Can I Put My Dog In My Bike Basket? [ANSWERED]

For small to small-medium dogs fitting in a basket is no issue. But to keep your dog safe, using one designed specifically for pets is ideal, as is getting them used to one off the bike before their first ride.

put dog bike basket
Can I Put My Dog in My Bike Basket?

Whether you want to use a dog basket for your smaller dog or a bike trailer for your bigger dogs, let’s take a look at whether or not this is even possible.

For medium to bigger dogs, you will likely have to use something bigger like a child bike trailer.

In both cases, it is important for you to take some precautions before your bike ride and during the bike ride. So, let’s get straight into it.

Related Reading: Why Is My Dog Afraid Of Bikes? [ANSWERED]

Riding With Your Dog In A Bike Basket For The First Time

If you are asking this question, I can only assume that you have never taken your dog for a ride in a dog bike basket. So, if it is your first time doing so, there are a few things that you should consider first.

I am going to give you the answer and then after that, we will talk a little bit about each step that you need to make before putting a dog in a dog bike basket on your bike.

When you take your dog for a ride in a dog bike basket for the first time, you need to let them get used to it first.

Then you need to make sure that they are secured with a leash and make sure that you take some water and some snacks with you. Finally, allow them to process what is happening.

Now let’s take a look at each of these points in more detail.

Related Reading: Best Bike Baskets for Dogs [TOP MODELS REVIEWED]

cute small dog in pet basket on bike

Let Them Get Used To It First

Allowing your dog to get used to the bike basket before you set out for the journey is crucial. If your bike basket is brand new, it could be helpful to give it a wash to take away any chemical smells.

You do not want to have them panicking only once you have hit the road as this could be a massive problem.

To get them used to it, put them in the basket and stroke them, speak to them, and just let them know that they are not being punished for anything by being put in the basket.

You can also slowly start pushing the bicycle with them in the basket and just do that for maybe 3 meters at a time until they are comfortable enough for you to get on and ride with them.

Make Sure They Are Secured With A Leash

This is important and hopefully, it is something that won’t have to be used but it still needs to be attached to the dog and the bike at all times.

If the leash is attached to the dog but you can’t attach it to the bike, all you have to do is make sure that it is wrapped around your hands.

You don’t want the dog falling out and if it does fall out you want to be able to catch it with the leash as fast as possible.

Take Some Snacks With You

Taking snacks with you is important because dogs get hungry, especially when they are doing activities.

Think of it as the way we get hungry after a long day, except, dogs are not built for endurance so they get hungry a lot quicker when doing things.

You can also use the snacks while you are getting your dog used to the basket right in the beginning before you set out.

You can do this by slowly giving them a few snacks while they are sitting in the basket and getting used to it. This again shows them that they are not being punished by being made to sit in the basket.

Take Some Water For The Dog

This is more important than the snacks in my opinion. Dogs get thirsty extremely quickly. We also need to understand that dogs can intensify their thirst by the way they pant when they are tired.

They often have their mouth open and their tongues out which causes dehydration in their mouth.

Not taking water for your dog is not only slightly cruel in my opinion, but it is also very irresponsible.

It is important to note that you should not be cycling without water anyway so all you can do is just pack a little plastic cup or anything that you can put water in for your dog to drink out of.

Let Them Take It All In

I was struggling to name this heading because it is actually a combination of two things.

The first is, to let your dogs take everything in, let them see their surroundings, and analyze them constantly as this will reduce the fear if they had any in the first place.

Another way of wording it was just to drive at a relatively normal pace. You can quickly turn a bicycle trip into a nightmare for your dog by going too fast.

Imagine, if you will, you are doing an activity with your children, and all of a sudden you turn it into an extremely dangerous situation for them, that is what it would feel like for your dog.

Bicycle Basket for Dogs – Review & Tips

Can You Put Your Dog In A Child Bike Trailer?

A child bike trailer is basically what it sounds like, a trailer for your child that gets attached to the axle of your bicycle. It allows you to pull either a child or even groceries safely while riding a bicycle.

A lot of people use their child bike trailers as a way to take the dogs with them on their bicycle trips. All you have to do is basically follow the same steps that you followed with a basket by getting your dog used to the trailer at first.

If you can do that, this is one of the best methods, if not the best method of taking a dog on a bicycle trip with you to the beach or to the park.

A dog inside a bike basket, while owner holding the bike
A dog inside a bike basket, while the owner holding the bike

Conclusion

That brings us to the end of this article. Please remember that while taking your dog for walks or cycles, it is important to do so responsibly.

Take your time and be patient because once you get past the first few hurdles, you will be able to really bond with your dog and even build good memories with them.

stuart and his dog

Family Dog Expert Author

Hi there! I’m Stuart, a devoted dog lover and family dog expert with over a decade of experience working with our furry companions. My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. When I’m not writing for SirDoggie, you’ll find me hiking, playing with my beautiful dog, or studying music.