My dog needs a trailer.

So Clare and I have been Taking lots evening and weekend rides and the only down side is we can't take out furry friend along as he doesnt quite have he bike thing down. (Sebastian is a 80lbs mutt). Thus we were thinking of getting a bike trailer to enable us to take him with!

Now Sebastian ain't the kind of dog that will sit in an open cart and not want to ball or at every stop so well need something enclosed. He's also kinda big, as he stands at waist height to me (I'm 5'9").

Anyone in Chicago using a trailer of some sort or another to tow their pups around? If so let me know what your using and any other suggestions.

Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Thedutchtouch on July 24, 2013 at 12:04pm
Currently experiencing the same dilemma with our Weimaraner, my current working solution is to build a bakfiets style cargo bike, but then the issue becomes storage space, as I have no room for a bike that size and nowhere to lock it safely outdoors. I briefly entertained a DIY bicycle dog sidecar, as that would be awesome, but I think it would be too wide.

Easiest solution would probably be to mount an appropriately sized dog crate/kennel onto a trailer base. I've seen a few people with dogs in child trailers, but they seemed to be content to stay put on the open trailer.
Permalink Reply by Sarah D. on July 24, 2013 at 12:33pm

I have had a fantastic time with my DoggyRide (Original, though I might buy the Novel now) trailer for the past 7 or so years, and I love it even more with my second dog, as I can carry both dogs together! It's super well designed (Dutch Co.) and my dogs tolerate it well. Not cheap - I'd highly recommend buying the extras - raincover, kickstand, leash clip, padding mat - all of these make it perfect. Here's the dogs in it on the way to Mondog last weekend:

Good luck, and maybe we need to have a Chainlink dog ride this fall!

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on July 24, 2013 at 12:57pm

Sarah, is that what they call the mini-trailer on the web site?  I think that would fit my two Westies quite well, and I have been thinking about how to take them with on rides.

Permalink Reply by Christopher C. on July 25, 2013 at 3:30am
Thanks Sarah.

Do you know of any place in Chicago that sells them? I'd love to try one out before laying down the cash... Need to make sure Sebastian will ride in such a contraption.

Thanks
Christopher

Sarah D. 1-3.3 said:

I have had a fantastic time with my DoggyRide (Original, though I might buy the Novel now) trailer for the past 7 or so years, and I love it even more with my second dog, as I can carry both dogs together! It's super well designed (Dutch Co.) and my dogs tolerate it well. Not cheap - I'd highly recommend buying the extras - raincover, kickstand, leash clip, padding mat - all of these make it perfect. Here's the dogs in it on the way to Mondog last weekend:

Good luck, and maybe we need to have a Chainlink dog ride this fall!

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on July 25, 2013 at 4:36am

Christopher, I checked the dealer locations at their web site.  The closest is Camping World in Wauconda!  My mother lives near there, and I have to pack a lunch even when I visit her by car. :-)

Permalink Reply by Sarah D. on July 25, 2013 at 8:20am

Hi Lisa!

The one I have is the "Original" - not sure if they still make it, but the mini is for little dogs and my Lois is almost 50 lbs and about 21" tall. You might be fine with the mini for Westies - weight limit 50 lbs and for heights 12" or below.

It's pretty freeing to have a dog trailer, I gotta say. I am working on a winterization plan for it though. This year is the year I try it in cold. 

Lisa Curcio 6.5 mi said:

Sarah, is that what they call the mini-trailer on the web site?  I think that would fit my two Westies quite well, and I have been thinking about how to take them with on rides.

Permalink Reply by Sarah D. on July 25, 2013 at 8:25am

Hi Christopher, 

I researched and just went with it (ordered online), figuring I'd train my dog to like it. Well, I didn't really do enough to train Lois, but she will get in with a boost and eventually jumps in once in a while, depending on where I say we're going. Keep in mind that anything new can be scary for dogs, so the first few times might be really stressful. I'd take your dog somewhere really fun and treat treat treat when he gets in and even comes close to it! 

That said, if you'd like to come over and try mine with my bike (and your dog), you're welcome to!

Christopher C. said:

Thanks Sarah.

Do you know of any place in Chicago that sells them? I'd love to try one out before laying down the cash... Need to make sure Sebastian will ride in such a contraption.

Thanks
Christopher

Sarah D. 1-3.3 said:

I have had a fantastic time with my DoggyRide (Original, though I might buy the Novel now) trailer for the past 7 or so years, and I love it even more with my second dog, as I can carry both dogs together! It's super well designed (Dutch Co.) and my dogs tolerate it well. Not cheap - I'd highly recommend buying the extras - raincover, kickstand, leash clip, padding mat - all of these make it perfect. Here's the dogs in it on the way to Mondog last weekend:

Good luck, and maybe we need to have a Chainlink dog ride this fall!

Permalink Reply by JMinHP on July 25, 2013 at 8:52am

Another option, though more costly and DYI, would be an Xtracycle FreeRadical rear end with their sidecar.  Then, just mount a bucket on the sidecar.  http://www.xtracycle.com/sidecar.html.  I have seen people use the wide loaders only and put the bucket on them (search "xtracycle dog" on google images), but that would be a lot of weight off to one side of the bike.  Just an idea.

Permalink Reply by dan brown on July 25, 2013 at 9:12am

I have a trailer that I bought for a dog (it will accommodate 80 lbs) that I no longer use. the hitch is very easy to install and switch between bikes. It has side walls about 14"-16" high; and I believe I still have the cover. PM me off list if you are interested in seeing it, etc.

Permalink Reply by Julia 3.5/7.5 mi on July 28, 2013 at 5:02am
We're looking for something similar for our 45lb pup. I checked out the burly tail wagon a few weeks ago. It's silly expensive, but REI sells it and we could always take it back if it doesn't work out for us. I wasn't super impressed by some of the closures and walls, but haven't found anything else yet that seems better.
Permalink Reply by Sarah D. on July 28, 2013 at 5:31am
Julia, the DoggyRide* is great. They thought of everything. My dog is 46 lbs. and has done great in it. Again, if you'd like to try it with your dog, you are welcome to - I'm in North Center - just friend and p.m. me.

*not my employer, I swear!
Permalink Reply by Thedutchtouch on July 28, 2013 at 5:56am
Sarah, any chance you could snap a picture of the underside? I'm a DIY person-why buy a trailer when I can build one-and wondering how the dogs are supported-is it a hard bottom, or nylon stretched between tubes etc?

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