A bicycle variant of canicross, bikejoring allows for covering greater distances while intensely challenging the dog's endurance — a discipline popular among owners of dogs with a high need for exercise.
The principle and equipment
A specific pulling harness, a towline attached to a bar mounted on the bike (never directly to the handlebars, for obvious safety and control reasons): the dog pulls while the cyclist pedals, in a synergy that requires mutual learning.
Which dogs are best suited
Large, high-endurance breeds excel particularly: northern breeds, pointers, Belgian Shepherds, athletic mixed breeds. The potentially higher speed compared to canicross calls for a stricter selection based on the dog's physical capacity.
Safety: the non-negotiable point
Bikejoring carries specific risks: the cyclist falling if the dog stops abruptly, bolting in pursuit of wildlife, loss of control on descents. A quick-release line system remains essential, as does gradual obedience training for the dog even under full pulling load.
A progression similar to other pulling sports
As with canicross and skijoring already discussed, introducing the equipment and effort must remain gradual, with systematic attention paid to warm-up and recovery.