When it comes to cycling with dogs, one of the most important questions is, how safe is my dog in a bicycle trailer? On this page, we will be introducing our detailed safety concept for Croozer Dog models!

CYCLING WITH A DOG – BICYCLE TRAILER, BASKET, CARGO BIKE OR RUNNING ALONGSIDE?

You love cycling – and of course, you also love your dog and would ideally like to have them with you at all times. Luckily, many good solutions are available for combining these two passions! But which is the best or safest option? Ultimately, it is often a question of taste and personal lifestyle. Nevertheless, we’d like to outline some pros and cons while offering our own two cents on the matter.

We designed our Croozer dog trailers in collaboration with dog owners and other experts from the fields of veterinary medicine, dog physiotherapy, dog training and dog breeding. One of the facts we learned in this process was particularly surprising for us: Dogs are not long-distance runners. Their bones and joints are not made for extended, high-speed runs beside their cycling or jogging owners. Excessive physical activity can even lead to health problems! This is why we recommend not expecting too much from your dog: Speeds and distances that seem manageable – or even enjoyable – for them are not necessarily healthy. On our blog, you can find more helpful tips and tricks for cycling with a dog!

If you plan to ride for longer distances or at speeds that are higher than your dog’s normal running pace, you will need to find a means of carrying your canine companion. A Croozer bicycle trailer offers you a practical solution that checks all the boxes:

• Environmentally friendly, simple transport option for your dog
• Practical for everyday life, camping holidays, bike tours etc.
• Also suitable as a cosy nook at home or on the road, and as a dog stroller (accessory kit)
• Fits a wide range of breeds, including large dogs up to 45 kg
• Can be easily folded to a compact size for transport or storage

Perhaps you have also seen dogs riding in cargo bikes. The advantages of a bicycle trailer for dogs are numerous:

• You don’t have to keep your dog leashed to prevent them from jumping out.
• You don’t have to invest in a new bike but can simply hitch the Croozer to your favourite bicycle.
• You can also fold up the bicycle trailer for taking it with you on the train or on holiday.

Do you have a very small dog? Then they might also fit in a basket! Most baskets are approved for carrying up to approx. 8 kg. This means that they are only suitable for very small and light breeds. Unfortunately, these baskets can also be bulky, making the bicycle more difficult to steer.

Of course, you can also let your four-legged friend stretch their legs and run beside your bike now and then on longer bike tours. In this case, however, it is important that your dog…

• is fully grown and in excellent physical condition,
• obeys your stop commands and does not chase after cats or other animals,
• does not dart back and forth across the bicycle path into the wheels of your bicycle or those of other cyclists and
• is leashed when riding in traffic.

DO I HAVE TO KEEP MY DOG ON A LEASH IN THE BICYCLE TRAILER?

You do not have to keep your dog on a leash in a Croozer bicycle trailer. In fact, we recommend removing the leash to allow your dog to move freely inside the passenger compartment without getting tangled up. Our dog trailers are designed to enable dogs to ride safely without a leash: You can close the rear door securely using latches that can only be opened from the outside. The openings in the front and top panels are also made of extremely robust materials to stop canine Houdinis!

CYCLING WITH TWO DOGS – IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?

Cycling with two dogs running next to you is even more difficult – both of them have to obey your commands and stay beside you. In traffic, they have to be on a leash. In a bicycle trailer, the two canines can cuddle together and enjoy the ride! Just make sure that the trailer offers sufficient space for both dogs, and that their combined weight does not exceed the trailer’s maximum load capacity.

CYCLING WITH A DOG IN HOT OR COLD WEATHER – YES OR NO?

On hot summer days, you should ideally never let your dog run beside your bicycle. In the bicycle trailer, they would have a shady, comfortable spot and get enough fresh air through the multiple mesh windows. Be sure to take frequent drinking breaks and allow your dog to nap in the shade in the middle of the day so that the heat is not too exhausting for them.
In the colder months, it’s important that your dog can stay cosy and warm in the bicycle trailer, e.g. with the Croozer Dog Bed and a warm blanket, here you can find what you need Croozer DOG accessoires. Always keep in mind that your dog will feel colder when lying still in the trailer than you feel when pedalling the bicycle. And on longer rides in the autumn or winter, check on your dog now and then to make sure they are warm enough.

MAXIMUM SAFETY FOR YOUR DOG

(1) The secure door guard and heavy-duty zippers on the rear door prevent dogs from jumping out.
(2) The front cross tube increases stiffness for resistance to torsional movements.
(3) The bumper protects against accidental impacts.
(4) The heavy-duty floor panel with four cross tubes ensures maximum stiffness.
(5) The low centre of gravity and wide wheelbase guarantee exceptional stability.

CHECKLIST FOR CYCLING WITH A CROOZER DOG TRAILER

✔ Is the hitch arm correctly mounted to the left side of the trailer and bicycle?
✔ Is the hitch-arm safety strap properly attached? Important: check that the hitch-arm safety strap cannot come in contact with the disc brakes.
✔ Have I locked the hitch connector for the ride?
✔ Are the tyres inflated to the correct pressure, and are the wheels securely attached to the frame?
✔ Is the safety flag mounted?
✔ Are the battery-powered light on the rear panel in perfect working order?
✔ Is the rear door securely closed?
✔ For anxious dogs: is the roll-up blind on the rear panel closed?
✔ Have I detached the leash from my dog’s collar to prevent them from getting tangled up in the leash during the ride?
✔ Have I ensured that all objects in the passenger compartment are fastened down to prevent injuries?