to other dogs, animals, or people. Once your dog has mastered heel while walking, introducing a bike becomes much easier.
I personally use a pinch collar when teaching the heel command. It’s not meant to be used aggressively—it’s simply a tool to gently correct and guide your dog while reinforcing your role as the leader.
Another helpful command I teach early on is “watch me.” Hold a treat near your face, say “watch,” and reward your dog when they make eye contact. I use this often, especially when I want their attention on me rather than a distraction like another dog or a squirrel.
STEP TWO: Intro the bike slowly
Once your dog has a solid grasp on basic obedience and heel behavior during walks, you can slowly introduce the bike. Use a sturdy leash—I recommend a waist belt with a secondary loop closer to the collar. This setup gives you better control and allows for quick, gentle corrections. You can also attach a treat pouch to your handlebars so you’re ready to reward good behavior on the go.
Start slow. Use the heel command just like you would on a walk, riding at about 4–5 mph (a brisk walking pace). It helps the dog make the connection more easily when it mimics their walking training. If your dog starts to surge ahead, gently correct them and bring them back to your side. Be consistent—and when they’re in the correct position reward with food and praise!
STEP THREE: Keep the dogs attention locked in
If your pup has a strong prey drive like my 1.5-year-old Brittany, Velo, it may take more repetition and creativity. I’ve found that changing direction—like turning the bike around or shifting paths—can really help refocus their attention. I’ve also practiced in an empty parking lot, riding in circles and making frequent left and right turns. These direction changes force your dog to stay tuned in to you. It becomes a fun version of “follow the leader” and helps reinforce leadership and focus in a low-pressure setting.
Sometimes, if Velo gets overly distracted, I’ll turn the bike around and throw her off just enough to get her locked back in. Keep it playful, but consistent.Remember—you also can’t control how other dogs will react as you pass them while biking. If I see a dog that looks reactive or is approaching too closely I stop; have my dog sit and wait for the other dog and owner to pass calmly.
Other tips:
For mountain biking or singletrack, you might consider a bikejoring setup instead of strict heel positioning. But before jumping into that, your dog should first be very comfortable walking and biking under your leadership.
And don’t forget safety in hot weather! It’s been extremely warm lately, so always bring water. I’m fortunate that here in Northwest Arkansas, we have water stops along the trail. I soak my dogs before and during rides to help cool them down. I also use Musher’s Secret on their paw pads—it creates a protective barrier, especially useful on hot or rough terrain.
If you’re mountain biking on technical or rocky trails and your dog’s paws aren’t conditioned yet, consider dog booties for added protection. And of course—don’t forget those poop bags!