🚵‍♀️ Biking With Your Dog: Trail Tips, Training, and Safety for Two-Wheeled Adventures

Want to level up your dog’s exercise routine and your own trail time at the same time? Biking with your dog can be an incredible bonding experience, especially for high-energy breeds that need more than just a walk around the block. But before you load up and hit the trail, there’s a lot to consider—because this isn’t just a casual outing. It’s a fast-moving, high-risk adventure, and your dog needs to be just as prepared as you are.

Here’s how to get started—safely, responsibly, and with the right training.

Waiting for a winter ride!

🧠 First Things First: Is Biking Right for Your Dog?

Let’s get real for a second: not every dog is suited for trail riding.

Ask yourself:

• Does your dog have a rock-solid recall, even under distraction?

• Can they stay focused and in position at speed?

• Do they ignore other riders, hikers, and off-leash dogs?

• Are they physically fit enough for extended running?

If the answer is no to any of those—they’re not ready yet. And that’s okay. Start with obedience, long-line work, and recall training before bringing them on the trail.

Taking a dog who’s not ready can be extremely dangerous. High-speed crashes involving dogs can result in serious injury—or worse.

If you’re not 100% sure your dog is ready, don’t take them.

🏞️ Choosing the Right Trail: Safety First

Not all mountain bike trails are dog-friendly—or dog-safe. Here’s how to pick a good one:

✅ Look for:

• Cross-country trails with flowy, rolling terrain

• Green runs or easy blues (no jumps, drops, or technical rock gardens)

• Low-traffic zones at off-peak times (avoid Slaughter Pen on a sunny Saturday!)

• Well-signed paths where visibility is high

🚫 Avoid:

• Jump lines and gravity trails

• Busy or blind corners

• Trails labeled as “advanced” or “black diamond”

Use apps like MTB Project or TrailForks to scout trails in advance—especially if you’re traveling. If you’re local to Bentonville, you’re in luck: we’ve got dozens of dog-appropriate trails, including options at Coler, Blowing Springs, and Bella Vista’s Back 40.

🚴‍♀️ Step-by-Step: How to Train Your Dog to Ride With You

Training your dog to run safely beside a bike is more than just grabbing a leash and hoping for the best. Here’s how to build a confident trail companion from the ground up.

🔹 Step 1: Heel Next to the Bike

Start with your dog standing calmly next to your bike in a heel position—on leash. This gets them used to the bike’s size, movement, and sounds. Reward for calm behavior.

🔹 Step 2: Walk in a Straight Line

Begin walking your bike slowly with your dog next to you, then move to riding at a slow pace in a straight line. Use a long line, not a short leash, so you can control the distance but avoid entanglement.

🔹 Step 3: Add Turns With Verbal Cues

Introduce gentle turns and begin to use verbal cues like “this way” or “turn” to warn your dog before a change in direction. This keeps them from cutting across your front tire and causing a crash.

🔹 Step 4: Build Distance & Endurance

Practice in low-distraction environments before adding speed or longer distances. Build stamina over time—this is physical for them too.

🔹 Step 5: Transition to the Trail

Start on an easy, low-traffic trail and keep sessions short. Watch your dog for signs of fatigue, overheating, or stress. Always bring water and take breaks.

🍂 Trail Etiquette and Safety Tips

• Off-leash dogs must be under voice control at all times

• Always yield to other riders and keep your dog close when passing

• Avoid trails during peak hours

• Bring poop bags—leave no trace

• If you stop for a break, pull off the trail

Most importantly, don’t push your dog too hard too soon. Running at speed on rough terrain is intense, and dogs don’t always show signs of fatigue until they’re over the edge.

🐾 Final Thoughts: Adventure With Awareness

Mountain biking with your dog can be an epic experience—if done right. With the right training, right trail, and right timing, your dog can become your favorite trail buddy. But the responsibility is on you to keep them safe, prepared, and in control.

Start slow, train smart, and always err on the side of caution. You’ve got one dog—and they’ve got one you. Let’s keep both of you healthy, happy, and hitting the trail for years to come.