Bikejoring & Dog Scootering Explained What is ‘Bikejor’?
Bikejor is the sport of cross country biking with your dog attached to your bike, it can be much faster and more exhilarating than canicross and is particularly suitable for dogs who really embrace running. What do I need to start bikejoring? Aside from the obvious (a mountain bike, safety equipment such as hat, glasses and gloves), you will need a comfortable fitting harness for your dog, an attachment for your bike and a long bungee lead to connect you both. (See below for more details) A brief note on bikes You can start bikejoring with any bike but one which is substantial enough for cross country riding is best. A basic ‘hardtail’ mountain bike is a great starting point. Brakes need to be good and many bikejorers prefer disc brakes as for safety reasons you will need to rely on them! What is ‘Dog Scootering’? Dog Scootering is the sport of cross country scootering with your dog attached to a specifically adapted scooter. What do I need to start dog scootering? Safety equipment for yourself, including a helmet, glasses and gloves, a comfortable fitting harness for your dog, a specifically designed dog scooter, a long bungee lead to connect you both and potentially an attachment for your scooter. How old does my dog need to be for bikejoring or dog scootering? We recommend starting your dog with voice commands initially and then working gradually up to attaching them to a bike or scooter. Dogs are not allowed to compete before 18 months old with these two disciplines because of the additional strain to the dogs joints from the faster nature of the sports. |
Dog Harness |
The dog harness is the most important piece of kit as this will take the pressure of pulling away from your dogs throat, the idea is to give them a supportive harness they can lean into when they pull.
Every dog is an individual so finding the right harness is probably the hardest bit of getting your canicross equipment and there is now a wide range to choose from. You can find lots of information online at www.k9trailtime.com and they also offer a free harness consultation and hold online sessions to help you decide what might suit your dog best |
Bike / Scooter Attachment & Bungee Line |
Bike/Scooter Attachment
The attachment for the bike or scooter helps to prevent the line from dropping into the front wheel if your dog slows down or stops suddenly. It is not a fail-safe but will dramatically reduce the amount of tangles you have. Bungee Line The bungee lead is the shock absorbing element of your equipment and protects both you and your dog from the force of your dog pulling suddenly. |