Trailer for Dog?

[mnlyn]

Just looking for suggestions on what trailer to try for my Basset Hound, who is a good hiker but not up to chasing a bicycle for any distance.  I got a Yakima Big Tow trailer on closeout with hopes that I could use that for the local bike trail, etc., but it's a bit tippy and also easy for him to jump out of unless he's strapped in to the point he can't move at all.  I'd like to do some touring, as well, and have thought of a Burley Nomad or the such.  Those child trailers look awfully big and cumbersome but I may try that if I have to in order take the little guy along.  I would appreciate any first-hand experiences.  Thanks.

[DaveB]

Why do you think your dog won't jump out of ANY trailer unless you restrain him?

[scott.laughlin]

Check Bike Friday.  A few years ago I helped Ian fabricate a pet taxi using the chassis for their suitcase trailer.  It can be broken down and shipped, if necessary.  As for a dog that will stay put, Barb and I used the same chassis with a milk crate for our late dog, McBark.  He rode across Missouri, Arizona, and parts of Oregon in that trailer.  In fact, the dog featured in the photo on the trailer web site is McBark.  He was a great dog.  If you need help getting there let me know.

Scott.laughlin@att.net

[gclounie]

I've used a Burley Nomad for my dog for the past year only on road rides.  My dog weighs about 40 lbs and he has been tied in with his leash.  The leash allows him to move some and lay down in the trailer.  I've found that the Nomad has a flat bottom and no seats which allows my dog to be more comfortable.  Hope this helps.

[RussellSeaton]

My suggestion is to go on RAGBRAI and look at how all of the other people are carrying their dogs on their bikes or trailers.  There are always a half dozen.  One guy rides a recumbent with his dog in a basket/platform mounted behind his head.  The dog is small obviously.  On BAK this year a couple pulled a two wheel trailer behind their tandem with the dog.  The dog only rode 1/4 or so and rode the other 3/4 in their support vehicle.

[janetanorth]

check out: http://www.carryfreedom.com/
and view the "bArk" trailer. there is also a great training sheet on how to acclimatize a dog to a trailer.

[mnlyn]

Thanks for the replies.  Since my original post I found an Instep trailer at the local discount store for $80 and figured I'd give that a shot instead of spending several hundred before even knowing whether it would work out or not.  I set it up in the living room without the wheels, placed the dog's mattress inside and he liked it quite a bit.  I trained him to jump in on command and rigged up a leash that would let him move around a little without being able to jump out.  It seemed like it was going to work great but I decided to return the trailer to the store before I took it out and got it all dirty.  The trailer was really was bigger than it needed to be and was quite inferior to the nicer trailers that I've been able to see locally.  I decided I would spend the extra money to get something nicer and with a narrower profile.  I considered the Burley Solo but think I will buy the Nomad, since I'll be able use it for cargo when I go on longer trips without the dog.  It's the middle of winter right now here in Minnesota but I plan to get set up by Spring and will let you know how it goes with the pooch!

[gclounie]

The Burley Nomad works well for taking my dog on numerous road rides.  Last year we went on 2 in Wisconsin and a few around Rochester.  Lately with the job we haven't gotten out as much as I've wanted but my dog is ready to go anytime.  I've found that about after about 5 miles my dog is ready to get out of the trailer and get some road side sniffs.  I have a Trek touring bike and the hitch fits fine to its frame.  Burley has come out with a hitch that will fit full supesion bikes.  One thing that I did find that on sunny days my dog does get warm.  I thought about how I could make a canopy for him.  Burley also makes an accessory shelf that fits on top of the frame so theres my beginings of a canopy.  I live just outside of Rochester and listed in the phone book if you would like to see the setup.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  

[cottagemiller]

Hey, was wondering about using the Nomad for your dog? Just got one and wondering the possibilities of my 35# Border Collie riding in it. Did you put your dog in the front section or the rear section? Any suggestions on training the dog to the trailer?

[mszostek]

I too have a basset hound... in a" houndabout 2" ( size large) he is comfortable in it. he loves it. he is tied with a short leash which comes with it. this trailer is ridiculous if you want to break it down for storage in a car or other travel. it took like 30 minutes to dissasemble. but, its not super pricey...its about 250 dollars. it seems okay so far~ sturdy

[scott362]

I have used the Croozer Dog trailer for many years now and it has worked great. it is covered with screen flaps front and rear that have plastic covers to keep out the rain. hope this helps