Riding with a dog?

[Lisa]

I did a search for "dog" and brought up 7 pages of results but none of the titles seemed to indicate whether they were about riding with dogs, mostly they were about being chased by dogs...

I'm planning on buying my first motorcycle in the near future and have budgeted my start up costs accordingly but I have one issue, I won't be able to do more then a short day trip unless I can bring my doggy with me (adult german shepherd). Now I've seen pics of people riding with their dog on their bike and that doesn't look safe even though it's kind of cute. I know it wouldn't be safe with my dog (or me), he'd probably try jumping off to chase a squirrel. He's 80 pounds of excitable fur.

That being said I know there's side cars available for passengers (it would have to be totally enclosed to keep him from jumping out), are there dog trailers like they have for bicycles or would it have to be custom built? Is it legal in most places to have a dog in a trailer? Do the average motorcycle shops have doggy helmets or would I have to take him to a place in the big city (nearest big city is Toronto).

I've chosen the style of bike I want, and depending on funds will either be buying new or used (new would obviously be preferred, I'm not sure I want that used buyer experience).

[Gummiente]

Hi, Lisa. I'm just down the road from you in Gananoque and have a dog who rides with me in my sidecar bike. Click on the webpage link in my signature and you can read all about his adventures.

Whether you want a sidecar or a trailer for your bike, I highly recommend you get in touch with Tom (aka" Porkchopp") of R&T Motorrad. He's an old Army buddy of mine and he knows his stuff, he's located just north of Belleville on Thrasher Rd. Give him a call any time at: (613) 477-1130.

As for legal issues, as long as the dog is properly restrained you (and the dog!) will be fine. You can either buy a trailer and have it modified or buy a sidecar for your bike, the cost will be pretty much the same either way. My preference is to have the dog in a sidecar, where it is MUCH easier to keep an eye on him.

[bebopin64]

Now I've seen pics of people riding with their dog on their bike and that doesn't look safe even though it's kind of cute.

doggy side cars are WAYYYY cooler then dogs riding on the seat.

[slimcolo]

Most dogs will stay in sidecar unrestrained as long as motor is running. (they don't want to miss a ride) Only dog helmets I saw were hand made. They do make Doggels (brand dog goggles www.doggels.com) and are avial. at Petsmart. Also have leather biker jackets and bandannas.(at wally world at X Mass)

There are dog sport clothing and gear sites. (they carry Rock climbing helmets, hunting vests, Camelbacks, cowboy hats, boots, and Saddlebags all for dogs) With a Police Dog you need saddlebags, dogs can carry a lot.

I have also seen dog trailers for bikes. They look just like scaled down horse trailers. Be careful of in-closed trailer or sidecar, it may be too hot for dog. Do you want a Hot Dog? Relish? Coke? no Coke Pepsi.

[Lisa]

The handling of a side car has been a concern, as has been the totally enclosed bubble (I'm thinking some sort of ventilation would be required).

[Sandibeach]

I don't know much about dogs on bikes or sidecars, but I do know that there are doggy seat belts available for cars. I'm sure you could adapt it for a sidecar. The dog can move around a bit, but would it would be impossible for him to jump out. A friend of mine got one for her large golden retriever so he wouldn't jump out of her convertible when she was stopped at a light, etc. Go to the large petstores and see what they have, this way you wouldn't need an enclosed side car.

Send pics when you do figure it out!

[Gummiente]

I don't know much about dogs on bikes or sidecars, but I do know that there are doggy seat belts available for cars.

PetSmart sells a harness for dogs that clips into car seatbelts. It's very easy to adapt one for sidecar use.

[RavenDee]

Sounds like you and your dog have lots of fun planned. Here is a biker dogs website that will give you some ideas.

http://www.bikerdogsmc.org/

Check out the Pack Members lists, there are lots of pictures of all kinds of biker dogs and riding methods.

The doggie mototcycle helmet site I'd recently found seems to no longer be working. The product was called "zoomergear."

I've got a smaller dog that I'm hoping to start taking out with me in the future. I'm looking for some sort of front pack that I can put her in, and will get her some doggles to protect her eyes. A (expensive, for me) smaller-dog option is the Beastrider
http://www.beastriders.com/products/bea ... index.html

First. though, I've got to get more riding experience myself.

Interesting to see some fellow Canadians (I'm also in S. Ontario) taking their dogs for a ride. Lisa, what sort of reactions do you get when you are out with your dog?
Dee

[Gummiente]

http://www.bikerdogsmc.org/

My dog Hector is a member of that club! His pic is listed in the Ontario section.

Lisa, what sort of reactions do you get when you are out with your dog?

She doesn't have a bike yet. But I can answer that one... Hector has over 11,000km of riding experience in the sidecar and he ALWAYS gets positive and delighted reactions from people. Nobody has ever questioned me about his safety, although some have expressed concern about him riding in the dead of winter. I make sure he has his fleece riding jacket on and limit his rides to no longer than 1hr at temps below -10C.

[Lisa]

Heh, my dog is way too heavy for either a front pack or a beastrider seat... I think my cat is too big for either too, I'd throw out my back, not that I'd bring him out, he enjoys staying home and sleeping while the dog does not.

I haven't started riding yet, my motorized experience consists of riding a motorbike around (offroad) when I lived on my uncles ranch out west. Right now I'm doing research before spending the money or putting myself or my dog on a bike. I'm not expecting to have him out biking til next spring. Gummiente has given me some good information to digest though I think my dog's behaviour will probably be a deciding matter over sidecar/trailer or if he comes along at all (currently he tries to chase the 4wheelers when they drive by).