However, almost everyone noted that once the bike trailer was assembled and ready to go, there really were no negatives to this fine product. Reward with a yummy treat for a job well done. This trailer is very easy to clean, and its entire outer liner is machine washable. Dont let the cheesy name fool you. If you have a larger dog, Schwinn makes a 100-pound capacity trailer. Even if you manage to get your dog into the trailer this way, they will resist you more and more every time and hate the trailer more and more each time if this is the attitude that you have towards them. Most owners have found that the average fit and active dog can handle running next to a bike for about 3 km a day, maybe more if you split the sessions up, your dog is very active, and he isnt running mostly on pavement. Although this trailer is the best overall choice, it is especially excellent for those who frequently take long bike trips or have a senior or disabled large dog. Just like in the workforce, employees want to work for a boss that believes in them and supports them, and our dogs are no different. This trailer also gives you many options for biking in different weather. Bike trailers offer the best of both worlds as they dont require any special training to use other than getting your dog used to being a calm pet passenger. A frequent complaint of many Amazon reviewers with most bike trailers is that the trailer will often tip when biking up or down hills, or especially while loading or unloading dogs over 50-60 pounds. We love the excellent quality, compatible and universal build, and internal leash to protect your pup as they come along for the ride! For dogs up to 110 pounds, this will make even the biggest dogs very happy., We all want to look stylish, even our pups. These factors are quite personal. To some degree, all trailers are fairly unwieldy. Maybe youd like to take your dog out more, but find he lacks the discipline to run alongside you. Its the perfect choice for most dog owners and can carry dogs up to 50 pounds with ease. The frame of this dog trailer is lightweight at 34 pounds but still made of strong aluminum alloy which can hold dogs up to 110 pounds and up to 26 inches at the shoulder. You can start to slowly acclimate your dog to the trailer by keeping the trailer in the house and adding your dogs favorite things. Surely, he can keep up? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Overall, our dogs look to us to protect them and they see us as leaders and the providers of resources and a good leader doesnt force compliance, they encourage and support to build their teams confidence. Weighing in at 43 pounds when empty, this trailer is not for those who are new to biking or are otherwise unable to physically handle the weight of this trailer plus their dog. As with all the best dog bike trailers, its a cinch to assemble and disassemble. THIS SITE IS OWNED AND OPERATED BY BICYCLE UNIVERSE LLC. Also, just like an employee, dogs want to know that they will be fairly compensated if their boss is asking them to do a task that feels intimidating or difficult. There are a few bike trailer manufacturers that make trailers specifically for dogs, but they are often more expensive than the cheapest kid bike trailers. The wheels are quick-release, and the frame folds down so you can store the Tail Wagon in small spaces. Wow, a 110-lbs weight capacity! While many large dogs can keep up to a bike, at least for a few miles, there are several reasons why having a bike trailer may be a smarter, safer and more practical option. Flimsy flooring may save you some money and it might be ok for a smaller dog or a younger healthier dog. It comes with an internal leash and a no-slip floor, so you dont have to worry about safety being compromised with a lower price., We love the size of this trailer and were able to even put two small pups in there for rides together. There are 3 pockets for added storage, and the fabric is waterproof., This trailer sits lower to the ground, making it easier for older pets to enter and exit. CAUSES and What to Do, Do Perimeter Collars WORK With Invisible Fence? BarkVa is reader supported. The weather shield protected our dog from most inclement conditions during our testing.. Without a bike trailer you can still go to different places in a car, but if you are trying to reduce your environmental footprint, dont own a car or have a license, or are trying to get more exercise yourself a bike trailer is a much better option to transport you and your pooch. This means that even if you have a nonstandard bike, you will still be able to use the Schwinn Rascal. Coming in at second place, the PetSafe Solvit HoundAbout Aluminum or Steel Bicycle Trailer, is a fantastic option if you are looking for a high-quality product at a slightly more affordable price than the DoggyRide. We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! Look for trailer canopies made from durable rip-stop nylon. Be sure to close and zip/lock the door to avoid any unwanted incidents. Check out my full review with photos here. Once you arrive at your destination, you may need the ability to transport your elderly or disabled dog around more easily on foot. BikeTrailerPlanet is compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. How much a trailer weighs depends largely on whether they are made with a plastic, aluminum or steel frame, as frame type is also by and large the strongest determining factor of how much weight that trailer can safely hold. Another great use for bike trailers is for taking your loyal senior dog out to enjoy his golden years to the fullest. 20 tires ensure a smooth ride for your pup of any size. The 2-in-1 functionality provides versatility at a reasonable cost. This dog trailer has enormous treaded wheels that make it an extra comfortable ride for your dog, as opposed to smaller 16-inch wheels. Due to the more unstable flooring of this carrier, there is a chance that it will tip forward or backward, so if you stop on a hill and happen to have a dog who doesnt want to sit or lay still in the carrier while youre using it, you might want to pass on this one. Reviewers have noted how easy this trailer is to set up as well as to attach to your bike. Looking at the weight limit of the trailer will likely be the most helpful metric for the best trailer for you. Good dog trailers (like the ones on this list) have good quality metal hardware, not plastic, combined with a hitch safety strap. Now that weve determined that some of the many reasons why getting a bike trailer could make your life easier and more fun, lets talk about how to choose the right bike trailer for you and your k9s unique needs. All bike trailers have different weights when they are empty. Another question to ask is whether or not you and Fido need your bike trailer to double as a stroller and/or a pet bed, or whether you only need it to function as a bike trailer. With a universal attachment thrown in, you should be able to hook up this trailer to just about any roadworthy bicycle., Bright orange accents on the sides ensure your trailer is visible in darker conditions. Taking an undisciplined pup out in a trailer could turn dangerous. Practice this as much and as often as you can, the more you do it, the faster your dog will come to understand that the bike trailer isnt scary! Even better, theyll allow you to give your dog a happier life by allowing him to spend a lot more time with you. In addition to their helpful customer service, this company also offers customers a one-year warranty against any material defects or workmanship errors. Not only does it have a high weight limit, this trailer also has plenty of interior room for your dog and even space for storage. When youre ready to set up your tent for the night, you can rest assured that your dog will be able to sleep comfortably in the trailer as his own snug little tent due to its removable kickstand legs no need to pack his regular crate! Dog trailer weight limits range from 50 lbs (22.6 kg) on the lower end to 110 lbs (50 kg) on the highest end. We hope that you have found this review useful and that you are now more well-informed of the various options available to include your dog on your next cycling adventure! This trailer comes with a rear storage pouch and a water bottle pocket, giving you lots of space to store your buddys stuff. However, this is still a great option for those with small dogs that want to take them on short rides on the trail.. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'biketrailerplanet_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',118,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-biketrailerplanet_com-medrectangle-3-0')};This article covers the top 5 best bike trailer options for dogs, as well as some riding tips to make it safer. Airflow is first-class, which provides the ventilation your dog needs when youre on the road. Follow our tips below before you hesitate to buy a trailer for fear your dog may hate it (or before you return the one you already purchased!). Steps to train your dog to love the bike trailer: DoggyRide Novel Dog Bike Trailer, Urban Red, PetSafe Happy Ride Steel Dog Bicycle Trailer Durable Frame Easy to Connect and Disconnect to Bikes Includes Three Storage Pouches and Safety Tether Collapsible to Store Medium, Rage Powersports Blue 2-in-1 Pull-Behind Dog Bike Carrier Bicycle Pet Trailer, (American Society for Testing and Materials), disabled dogs, dogs with degenerative diseases, very large dogs, dogs that have long hair and owners who live in areas with a lot of rain. We do not recommend plastic frames overall for any size of dog especially those over 25lbs as they are usually too flimsy to be fully safe. These standards are very important and although almost all child bike trailers meet the standards, not all dog bike trailers do. Maximum weight: 66 pounds | Materials: Steel and polyester | Dimensions: 46 x 24 x 38 inches | Item weight: 40 pounds, This combo stroller and trailer is a fantastic option and provides a lot of versatility.. Considerations & TIPS, How Do I Run an Invisible Fence Under My Driveway? Your dog is suffering from an illness, an injury or a degenerative disease, Your dog is a senior and wants to enjoy his golden years by your side, You want to take your puppy or new rescue dog to fun new places, You dream of taking your active dog on a long-distance bike tour, PetSafe Solvit HoundAbout Aluminum or Steel Bicycle Trailer, Rage Powersports PT-20304-B Blue 2-in-1 Pull-Behind Dog Bike Carrier. Best Choice Products 2-in-1 Pet Stroller and Trailer, guide to acclimating a dog to a bike trailer, Check out my full review with photos here, A door flap that is easier for your dog to jump in and out of, Dedicated place to tie a leash while the dog is inside the trailer. It may take days or weeks for a dog to build trust with the trailer and feel comfortable. As a safety benchmark, before you go on your first ride together, make sure that youre confident he wont try to jump out mid-ride. What is the quality of the flooring of the trailer you are looking at, is it flimsy or firm? The difference between the two sizes is merely the dimensions of the interior cabin, and reviewers suggest its a good idea to size up as these brands trailers tend to fit on the small side. As a bonus, this trailer collapses and folds very easily, making transporting it in the car quick and easy. They have reflectors attached if you plan on going out after dark., Ventilation is efficient, so your dog isnt likely to get sticky and stuffy, even on lengthier rides. The quality of the treats you need depends on two things: how picky of an eater your dog is, and how afraid he is of the bike trailer.The higher value the treat, the more we can ask of the dog because of their willingness to work to get it is higher.If you have a mildly afraid lab, you might be fine training her with some dry dog cookies, but if you have a picky poodle who is petrified of the dog trailer youre going to need to seriously step it up in the treat department! I recommend these bike trailers based on affordability as an important factor for most dog owners. Do you love riding your bike? If not, then a great budget option would be the 2-in-1 Pet Stroller. The price of a dog trailer ranges from $150 to $400. This bike trailers large wheels are capable of handling sidewalks, pavements, pebble trails, and even trimmed grass fields. We loved the sunroof and rain cover included so our dog could have the most fun ride possible, no matter the weather. Adjustable bug screen. More importantly than anything else, this trailer meets or exceeds the high standards of the ASTM safety standard. Read the step-by-step guide to acclimating a dog to a bike trailer. Now, imagine Ive bullied you into going and that we have just boarded the plane and that you are sweating, wringing your hands and telling me I really hate heights, I dont want to do this. Dogs talk with their bodies, and it is important for us to know what they are trying to communicate if we want to work with them to do the things we want them to do. The cushion is removable and washable, making cleaning a breeze. Out of all of the products we put to the test, the Schwinn Small Rascal Pet Trailer was our favorite. Understanding fear in dogs. Regarding the stroller conversion, at that price point, I would expect Burley to provide the stroller conversion kit included with the trailer. If you and your dog are on a longer trip together and it starts to rain, the DoggyRide has you covered with an additional clear plastic UV guard and rain cover you can purchase that fits the trailer perfectly. We know that it can be overwhelming searching for new products for your best friend, so weve put together a few parameters to look at for your new trailer: The first thing to look at when it comes to a dog bike trailer is capacity. Check the chart below. Dried salmon or some other smelly fish treat, Moist, soft dog treats with a lot of meat in them, How to carry your gear using panniers and backpacks, How you can get cheap cameras for your bike. If you havent towed anything behind you while cycling before, it would be a good idea to try cycling with the trailer empty before you take your dog out for a ride. As an Amazon Associate, BarkVa earns from qualifying purchases. Look for trailers that can handle the type of trips you want to take. Unlike many other bike trailers, this trailer features a universal coupler making it able to attach to a variety of different bikes easily and quickly. Reviewers note that one downfall of this bike trailer is that its floor needs to be firmer so that older and unstable dogs feel more comfortable and safe getting into and out of the carrier, as well as moving around in the carrier while it is in use. Get a bike, lose the car, help the environment. Trailer cab size and comfort are of paramount importance considering how much time your dog will spend riding in the bike trailer. If you dont mind these slight flaws, you will be able to purchase a trailer thats still great in most other ways for a much more economical price. As you probably have guessed, dogs arehighly sensitive to your emotions, so try to be patient and calm during the process. Finally, this bike trailer features real reflectors for added safety as well as an adjustable safety leash to choose how much freedom your furry friend can handle without attempting an escape to chase that squirrel running past your bike! Let Fido run next to your bike until hes tired and then its into the dog bike trailer for a rest while you keep right on going! In response, I turn to you, roll my eyes, and insist that skydiving is safe, fun and that youre overeating and being a stupid crybaby. Price: Around $180 (check on Amazon)Weight Limit: 66 lbs (30 kg)Doggy Door: Yes. Biking has been a big part of our family life ever since I decided to bike everywhere instead of drive, including to my job in NYC from New Jersey. Making a few adjustments will help Hi, I'm Benjy Suzaki and I love cycling with my kids. If youre going at high speeds or on a busy road, you want to make sure your dog stays safe and happy behind you. Now that you are starting to think that a trailer could be a great, fun option for you, lets look at some of the best options out there on the market right now. For these dogs, getting around is slower and more painful for them than it used to be, but theyre not ready to give up their daily walks with you just yet. It is easy to clean and has a rear door for easy entry. Rim Material Aluminum, Air-filled tires inflate with standard bicycle wheel pump, Internal leash is adjustable so pets from leaping out of the trailer holds one Pet up to 50 lbs. You can call them 6 days a week or use their online web-based chat service for assistance. Look for models that fold down for storage in limited spaces if needed., Finally, make sure the trailer of your choice has the right hitch to match your bike.. If you need help finding the right bike trailer for you, my recommended trailer for most people is the Swhinn Joyrider, which is an affordable double-seater that converts beautifully to a stroller. Any of the dog trailers mentioned in this article will add a fun and healthy activity for you and your dog. The hand-lock brake system baked in is a nice touch not present in some of the more expensive trailers out there. The integrated leash inside the trailer should keep your pup secure.. Dogs are hypersensitive to your emotional state, especially stress and frustration. Now that you know a bit more about fear in dogs, keep reading to learn the best way to use food to help dogs work through a fear (Bonus: these tips will also work to help your dog become less fearful of many other objects or situations as well especially crate training!). Schwinn is a popular and affordable bike manufacturer brand that makes entry-level products for everyday use. If he does jump out, the trailer might tip over. These are some of the most common questions people ask when taking their dog around in a bike trailer. Rugged Oxford cloth is draped over the top, giving a weatherproof trailer fit to withstand plenty of punishment on the road. Again, it is important that you are calm, patient, supportive, and encouraging throughout this process and that you allow your dog to set the pace. and will be very stable and sturdy while their dog is getting in or out. This website is all about how to enjoy everyday biking through bike commuting, bike maintenance, and riding with kids. If youve always dreamed of traveling the country (or even another country) by bike but have questioned the feasibility of bringing your furry friend along for such an epic adventure a bike trailer is the solution. This way youre still following your vets bed-rest orders, but your dog can blow off some steam and calm down as she takes in the sights, sounds and smells of the world passing by from the safe confinement of a bike trailer. Although the price of this trailer is certainly steep, we feel that given the high safety standards, value-added features, comforts, ease of loading and unloading your dog, and storage this trailer is worth every penny of its hefty price tag. This model has a reasonably generous weight capacity of 66 pounds, making it a smooth fit for medium breeds., The large wheels are off-road capable and quick-release so that you can break the trailer down in a flash. If you own a short-haired dog, live in a region with mild and dry weather and/or your dog is young and healthy, it may not matter to you if your trailer is easy to clean or if it tips forward or backward slightly when your dog is getting in or out. Additionally, reviewers note this trailer is very easy to fold for quick storage as well as being reasonably easy to reassemble again for use. This aluminum trailer allows dogs up to 110 pounds to join you on your rides. Having your friend cuddle with you while you sleep out under the stars and sip your morning coffee in the wilderness will make you so happy you were able to bring him along! While certainly not a cheap dog bicycle trailer, wed argue youre getting stellar value from Burley. This cover slips on and off easily with no buckles, zippers, or buttons. The Burley Tail Wagon (mentioned above) does have a stroller conversion, but it has to be purchased separately for around $100. This trailer also comes with a handlebar for easy stroller conversion (stroller conversion is sold separately here). Finally, you need to ask yourself how important it is for you to be able to easily clean the inside and outside of the trailer, as well as how easy it is for your large dog to enter and exit the trailer with ease, comfort, and safety. Its important to remember that your dog will need to behave inside the trailer. If you are worried about how much extra weight you can physically manage, or if you have a medium to large dog, an aluminum frame might be the best option for you. Make sure you have the right lights on your bike and trailer for nighttime riding. It features an adjustable safety leash and reviewers note that it is very easy to maneuver and that it turns well even on busy and narrow city streets. Even more important than your puppy becoming tired quickly, is the fact that young dogs and some rescue dogs are often untrained and likely to pull you into traffic or cause a dangerous accident when they see another dog they want to say hi to, or a squirrel they want to chase. This bike trailer comes in two sizes and two colors. PetSafe Happy Ride Steel Dog Bike Trailer, 5. Having ABS will allow you to tackle riding downhill much more safely, and a low wheelbase means a lower center of gravity and less risk of the carrier rolling when you are rounding a tight turn while towing it. Although it does have exterior storage pockets, reviewers state that these pockets are quite small and will not allow you to pack much more than a leash, a collapsible food bowl, and maybe a small snack for Fido. You also get a hitch bundle so you can attach the trailer to a stroller as well as a bicycle. The alloy steel frame is covered with reasonably durable polyester with several colors to choose from.. Some Amazon reviewers have noted however that the kickstand does not lock, so if you have a very large dog or a fragile senior dog it is best to place wood blocks or bricks behind the kickstand while loading or unloading your dog in order to ensure it stays sturdily in one place. If you want the best of the best for your dog, then Burley is the way to go. Using a trailer with any large dog makes life much easier, more convenient, and more fun. With affordability as an important consideration, there are not many dog trailers on the market that also convert to a stroller. However, most trailers will have a cover that prevents the dog from leaving. If you are someone who struggles with putting together IKEA furniture, this is the dog bike trailer for you! Additionally, this trailer has 20-inch wheels that reviewers say are sturdy and well-designed. The fantastic thing about the power sport is that it features a universal bike hitch that will fit most types and styles of bikes between 24 and 28 inches in height. Even though YOU may not feel there is anything to fear about the bike trailer, dismissing your dogs fears WILL make things worse. These quick and easy training tips will make your strolls that much better! Although this bike trailer is our most affordable option, it is still high quality and safe choice with several great features for you and your dog to enjoy. In an attempt to resolve this problem, manufacturers of this bike trailer included a kickstand that can be folded out to stabilize the trailer while an older or larger dog is entering or exiting it from the rear. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn a commission. Make sure to get them comfortable inside the trailer and practice riding with the trailer before taking them out on the open road. We know the selection of dog trailers can be overwhelming, so to make things even easier for you, weve put some of the best pet trailers to the test. In fact, with most dogs, it will also damage your relationship with your dog as they will feel they cant trust you to respect them or care enough to understand when they are afraid. This is very important if you live in a very hot or cold place, or if you have a short-faced breed like a pug or a bulldog, as these guys can get overheated very quickly. Reviewers have noted that tall lean dogs such as Dobermans, Greyhounds or Great Danes are not likely to be as comfortable in this trailer as stockier or shorter breeds. While it is true that some owners may luck out and have really easy-going dogs who adapt quickly and easily to riding in the bike trailer, the reality is that many dogs may feel uneasy about it, and a few may even be utterly terrified. Frame Material Steel, Coupler easily attaches to almost any bicycle for added versatility. Of course, no matter what type of trailer you choose, you want to ensure that it offers a smooth ride for you and your dog. We researched the highest-rated dog bike trailers, chose 12 to test, and narrowed the list to our top 8 picks with 2 runners up. If youre looking fora dog bike trailer that also converts to a stroller, then consider this trailer. Yes, it is frustrating to buy a trailer and be excited to use it only to discover your dog wants nothing to do with it! Even if you did, its very likely that you would avoid my phone calls in the future (thinking me extremely rude), and never go skydiving again! Since we recently ran a dog bike basket article for pint-sized pooches, we thought we should also cover a convenient form of transportation for your bigger furry buddy bike trailers! The trailers frame is rigid and durable and feels a little heavy during biking. Why is My Electric Fence Weak? Schwinn Rascal Bike Pet Trailer, For Small and Large Dogs, Small, Orange, PetSafe Bicycle Trailer, Large, Aluminum,Blue, Padded front headrest and additional front reflective striping, Large rear pouch with water bottle pocket, DURABLE STEEL: A strong, steel constructed frame lets you go for bike rides with your best friend in tow, A RIDE WITH A VIEW: Let your pet enjoy the view while looking out the back, front and side ventilated windows while give them shade from the sun, SAFE AND SECURE: A safety tether inside the trailer attaches to your furry friends harness to keep them safe when hitting the trails; weather-resistant trailer has reflectors for added visibility, EASY TO CONNECT: The trailer hitch quickly connects to your bicycle; at the end of your adventure with your best friend, easily disconnect the hitch and collapse the trailer for storage, STORAGE POUCHES: 3 pockets on the outside of the trailer allow you to bring your pups leash, treats, water and poop bags along on your adventure, SIZING: Medium trailer holds dogs up to 50 lb and the inside cab measures 26 in L x 17 in W x 20 in H; Large trailer holds dogs up to 110 lb and the inside cab measures 33 in L x 22 in W x 26 in H, IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The bike trailer does not work with any tricycle bikes; trailer is not compatible with bikes that have a Shimano gear set, U.S.-BASED CUSTOMER CARE: Let our pet product experts help; were available Monday through Saturday to answer your questions at 1-800-845-3274, FORMERLY SOLVIT BRAND Packaging may vary, Pet trailer designed for use as either a pull-behind bike trailer or push stroller, Multiple mesh-vented windows for maximum airflow and pet visibility, (2) Large 20 rear wheels, and (1) 12 front wheel for sidewalks, pavement, pebble trails, and short grassy areas, Universal style hitch works with most 24 to 28 bikes, Maximum capacities: 130 lb. This way, their dog can still enjoy the walks, runs and bike rides with you that they used to, but when they become tired, they can hope into the bike trailer/stroller and you can keep on going as you always have together for all those years. Please read our Privacy Policy. For a heavier dog, one the wont lie or sit calmly in the trailer, or one with joint issues, its best to pick a trailer with very supportive flooring. This trailer has the largest weight capacity of any trailer weve reviewed, making it perfect for older, larger dogs that love the outdoors., Maximum weight: 50 pounds | Materials: Nylon | Dimensions: 30 x 19 x 17 inches | Item weight: 28 pounds, This is the most affordable trailer on our list and comes with water-resistant fabric and a folding frame for easy storage.