WalkyDog Plus Dog Bicycle Leash for Bike

I am a professional petsitter and I have to proclaim this product as one of the best pet-related items I've used in a long time. It is very well made, simple to use and does what it promises. In just a couple of months, I have used this on about 10-12 different dogs and it works great. In fact I have to credit it for reinvigorating my interests in bicycles again which had waned in several years, but that's a different story.The dogs that I have run with the Walkydog include a Border Collie, Greyhound, Red Bone Coonhound, 3 Boxers, Jack Russell terrier, Maltese mix, Shih Tzu, Dashund mix, Golden Retriever mix, and some others I cannot recall at the moment. As long as the dog is active and in good health with cooperating weather, than I cannot imagine why anyone would not use this product. You get done faster and the dog is more tired, hence you can get to work sooner or go see a movie that much quicker and maybe avoid furniture chewing from a dog with too much pent-up energy.I do have to say that for some dogs using this may be challenging. Aggressive dogs or easily distracted dogs (two of the Boxers I take care of are easily distracted) so you may have to consider what time of day you ride to avoid too much foot traffic from other dog walkers like 6pm when everyone comes home and walks their dog at the same time. For the Boxers, I have to also use a regular long 6' leash attached to their collar and hold it in my hand whenever they get distracted and pop it a little whenever they try to go behind me or to the side of me chasing a squirrel/cat/dog.Because I have this variety of dogs to use with the Walkydog, I have to make this more flexible for the different sizes I will encounter and so I will list the equipment I use in conjunction with the Walkydog and maybe some of these items will help you with your dog.1) I mount a Trek bike rack to the back of my seat post and than mount the Walkydog to the bike rack rod between the quick release clamp and the actual rack. I found out that while pedaling, the back of my leg was hitting the Walkydog rod under my seatpost even if I angled the rod away. Mounting the Walkydog further back on a bike rack just a few inches works great and the bike rack attachment is almost the same diameter as the seat post so the Walkydog clamp works fine on that too. I didn't get my Trek rack on Amazon, but they have a variety of different brands you can use instead.2) Because of the different heights of all the dogs, I needed to extend the length of the cord provided by the Walkydog. I found at Hxxx Depot (Amazon also sells this) the Smart Bungee system by Joubert and it is an extreme bargain at just $1.75 for ten pieces that allow the user to attach carabiners or increase the length of the bungee cord by just snapping them together. They provide two 24" bungees, two 12" bungees, and six different connectors. What a concept! I found the best one that worked for me most of the time was one 24" bungee and attach the carabiners to both ends. Attach one end to the Walkydog loop clip. I left the Walkydog length and internal springs pretty much alone. The bungee cord allows elasticity and will not whiplash the dog if you have to stop quickly. I also have to credit this in providing a slingshot effect when I have a fast dog - it provides a little boost to my bike when the dog is going so fast that I am not even pedaling! Wee!!! Also the bungee lessens the force that can torque the Walkydog clamp loose. I use this for most of the dogs I run, but with the easily distracted Boxers I use a non-stretch cord to limit their sideways/backwards access.3) I always use dog seat belt harnesses or chest harnesses on the dogs since I want them to pull with their chest and not their neck. The D-ring on the back of the harness is where I would attach the bungee carabiner mentioned above.4) On top of the harness I put a safety vest on the dog. I purchased a yellow one on Amazon that works excellent since it loops from under the dog and allows the back to be open for the seatbelt harness D-ring (note to self: remember to review the yellow safety vest since it was the best one I found). The safety vest may sound like overkill, but in this age of driving cellphones and runaway Toyotas I cannot be too careful when it comes to taking care of someone elses dog.5) I mount the Walkydog so the dog is always on my left. I've discovered that the curbside always have potential injuries waiting to happen like nails, glass, miscellaneous sharp things not good for dog paws.6) No matter how tight I tighten the clamp, I still have some dogs that can move the bike rack and Walkydog out of alignment. A small piece of bicycle inner tube wrapped several times under the clamp may work out better than the vinyl piece provided with the Walkydog product.With this setup, I have had a lot of success going on rides with different dogs. Dogs that pull or have lots of energy would be good candidates for this product and it has saved my arm from getting pulled and stressed out. Hope these words have highlighted the product and do not be discouraged if the product does not work out with the dog the first time. Just walk your dog with the bike so it learns not to be afraid of it and than eventually try to ride slowly next to the dog. I have done this successfully with superslow dogs and dogs that want to go back into the future so please do not be discouraged and eventually you both will have fun with it!

10/9/2020 - UPDATE: Still LOVE this product, but I have noticed a couple of things. Again, the bit that you unscrew to access the cord and springs, you'll want to check that once a week to ensure it is screwed on tight. Mine has a tendency to come loose. Also, there seems to be something on the edge of that nut(?) that frays the bungee cords. I have gone thru 4 so far. I bought him a roading harness and no longer need a leash coupler to attach him to Walky Dog. However, I have a 2nd dog that is considerably smaller, 20lbs. so I use the leash coupler to attach her harness to his harness, and away we go. It gives her just enough distance from him so they aren't in each other's way, but is short enough that she can't dodge in front of the bike. I have had no problems with them tipping the bike. Make sure though that both your bike seat and Walky Dog are screwed on as tight as possible. I have had them turn my bike seat when taking off, as well as turning the Walky Dog from a 90 degree angle to flush with the bike. Super annoying.Works great! I have an Aussie Shepherd mix, that requires a good run to burn off his energy. After a week of 4 mile rides, I noticed he was slowing down, which caused the Walky Dog to pull his harness forward, and caused some rubbing under one arm. He needs all 3 springs, which shortens the leash, so I bought a 12inch-24inch leash coupler and problem solved. I noticed at higher speeds, if he did a right turn for a squirrel, it only required a slight correction on the bike (and I mean slight). At slower speeds, he is able to change the direction of the bike easier, but still manageable. No flaying about or panic on my part. In addition, if he consistently pulls (away from the bike), he will pull the bike in the direction he is going, but it is similar to driving down the expressway in a high cross wind. You can tell your vehicle is moving to the side, but it is not terrible. HOWEVER, if you are biking on dirt roads with a lot of loose gravel, be cautious. My dog was able to move my entire bike over about 4 inches when he decided to chase a deer. We were going at a lower speed, and because of all the loose gravel, it was like being on ball bearings. Still didn't tip me & the bike over though! I check the bracket attached to my seat post once a week, tighten as needed as well as the piece on the end that the leash comes out of. If you want to bike with your dog, this is definitely the way to go. I strongly recommend using a harness rather than their collar. If you are concerned about controlling your dog, get a coupler so you can clip one on the collar & one on the harness. That being said, figure on spending about $100 between this product, a harness, & possibly a coupler. Totally worth it in my opinion.

Absolutely love this bike leash. I researched a ton of these finally settled on this one. It does exactly what I need which is hold my dog away from running to into my front tire when biking.I have thick thighs so I angled the metal part back a bit and it works perfectly. I feel steady on the bike and love having my hands free.I did have to add a bungie leash to add a little length to the leash that was included.Overall amazing product docked a star for short rope leash wish it were a bit longer.