If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to swap your running shoes for a bike and let your dog take the lead, Bikejor (Bikejoring) might be your next obsession. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s an amazing way to enjoy the trails together – especially if you or your dog love a bit of extra speed.
In a recent podcast we chatted with DogFit Trainer Sam Ellis, based in beautiful West Cornwall. She shares her experience and advice on getting started with Bikejor: from the right kit and commands, to building your dog’s confidence and keeping things safe and enjoyable for you both.
Sam has grown up around dogs her whole life. One of the key dogs from her childhood was a Munsterlander, and even back then she was fascinated by sled dogs and working breeds. Her grandfather worked as a meteorologist in the 1950s and told her stories of Huskies and dog sledding in icy landscapes – the kind of tales that plant a lifelong seed.
Over the years, Sam has tried dog sledding in Canada and Norway, worked in a veterinary practice, gained a degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, and spent nearly 20 years lecturing in animal science, behaviour, welfare, nutrition, and anatomy and physiology at Newquay University Centre.
She now lives on a mixed farm in West Cornwall with four working Cocker Spaniels (aged from 1 to 12 years) and runs classes in agility, Canicross and Bikejor from home. Her Canicross journey began around 12 years ago when a colleague showed her “this thing called Canicross”. One kit consultation later and she was hooked.
From there, Bikejor was a natural step: same teamwork, more speed, and an extra dose of adrenaline.
What Is Bikejor And How Does It Differ From Canicross?
Bikejor is the fastest dryland mushing sport. Your dog runs out in front of your mountain bike, attached by a bungee line, and you work together as a team along off-road trails.
How it compares to Canicross:
- In Canicross, you’re attached to your dog and you’re running behind them
- In Bikejor, your dog is out in front, attached to your bike with a longer bungee line and an antenna (bike arm) to keep the line away from your front wheel
- It’s faster and often more adrenaline-fuelled, but it can also be managed at a steady, controlled pace.
- Some dogs may even find it slightly easier than Canicross because there can be less resistance from the human (you’re on wheels rather than legs).
At its heart, Bikejor is simply another way to share adventures with your dog, strengthen your bond and give them a job they love.
Why Try Bikejor With Your Dog?
The number one benefit?
You both have fun!
For the dog, Bikejor can:
- Build and maintain fitness
- Keep muscles toned and strong
- Provide controlled, purposeful exercise, especially useful for dogs who can be a bit wild when off-lead
- Help with impulse control and focus – they learn to listen, concentrate and follow cues at speed
- Give reactive or anxious dogs a structured outlet where they can still get out, see the world and work in a focused way
Some vets may even recommend Canicross and/or Bikejor as part of a controlled exercise plan for certain mild conditions – but this should always be on a case-by-case basis and done in consultation with your vet.
For humans, Bikejor:
- Builds an incredible bond with your dog
- Keeps you physically fit and mentally sharp – your reactions have to be quick
- Can be kinder on your knees than running
- Adds variety if you already enjoy Canicross or other dog sports
And crucially, while it can be fast and exciting, it doesn’t have to be breakneck speed. You can absolutely enjoy bikejor at a more controlled pace – it’s about working together, not scaring yourself silly!
Which Dogs Are Best Suited To Bikejor?
The good news is that most fit, healthy dogs with enthusiasm and drive can enjoy Bikejor. There are just a few important points to consider.
Fitness and weight:
Your dog should be in reasonable shape and not significantly overweight. If they need to build fitness first, start with CaniTrekking or slower-paced Canicross before introducing speed.
Brachycephalic breeds:
Short-nosed dogs (such as Pugs or French Bulldogs) need very careful consideration. Because Bikejor involves higher speeds, they may struggle more with breathing and heat. Always talk to your vet before attempting it with these breeds.
Naturally athletic breeds:
If you’re thinking about racing or higher-performance work, dogs such as Huskies, pointers, collies and other working breeds often excel.
Smaller working breeds:
Sam Bikejors with her working Cocker Spaniels – small but agile, fit and bred for stamina.
The key requirement:
A healthy, willing dog who enjoys working in harness and has the right foundations in place.
How Old Should a Dog Be to Start Bikejor?
As with Canicross, your dog needs to be fully grown before pulling in harness at speed.
Most breeds mature between 12-18 months, with larger breeds often closer to the upper end. Sam recommends erring on the side of caution and aiming around 18 months.
Always get:
- A full health check from your vet
- Specific confirmation that your dog is ready for this type of work
Vets can pick up subtle issues, such as joint concerns or heart murmurs, which become more important when adding speed and impact.
What you can start early:
Teach left/right cues, practise steady/stop/wait/go-on, build loose-lead skills, and develop general focus on walks. Just don’t attach them to a bike or ask them to pull until they’re fully mature and cleared by your vet.
Older dogs:
Experienced Canicross dogs may enjoy some Bikejor too, but only if they’re moving comfortably, distances are kept short, you warm up and cool down properly, and you pay attention to signs of fatigue.
Essential Kit for Bikejor
To get started safely, you’ll need the following:
For You:
- A mountain bike with good disc brakes, suitable off-road tyres, and a set-up you feel confident riding
- A well-fitting helmet
- Gloves for grip and braking (especially in colder months)
- Optional protective gear: shin pads, elbow pads, glasses or goggles
- A phone carried on your person
- A small first aid kit (keep a larger kit in the car; carry essentials in a vest or small pack)
For Your Dog:
- A well-fitting pulling harness, ideally a long-back style such as the Non-Stop Freemotion
- A longer bungee line than for Canicross (at least 2.8m when stretched)
- A Bikejor antenna/arm to keep the line clear of the front wheel
- Optional extras such as a rain/thermal coat, Mud Daddy for rinsing off, or paw wax for after a session
- DogFit stocks a range of bikejor-friendly harnesses, lines and bike arms, and you can book a kit consultation if you’re unsure what you need.
Introducing Your Dog To The Bike
If your dog is new to Bikejor, build their confidence gradually.
Start on foot:
Have one person walk the dog while another pushes the bike beside them. Let them hear and see the bike’s movements and sounds.
Check their reaction:
Make sure they’re relaxed and curious. Practise until the bike becomes normal background noise.
Ride alongside:
Hop on and pedal slowly next to your dog on lead so they get used to your new position behind them.
Short first runs:
When they’re comfortable and you’ve established basic cues, attach the long bungee line and antenna. Choose a flat, quiet, non-slippery trail. You can use a steady, experienced dog in front if it helps. Keep early sessions extremely short – even 100m in harness is a great start. The aim is confidence, not speed.
Key Commands for Bikejor
Many Canicross cues carry over to Bikejor; they just need to be sharper at higher speeds. Useful commands include:
- Left / Right (or Gee / Haw)
- Go on
- Steady
- On by
- Wait / Stop
- Line out
Practise these on walks, during free running or in Canicross sessions so they’re familiar before adding the bike.
Choosing Routes, Terrain and Conditions
Planning ahead makes Bikejor safer and more enjoyable.
Terrain:
Choose off-road tracks with some cushioning – grass or earth works well as long as it isn’t too muddy or deeply rutted. Avoid concrete, deep mud, long wet grass and busy shared paths when you’re just starting out. Walking routes beforehand is helpful.
Weather and temperature:
Because Bikejor is faster, your dog’s temperature can rise quickly. Aim for below 15°C, take humidity into account, and plan shorter sessions than you would for Canicross. Keep your dog hydrated but avoid large gulps immediately after hard work. Always include a calm cool down. Be cautious about letting a hot dog jump straight into cold water, as sudden temperature changes can be a shock.
How Often Should You Bikejor?
For beginners, Sam recommends:
- One short session a week in the early stages
- Focus on quality rather than distance
- Increase gradually as fitness, confidence and communication improve
Mix Bikejor with Canicross, free running, enrichment and proper rest days. If your dog seems less keen, slows down unusually or becomes less responsive, shorten sessions or give them a break.
Can You Bikejor With Other People?
Absolutely! And it can be a great learning environment. You can follow another dog to encourage forward drive or have a dog behind to help teach “go on”. You can also ride with friends even if only one dog is attached at a time.
Just maintain safe distances, go at a pace everyone can manage and choose companions who understand dog-powered sports.
Getting Started: Vet, Trainer, Kit… And Fun
A simple checklist to begin your Bikejor journey:
Speak to your vet – get a full check-up and ask specifically about suitability for Canicross/Bikejor.
- Check your kit – ensure your bike is safe, your harness fits well and you have the right line and bike arm.
- Work with a trainer – a qualified Canicross/Bikejor trainer can review your set-up, guide your progression and build your confidence.
- Start small and make it fun – short sessions, plenty of praise, and always finish on a positive note.
Sam offers online one-to-ones and in-person sessions from West Cornwall for anyone keen to get started with Canicross or Bikejor.
You can find more about Sam on her DogFit page: here
