I'm sure you have heard at least a dozen times how much exercise your pooch needs each day. For many breeds, a leisurely walk or a slow jog can fulfill your dog's physical needs. For other breeds, however, a jog may not even be enough. Unfortunately, not all owners are conditioned, or even have time, to take a daily run with their pets. If you are looking for a way to build up your endurance or a way to release your pooch's energy without wearing yourself out, then why not take him on a bike ride?

No, I'm not insisting that you throw your pooch on the back of your bike. Where would the exercise be in that? Instead, you can bike while he jogs beside you. It may sound a little strange and possibly a little dangerous, but it can be a lifesaver for owners with hyperactive breeds. And don't worry, with a little training, biking with your dog can be just as safe as running with him.

Often, new owners unknowingly arrive home with a working breed. They may have taken home a cute puppy at the shelter without realizing how much energy he would have, or they thought they would be able to handle the excess energy. But, caring for a hyper pooch can be a more daunting task than anticipated. Even non-working breeds require exercise, and sometimes owners are not able to run with their dogs. Biking is a good way for the owner, no matter what fitness level, to exercise without over doing it, while letting the dog exercise as much as he needs.

Please don't assume that you can just grab your pooch, a bike, and a leash and start a daily bike routine. An everyday leash can pose numerous dangers for you and your pet. First, a normal leash can be dangerous if it gets wrapped around the tires or if your pet runs in front of a tire, causing you to wreck and possibly fall into traffic. Second, biking on a busy street often requires hand signals. Holding a leash in one hand and your bike in the other can prevent you from making appropriate turning signals. Third, if your pet comes across another dog and starts a hot pursuit, you could be pulled from the bike and injured. Unfortunately, everyday leashes do not provide adequate control over the dog while riding a bike.

So, you may be wondering how you can bike with your pooch if you can't use a normal leash. A handful of companies make leashes especially for bicycles. They easily attach to any type of bike and can be used on any type of terrain. The leash looks similar to a steel rod. It is straight and sturdy, and it keeps the dog away from the bicycle; so, you don't have to worry about your beloved pooch running under your tires. If an incident happens and you must get off the bike, the leash can be easily detached and used like a normal leash. The bicycle attachment can also be transferred from one bicycle to another in just a few minutes, making it easy for all the grownups in the family to take the pet for a ride.

Even if you have the necessary equipment, there are still a few safety precautions to keep in mind while you are biking. You are going to have to train your pet to get accustomed to the bike before you take him out. Be mindful, and don't just attach him to the leash and make him go; he will have to learn additional commands in order to let the both of you ride smoothly with traffic. Also, as temping as it may be, don't take the dog out on the bike leash if you are carrying a child on the back of the bicycle. The added weight could pose a serious danger for you, your child, and your pet. On the same note, a child should never be biking with the dog. The bicyclist should be able to maintain control over the bike and the dog at all times. And, before you hit the road, make sure your community allows bicyclists and dogs on the roads!

If you're looking for a way to let your pooch get extra exercise without wearing yourself out, then consider biking with him! Never use a standard leash; instead, purchase a leash made especially for bicycling. Safety is always first, so do not put yourself or your pooch in danger.