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Bikejoring: All Information for Beginners and Advanced

Bikejoring is pure action! The trend sport inspires active dog owners who like to work out in nature with their four-legged friends. What bikejoring looks like in implementation, what needs to be considered and a lot of interesting things can be read in this article.

What is Bikejoring with the Dog?

Bikejoring is an exciting pastime with the dog with a good dose of speed. The dog sport is different from normal cycling, as the sporty four-legged friend runs ahead and pulls people. This creates an adventure on two wheels, which not only builds up muscles and increases endurance – it strengthens the bond between dog and human.

  • Like canicross, bikejoring is part of the dog sport and requires professional equipment;
  • In dog sports, one or two four-legged friends pull the cyclist through a joring line;
  • It is a good way to work out dogs who love to run;
  • Bikejoring requires an appropriate weight ratio between dog and person;
  • The cyclist gives the commands, takes regular breaks, and supports the dog as needed by pedaling.

Bikejoring – What Should You Watch Out For?

Bikejoring is a perfect sport for four-legged friends who love to run. Before dog and human rush into the adventure, a few rules must be observed:

  • Dream team: Bikejöring only works together as a team. The dog runs ahead and listens to the commands of the people. Therefore basic obedience of the dog is indispensable. Mutual trust is also important. This is further strengthened by the correct practice of the dog sport.
  • Bikejoring is an occupation: The dog sport does not cover the mental workload, since running mainly challenges the dog physically. Additional brain teasers turn your best friend into a balanced and content comrade.
  • Surface: Beginners choose easy routes for their first training units in order to keep the risk of a fall low. Even professionals can skid on bumpy paths. Therefore, it is better to be on the safe side than to choose daring routes.
  • The right weather: no dog sport above 20 ° C! Temperatures of up to 15 ° C are ideal, as dogs quickly suffer from overheating. Bikejoring is also strongly discouraged when the temperature is below zero. The risk of slipping for your four-legged friend increases dramatically on black ice.
  • Breaks: It is very important to take regular breaks for regeneration and refreshment. Dog owners always have enough fresh drinking water and a bowl with them.

Bikejoring: the First Training Units

Bikejoring is offered in many dog sport clubs. It is advisable for absolute beginners to involve an experienced person. This can indicate dangers and check whether the equipment has been installed correctly. The sequence of the first training units is as follows:

  • Before bikejoring, the dog warms up with a walk-around. Here he has the opportunity to do his business in peace and to explore the area with his nose;
  • For the first training session, the cyclist selects a low-irritant, level route;
  • Before the team starts, the dog owner ensures the correct mounting of the accessories;
  • The dog waits in the correct position (in front of the bike with the joring line taut) for the start signal;
  • The four-legged friend can learn the command “pull” with the help of another person. This stands in front of the dog and motivates him to run forward with a treat;
  • The first units are to be kept very short. A distance of 1-2 km is sufficient for the beginning;
  • There are always breaks in between. The dog has to train its endurance and only after longer training does muscle build-up become noticeable.

Bikejoring Antenna, Rope, and Harness: the Right Equipment

In addition to a bicycle – preferably a mountain bike – a helmet and knee pads, bikejoring beginners also buy special bikejoring equipment. The complete bikejoring set consists of a pull cord, a comfortable harness, and a bike antenna, which increases safety in pulling dog sports.

Pull line

The pull line – also called joring line – is characterized by an integrated recoil damper. This makes the leash a bit flexible. The elasticity is important so that dogs and humans are protected from jerky movements. The joring line is about 2.5-3 m long.

Pulling harness

For bikejoring, dog owners equip themselves with a special pulling harness, which differs from a normal harness. The accessories are designed to evenly distribute the tensile load. It is important to ensure that the quality is good. This is characterized by comfortable padding and durability.

In addition to high-quality workmanship, it is important to ensure that the harness sits perfectly on the dog. Ideally, it is also equipped with reflectors that ensure increased visibility.

Bike antenna

The bike antenna prevents the pull line from getting tangled in the front wheel. Especially when cornering, a line can quickly get caught in the bike and lead to accidents. However, there is no one hundred percent guarantee even with a bike antenna. Therefore, the line must always be tensioned while driving.

The dog owner attaches the accessories to the frame of the bicycle. The pull cord is pulled through an eyelet, which is placed at the front end of the antenna.

Bikejoring: Husky and Co. are the Right Breeds

Medium to large breeds of dogs are possible for bikejoring. The reason for this is that the cyclist and the bike must not weigh more than four times the dog. Example:

A 25 kg dog is an option for a 60 kg person plus a bike weighing 10 kg for bikejoring.

Accordingly, small dogs such as Chihuahuas or Dachshunds are unsuitable for the dog sport. But not only the weight is decisive. Not all fur noses are sports enthusiasts who take great pleasure in running. Some prefer a leisurely walk with their mistress or master.

Bikejöring is ideal for four-legged friends who have an increased drive. They can fully satisfy their instincts through dog sport. Examples of active dog breeds with an appropriate weight for an adult include:

  • Doberman Pinscher
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Weimaraner
  • Alaskan Malamute
  • Dalmatian

Bikejoring: the Fitness of the Dog

Dogs that regularly participate in endurance and weight training such as bikejöring are on the safe side with veterinary check-ups. If you have cardiovascular problems or serious damage to the musculoskeletal system, do not do bikejoring. General fitness on the day of training is also important. Before the dog sport, the dog should look lively and healthy.

So that bikejoring doesn’t get on your joints, surfaces that wear off a little are preferable. Forest or field paths are ideal. Another protective measure for the four-legged friends is wearing paw shoes. The shoes protect the dogs’ sensitive skin from injuries.

Bikejoring: the Age of the Dog

From the age of one year, medium-sized dogs approach bikejoring. For larger ones, the entry age shifts by 6 months because they are in the growth phase longer. A minimum age of one and a half years is also required for competitions.

In puppies and young dogs that are still in the growth phase, dog training can lead to joint problems such as osteoarthritis later on.

Strength and endurance sports are also not suitable for senior dogs. Entry into senior age differs from dog to dog. Age can be seen, among other things, through a reduced desire to exercise.

Alice White

Written by Alice White

Alice White, a devoted pet lover and writer, has turned her boundless affection for animals into a fulfilling career. Originally dreaming of wildlife, her limited scientific background led her to specialize in animal literature. Now she happily spends her days researching and writing about various creatures, living her dream.

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