Alice White
Everyone knows that sports are not only entertainment but also health benefits. A four-legged friend will help to diversify training. With a dog, you can not only walk and run in the park but also, for example, ride a bike. There is even a separate sports discipline called bikejoring.
Like other Dryland disciplines, dog bikejoring evolved from winter sledding sports. The dogs participating in the competition needed to keep fit and train even in summer. This is how snow-free sports with a pet appeared.
The main difference between bikejoring and other disciplines is that the dog pulls the athlete who rides the bike.
How is the Competition Going?
Races are held on rough terrain, teams move on a dirt road or on a track with a special coating;
The distance is from 3 to 10 km, but sometimes there are longer routes;
The driver can only control the dog using voice commands, physical contact is prohibited;
The cyclist cannot overtake the dog. With the exception of slopes, the animal must always be in front;
The team that comes first to the finish line wins the race.
Sport Equipment
Particular attention in bikejoring lessons is paid to sports equipment because this is one of the key components of the team’s success. What do you need for classes?
Bike. It is the most important element of sports equipment in bikejoring. As a rule, racers choose mountain models. But, if you are planning simple training with a pet and are not going to participate in competitions, any model will do;
Belt. The rider wears a special wide belt to which traction is attached;
Helmet. An obligatory part of an athlete’s outfit, on which it is advisable not to save money. It is recommended to choose lightweight ventilated models that provide protection from insects and dust;
Traction with a shock absorber. This is the cord that connects the cyclist and the dog. It attaches to the bike or to the rider’s belt. Its taut length is 2.5–3 m;
Glasses and gloves. They are not required, but experts advise getting them as they provide protection from dirt, sun, and insects.
Who Can Participate?
As with other Dryland disciplines, there are no breed restrictions in bikejoring. Representatives of sled breeds, such as huskies, malamutes, or huskies, as well as mestizos, and even outbred animals can participate. The main thing is the desire and passion of the dog.
There are certain requirements for the age of the dog: it must be at least 18 months old. There are also veterinary requirements that prohibit the participation in competitions of aggressive animals, pregnant and lactating dogs.
For riders there is only an age limit: the athlete must be over 14 years old.
How Do I Start Training?
No matter how funny it may sound, but first of all, an athlete needs to learn how to ride a bike well: manage it, stay in the saddle, feel it – in a word, get used to the vehicle.
You should approach training with a dog gradually. At first, they simply walk with the ward, fastening the animal to the belt. Then they learn the commands and learn to control the pet using only one voice. When the dog and the athlete are ready, real bikejoring training begins.
If you have little experience and this is the first pet you would like to compete with, you will need professional help. It is impossible to do without the recommendations of a dog trainer because a joint sport with a dog is not just entertainment, but also serious work.
