User:Madimyers/Dog in Burley

Dogs in trailers is becoming more and more common.

Description
This page is about taking dogs for bike rides using a trailer. This page consist of the facts and information about using a trailer for your dog.

Importance
There are other ways to take your dog on a bike ride. Using a leash and having them walk along side you is the most common method for biking with big dogs. However those tire dogs out more quickly and make it difficult for the biker to go far.

Uses
A trailer is useful to take your dog on a longer trip. Passenger trailers were created for parents to take their children on bike rides and to the park. Many dog owners have stated, dogs are like a baby to dog owners. So when one doesn't have enough time to walk or run to the park, a trailer and bike is the perfect solution.

Frequency
Passenger trailers are very common, however a dog in a trailer is not very common. Very few people know about it, but it is basically just like putting a small dog in a basket on your bike. Except it can be used for an dog that fits the weight requirement for the trailer.

Using a trailer for your dog is becoming more and more popular. Using a trailer for your dog became popular enough that Burley has starting making them specifically for dogs.

Structure
"There are two wheels on pet bike trailers, as that makes them a good deal more stable. They generally come with reinforced sides and floors so that the trailer won’t tip over if you have an active dog in there." Not all Burleys have a kickstand and they aren't necessary, but they may be helpful.

Helpful Tips
Many dog owners that want to try using a Burley for their dog will almost always have concerns.

Strapping Them In
For all dog owners the safety of their pet is always number one. Burleys have safety restrains for children. These same restrains can be used to safely secure your little one. Simply clip the restrains on to your dogs collar. And you're done, it's as easy as that. Your dog will not want to be strapped in, especially the first few times, however you can never take them on a ride unharnessed.

The Shield
Most Burleys have two covers. One is a net and the other is plastic. Burleys have a buckle or snap at the bottom corners to hold down the covers. If you close both your dog may panic out of confusion, especially their first time. But leaving both open all the way can make the bike rider uneasy and feel like the dog could jump or fall out. Most users highly suggest that you fasten the net and/or plastic cover on one side. This allows the dog to feel the wind in their face and the biker to feel comfortable. "The mesh roof and windows have plastic covers that can be rolled up and secured with Velcro. The entire roof can be rolled back for a convertible look, but I found this far too risky."

Having the shield all the way up is what your dog wants, but it is not safe. The shield needs to be all the way down.

Visibility
Your trailer needs to be seen. Luckily, Burleys come with the necessary reflectors and safety flags.

Toys
Always, always, always bring toys. The Burley gives you so much extra space to bring toys. If you don't want your dog to have them during the ride, out of fear the may drop them outside the Burley. Burleys have storage space behind the seat(s). Never forget toys because they can be used to calm the dog on the first ride with familar things and whats the point in riding all the way to the park if you aren't going to bring toys.

Food & Water
Your dog will get fidgety, hungry, and tired after a long day, so always bring food and water in case they need it. Just like teaching a dog to do tricks, when they do the right thing reward them with a treat. You will be biking with extra weight, so don't forget your own food and water.

Test Drive
You will need to take a bike ride with an empty Burley you take your dog in the Burley. Riding with an empty Burley will let you see how the Burley steers and handles.

Take your dog on small rides close to home and on non-busy streets a few times to see how they react with the Burley before taking a bigger trip. "If you have a skittish dog, he may not take to it right away. The key is to not give up after the first failed attempt. Give him a chance to love the trailer." It may take many small trips to get you and your dog ready for big trip.

Planning your Route
Bare in mind when you plan your route that they Burley needs much more space than your skinny bike, so plan a route with plenty of space on both side. And even if you are an experienced street biker, never take the dog on a busy and/or fast moving street. High speed cars zooming by your dog may startle them and cause them to try to jump out and possible get hurt and you can't risk getting hit because a bike lane doesn't give any leeway space to a Burley. Always us a sidewalk or trail. Residential streets should be fine if you don't have a sidewalk, but you know how fast or slow people go through your neighborhood.

Burley Options
There are many choices of Burleys to choose from, which one you pick depends on how many dogs you have and how much they weigh. Burley originally just made them for childern. However, Burley has recognized the growing popularity in using Burleys for dogs so they have created a Burley for dogs. "A big name in high-end trailers for kids, Burley offers the Tail Wagon, a bright yellow, highly visible, teardrop-shaped cabin for dogs up to 75 pounds." Dogs in Burleys have become so popular that 1/7 of the passenger carrying trailers are for dogs. The Nomad is a cargo trailer, but it will be better for very large dogs. One downside of it is that the trailer cannot be partially covered, so it would have to be a calm dog and a non-busy area.

What Burley you should get depends on the size of your dog. A new Burley is not cheap, they cost around $300-$400. A used Burley may be a good alternative, however when you buy something used you always run the risk of it being a fixer-up. However if you've always been handy or want to take a risk then go for it.
 * Tail wagon: 75 lbs (designed for dogs)
 * Cub: 100 lbs
 * D'Lite: 100 lbs
 * Encore: 100 lbs
 * Honey Bee: 100 lbs
 * Solo: 75 lbs
 * Nomad: 100 lbs (technically a cargo trailer)

Dogs Enjoying Burleys
Here are images of dogs enjoying their Burleys.