Bike Basket for a small dog?

xdr

We are planning for our summer trip and have a question. We love to ride our bikes but have two small dogs that are too small to run/walk with the bike. One is 16 lbs and the other will be the same size but is a puppy now. I was thinking of training the pups to ride in a big basket on the bike when we take a ride but my concern is the pup being injured if he or I had a bike accident. Also, since both are Jack Russells, we worry about them seeing a rabbit and taking a leap. 

Anyone trained a dog to stay in a basket? If so, how do you keep the pup in it safely?
If you have experiece with this, could you let us know what kind of basket you use and maybe send a picture? 

Thank you!
mer

CharlieRN

I ride RAGBRAI every year and often see folks with their dogs. Many have them in handlebar-mounted baskets, but I've also seen folks with larger dogs in baskets mounted on their rear racks. In either case, I think it requires a very mellow or very well-trained dog. So it can be done, just not by someone like me.

One of the more amusing methods of "bring your dog on a 500 mile bike ride" that I saw was a poodle in a baby carrier. Only the dog's head poked out, but s/he seemed to be having a good time.

SubaruLou

Check out buddyrider.com
They are located in Canada but ship to the US as well. I just ordered one from thedogoutdoors.com in Austin, TX. (Pricing similar from both with shipping). I haven’t tried it yet, but when my son was a toddler, I had a bike seat for him that mounted in the same place. He was much bigger and heavier, so I think the BuddyRider will be great for safety and stability with my 15-18 lb dogs. It’s not cheap, but, unlike most baskets, the harness system is solid, there’s not extra weight on the handlebars, and, just like with my son, I liked being able to keep an eye on him and he felt safe and secure with my arms around him. 

Once it’s delivered, I’ll try to remember to come back and update with more info if you’re interested! 🐶🚲

xdr

I just looked at it on the website and it is exactly what we were looking for! It is expensive but it looks like something that is well made and will last. We like to ride and I will be uncomfortable leaving our dogs alone for any length of time so this is just what we need. 
Let me know what you think of it when you get it. 
Thanks for the help!
mer

SubaruLou

@xdr, our BuddyRider arrived and it is as awesome as I had hoped! Here is a Google Photos link to a short video: https://photos.app.goo.gl/BW2srHDsfP1hW8mo6
Installation was straightforward. It feels solid and safe. I bought the padded insert that goes with it. My Rosie was a little nervous at first but then seemed to enjoy. She wasn't trying to wriggle out and the strap system would have prevented any escape. When I got my bike out again this morning, she was jumping on me to take her with me.
I can definitely feel the added weight on the bike. I have an e-bike that I usually have on a level-1 assist, but with Rosie onboard, I had to put it on level-2. Even so, I would definitely recommend. 
Hope this helps!

SubaruLou

Ok, so we went out again for a third ride. Rosie loves it. I tried to take out the other two dogs and they weren’t getting that they’d have to sit down. I think I’ll work with them when the carrier is on the floor. That’s another great feature: the whole seat comes off with just a pin. Here’s a picture with the whole setup so you can see where/how it attaches:

One thing I don’t like is that it gets in the way of seeing the control screen for my e-bike. I will also add peel & stick carpet or grippy padding to the front paw surface for traction and comfort.