A BICYCLE BUILT FOR TWO

There are countless dog friendly parks, trails, and plantations in Charleston. A bicycle built for two would give us the freedom to enjoy them while merging two of our favorite past times together – bike riding and dog walking!

Thanks to the  Woof Cycle Bike Trotters we’ve got the next best thing and we’re on our way!…

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The Woof Cycle Bike Trotter lets us safely take the Boys along on our bike rides.

I keep Jaxson with me #mybaby while Doodle Dad takes Harley. #oldguysbonding

AT FIRST –

I was skeptical about Jax getting in the way. I had visions of us on the side of the road, his head wedged between the wheel spokes #doodledown 

But it really does keep him by my side and out of harms ways.

A design that takes into account both the laws of physics and dog behavior. The dog’s ability to pull to the side is greatly reduced and the tipping forces are virtually eliminated.

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It’s imperative that you check with your vet FIRST especially if daily exercise isn’t in your dogs regiment. Your vet will want to evaluate your pup for heart and/or lung problems, as well as discuss a “low-impact exercise plan” should he/she suffer from inflamed joints or ligament issues…

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We started with slow and short outings at first. #slothspeed

Now we’re trotting and riding for about 20 minutes at a time. We stop to enjoy the scenery and hydrate along the way.

This is relatively inexpensive ($43.00) and super easy to install. #Ididit

I do want to tell you we followed their helpful tips before using and found these three to be very beneficial –

  • Be mindful of your pet’s capabilities when using the Trotter
  • Attach Bike Trotter clip to your dogs collard walk the bike until your dog is comfortable with it
  • Start slowly, practicing turns and stops in open areas

Both Boys seem to like it. Harley has a “wheel fettish” so he barks with excitement for the first twenty or thirty steps

We started them in the neighborhood –

Last week we kicked it up a notch and drove to Hampton Park #yespeoplestaredatus

By the end of spring (early summer) I hope to ride around the beach community – then park the bikes and splash in the warm salt water with them #baywatchdoodles

HERE’S THE BEST PART –

#nowords

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This is NOT a product review – I only wanted to share a fun way for you and your pup to get some exercise.

Make this the best weekend of your life – surprise someone with an act of kindness❤️

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This is the FitDog Friday Blog Hop sponsored by SlimDoggy and their co-hosts To Dog with Love and My GBGV Life.   Here you can find lots of fun fitness tips and advice!

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40 Comments
  • Diane
    February 5, 2016

    I don’t know the dogs’ ages, but remember that dogs under 2 years old should do a limited amount of running. Too much exercise leads to crippling bone and joint problems later on. I’m not criticizing, just want you to be aware.
    It looks like great fun, thanks for sharing!

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 5, 2016

      Thanks Diane – I sincerely appreciate you sharing this with me. Both Jax (only a year) and Harley (my Senior baby) are both at opposite spectrums which makes it PAWfect to ride them together. Jax is still developing while Harley needs to not over extend. Our trot is really a walk with a hop LOL and we don’t ride them a great distance. We drive to our locations – ride the path, then back to the car (we’re old people!). While exercise is good, it’s got to be the right type for those who are engaged. Have a great weekend and please come back and visit again soon.

  • Emma
    February 5, 2016

    In Europe everyone rides their bike and many run their dogs along side. Mom tried that with Katie, but just never felt comfortable doing it. Then she was training for a marathon and a friend rode along with her on a bike. Mom said she hated the feeling of running next to a bike, so that pretty much ended the idea. I know lots of humans and dogs who love it and it is a great workout if it works for you. Thanks for sharing and joining the hop!

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 5, 2016

      I’ve tried to ride with Leo in the past by holding the leash. That didn’t work, in fact it was out right scary. Not to mention unsafe! This is so much better for us.

  • Tiffany
    February 5, 2016

    Looks like you two had a blast!!!

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 5, 2016

      We did Tiffany, although we like to go out alone, Harley and Doodle Dad are rather slow while Jax and I like to feel the wind in our faces.

  • slimdoggy
    February 5, 2016

    What a great fun way to exercise – for both of you! That last photo is a classic…one of the best benefits of regular exercise!

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 5, 2016

      That last photo is what inspires me to go out everyday! LOL

  • Amanda T
    February 5, 2016

    Such a cute video! Doodle Dad get a great job with film direction. ;-). I have an irrational fear of riding a bike but this really makes me wish I didn’t!

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 5, 2016

      Amanda I will let Doodle Dad know you complimented his skills. Can’t tell you how much footage there was of the concrete street LOL Thank the Doodle for editing capabilities! I agree with you – if you have a fear of riding then this isn’t the form of exercise for you girlfriend. #sorry! Have a great weekend.

  • Pamela
    February 5, 2016

    I think Honey would have enjoyed running beside the bike much more than riding in my bike cart.

    But I had a road bike and tended to ride pretty fast. I haven’t yet adopted the relaxed cruiser bike personality. But I’m working on it.

    Doodle Dad, Harley, and the jazz soundtrack made it seem pretty attractive.

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 5, 2016

      I bought a bile cart for Harley (after seeing Honey in one) when he was much younger and it was a bust from the first ride. It ended sitting in the garage for years and then I sold it at a yard sale. So I was skeptical about the bike trotter with him. But this is much more entertaining for him. He gets his rhythm and you can’t tell him he isn’t “the doodle” LOL

  • All Things Collie
    February 5, 2016

    I thought about getting one of those, but worry the collies will see a squirrel and I’ll be toast. #wipeout

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 5, 2016

      Your fear is no more real than mine was with Jax and leaves! When he sees something of interest, I call his name and he gets back in the zone. We’ve passed dogs on our rides but again, they’re in the zone “working” and don’t seem to really care.

  • Murphy
    February 5, 2016

    That looks like a lot of fun! My “Pack Leader” received a beach cruiser for her birthday….maybe it’s time she practices so we can do this too!
    BOL!

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 5, 2016

      Tell your Pack Leader to check it out. I was hesitant at first. By the second ride I was hooked. Jax wants to trot faster than Harley so sometimes we go out by ourselves. #sshhh

  • Earl Lover
    February 5, 2016

    What fun and exercise!

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 5, 2016

      IT certainly is Earl – they love it and we’re having a blast with the sun on our faces!

  • DZ Dogs
    February 5, 2016

    Looks like fun!! My next buy is an off road scooter! It has high clearance and is meant for dirt trails and such, I want to teach the dogs to pull me on it. 🙂

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 5, 2016

      Now that sounds like real fun! Make sure you get video to share 🙂

  • Dashlilly
    February 5, 2016

    Well look at you guys!! Looking good!

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 5, 2016

      We’re trying to get our beach figures ready LOL

  • Callie, Shadow, and Ducky's Mom
    February 5, 2016

    Looks like a lot of fun as well as good exercise! If I were about 20 years younger and still living on Long Island, I might try it. But this road we live on might as well be I-26 the way most people drive on it. Those of us who live here take our lives in our hands just pulling out of our driveways.

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 6, 2016

      Hey homie! I’m originally from Long Island too! And I would tend to agree with you about the drivers #speakingtruth This sport would definitely not be safe in and around public streets where traffic roams. If you don’t think you would feel safe than don’t try it!

  • Tenacious Little Terrier
    February 5, 2016

    They look like they’re having a lot of fun! I’d like to ride with Mr. N but I think it would be too dangerous.

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 6, 2016

      If you’re saying that because of his size I don’t think so. I would imagine though that you’d have to go super slow because of his adorable little legs and that might just defeat the whole purpose. Mr. N. looks like the PAWfect candidate for that little basket on the handlebars. He would probably love the wind in his face too!

      • Tenacious Little Terrier
        February 7, 2016

        Oh he’s a fast runner but I worry that if something happened and the bike fell on him, he’d get crushed.

        • Cathy Bennett
          February 7, 2016

          Oh that’s so sweet Mr. N. but highly unlikely. The arm attached to the bike frame is long enough to give hm clearance. And he’s never attached when the bike is unattended. He’s safe! Now me on the other hand LOL

  • Diane @ To Dog With Love
    February 5, 2016

    Looks like fun for both of you!

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 6, 2016

      It is a lot of fun. When they see me roll the bicycles out they’re actually getting excited now BEFORE I grab their leases #goodsign It’s also great exercise for me the the hubby. I will admit – the four of us get a lot of stares from people in cars LOL It’s a bit of a novelty to most!

  • Spencer the Goldendoodle
    February 5, 2016

    You guys are cruising! Looks like so much fun, when is it my turn?!?!? Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 6, 2016

      Come on over Spencer – we can take turns when you get here!

  • Rama's Mama
    February 6, 2016

    Boy do we love a tired dog! Running alongside my bike is one of Rama’s favorite things. Such great exercise! I love the video!

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 7, 2016

      Tired dogs are the best! I don’t trust either Doodle to run along side without some connection to me. Harley would stop after about two blocks and walk himself home! Jaxson would bolt in a doodle minute for a blowing leaf, piece of paper, cat, squirrel, etc…

  • Barbara Rivers
    February 6, 2016

    That’s such an awesome way of exercising together – and the last picture clearly shows the effect of regular exercise ;- )

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 7, 2016

      Barbara – that last photo is my motivator LOL

  • Jan K
    February 7, 2016

    What fun for all of you! We used to bike all the time but mostly gave it up in favor of hiking once we got dogs. I don’t think they had anything like this back then!

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 7, 2016

      Hiking doesn’t seem to give Jax much of a workout. We’ll come home from a hike, Harley & I are worn out, Jax is still going at full speed!!! Using the bike trotter seems to do the trick #thankGod

  • Two French Bulldogs
    February 8, 2016

    Looks like you guys have everything under control. It kills us when we see a very small dog running alongside a bike. Ugh
    Lily & Edward

    • Cathy Bennett
      February 8, 2016

      I don’t think I would be very comfortable with that scenario. I like the bike trotter because he’s connected to me in a manner that protects him next to me and allows me to ride with safety.