WalkyDog Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
**We have developed an additional tips & safety page for the WalkyDog bike leash that you may want to check out if you cannot find the answer to your question on this page. Click Here to view our WalkyDog suggestions page.1) Can I attach the WalkyDog directly to the dog's collar or should I use a dog pulling harness?
2) I have 2 bikes and would like to bike my dog on both. Do I need 2 WalkyDogs?
3) How does the Walky Dog attach to my bike?
4) What makes the WalkyDog safer than holding a normal leash while biking?
5) What are the benefits to using the WalkyDog vs just walking your dog?
6) I have a smaller dog; do I need the Low Rider attachment?
7) Can the WalkyDog be used on asphalt/pavement?
8) Will the WalkyDog fit any bike?
9) Who can use the WalkyDog?
10) Can the WalkyDog be used with a gas powered scooter?
11) Will the internal cord ever need replacing?
12) What if the dog abruptly pulls to the left or right?
13) My dog is scared of bikes. Is there any way I can train it to enjoy the WalkyDog?
14) How far should I bike my dog at a time?
15) What is your return policy?
16) Can I use the WalkyDog with a regular scooter?
Can I attach the WalkyDog directly to the dog's collar or should I use a dog pulling harness? I advise using a dog harness with padding, but this is not to say that you cannot attach directly to the collar. I suggest a harness because it distributes the pull evenly and is more comfortable for the dog. It is really a personal preference - my preference is to use a harness.
I have 2 bikes and would like to bike my dog on both. Do I need 2 WalkyDogs? No. This is the great thing about the quick release feature of the WalkyDog. Simply purchase an additional jaw clamp and install on your second bike. Now the WalkyDog can be switched between bikes in less than 5 seconds!
How does the Walky Dog attach to my bike? The WalkyDog comes with a separate jaw clamp that attaches onto the seatpost of your bike. Included is a rubber protection strip that protects your bike from being scratched. As mentioned above, the jaw clamp will fit any standard seat post that is 3 1/4" - 4" inches circumference. The WalkyDog leash then can be quickly attached and detached from the jawclamp via the quick release mechanism. Tip: Make sure your bicycle seat post is securely tightened to prevent movement if using the WalkyDog with a very powerful breed. Video demonstrating installation coming soon.
What makes the WalkyDog safer than holding a normal leash while biking? Because the WalkyDog attaches securely onto the seatpost of your bike, you are able to keep both hands on the handlebars where they belong. The WalkyDog also has a patented internal shock absorbing system that severly reduces the pull from your dog and quickly corrects them if they try darting out to the side. The WalkyDog is also designed in such a way that your dog is detered from trying to run too far ahead or get too close to your tires - but at the same time it keeps them close enough to your bike that you do not take up too much space on the road or trail.
What are the benefits to using the WalkyDog vs just walking your dog? While walking your dog is great, it takes a very long time to wear an active dog out. Many people have jobs requiring them to work long hours and the thought of coming home to walk their dog is not at the top of their list. Walking is great when there is time and the owner really wants to take a walk, but it is great to have the alternative of biking your dog when you don't feel like walking. Plus, you can wear an active dog out in a fraction of the time it would take walking them. Dogs love the WalkyDog and frequent use of it will leave you with a well exercised, content dog that is not tempted to be destructive. Best of all, biking a dog is fun for the owner as well!
I have a smaller dog; do I need the Low Rider attachment? There are two options for biking smaller dogs. You can either extend or replace the WalkyDog cord to a custom length (very easy to do), or you can purchase the WalkyDog Low Rider Attachment. One option is no better than the other - it is just a personal preference. Watch the video on this page to learn more about the options for biking with smaller dogs. The WalkyDog is not designed to be used with very small dogs that cannot keep up with a bike. Please use your best judgment when deciding to use the WalkyDog with a smaller dog. We suggest that your dog be 20 lb or more and 1 year old to use the WalkyDog. Consult your vet if you are still unsure.
Can the WalkyDog be used on asphalt/pavement? Yes, but monitor the wear on your dog's pads. Hot summer months can really heat up the asphalt and damage your dog's paws with extended biking. As long as you monitor your dog's pads for damage riding on pavement during cooler parts of the day should be fine. I bike on pavement with my dog frequently.
Will the WalkyDog fit any bike? The WalkyDog can fit any bike with a seat post that is 2-1/2" - 3-1/2" in circumference (I haven't found a bike yet that it doesn't fit)
Who can use the WalkyDog? Any adult that is comfortable riding a bicycle. The WalkyDog should NOT be used by children or women who are pregnant.
Can the WalkyDog be used with a gas powered scooter? Absolutely Not!
Will the internal cord ever need replacing? The internal cord is very durable and made to withstand even the most powerful dog's abuse. That said - depending on the activity and strength of your dog, the internal cord may eventually wear down. This will not happen overnight - just monitor it and replace as necessary. This is very easy to do (takes about 3 min). The video below shows how to make a custom length cord or replace a worn out cord:
WalkyDog Bike Leash Cord Replacement from The Dog Outdoors on Vimeo.
What if the dog abruptly pulls to the left or right? The WalkyDog is specifically designed to withstand the shock from a dog pulling. There is a patented internal spring system in the WalkyDog that acts similar to suspension in a car. When your dog pulls, the springs give, but then act to get your dog back in line. This system substantially reduces the pull on your bike and puts you in control. Compared to holding on to a normal leash while biking your dog, the WalkyDog is MUCH safer. It is still important to be cautious with very powerful dogs when first using the WalkyDog until you are used to riding - while the internal shock absorbing system is great, you will still feel the pull of very powerful breeds. I have a 75 lb very powerful Lab and we bike everyday with no problems. Watch this video to get an idea of the control you get with the WalkyDog:
My dog is scared of bikes. Is there any way I can train it to enjoy the WalkyDog? Most dogs immediately will take to the WalkyDog. Here is my suggestion for dogs that are hesitant: First of all, use a dog harness to destribute the weight across the dog's body. Next, hook them up to the WalkyDog and walk next to your bike for a couple of blocks - your dog will associate the WalkyDog as just like going for a normal walk. As you notice them becoming more comfortable, try getting on your bike and riding slowly and then get off and walk again. After a while your dog will get the idea and you both will be enjoying a bike ride together!
How far should I bike my dog at a time? This will vary from dog to dog. My suggestion is to limit the distance at first until your dog builds up stamina - they are just like people in this sense. Here are some things to keep in mind. Do not bike for very long periods of time on pavement - this can wear down your dog's pads and is a special concern on very hot days (just monitor your dog's pads). ALWAYS bring water for your dog and give them breaks to have a drink. Try to bike during cooler parts of the day.
Is my information secure on your website? Yes. The Dog Outdoors uses industry standard SSL encrypting provided by Yahoo, Inc. to keep all of your data secure
What is your return policy? Please see our return and exchange policy on the About Us page
Can the WalkyDog be used with a regular scooter? Yes - as long as the measurements for the jaw clamp are in the appropriate range. Check out one of our customers that decided to use the WalkyDog with his scooter. He was nice enough to make an excellent video showing it in use. See below :)
