Island Discovery
& Training
835 Harewood Mines Rd.
Nanaimo, BC V9R 6P3
E-mail:
250-753-5246

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
About Games and Bicycling with Your Dog

What training methods do you use?
Since our goal is to assist you to build a positive relationship with your dog, we teach you to use positive methods. We also suggest techniques that may be specifically suited to your dog's learning style.

Does my dog have to have any training?
No. For a dog that has no formal training, this might be the best place to start. Playing and running with the bike is fun and they catch on quickly what is expected of them. It becomes a self-reinforcing activity and the dog looks to you for guidance.

Does my dog have to be leashed trained?
No. Because games can be played in an enclosed yard, and for most dogs, teaching them to ride with the bike helps them learn to watch you and run, then walk on a loose leash. There is no popping or dragging your dog. It is a process called behavior capture and shaping.

Do I need special equipment or facilities?
No. Just your dog, a leash, water, treats or toys, and a poop bag (and your bike and helmet). There are bike attachments available, but in my opinion, they are unnecessary for most dogs.

How old does my dog have to be?
We accept small dogs in classes at 6 months and medium and larger dogs at 1 year. You will not begin strenuous playing or bicycling for at least another 6 months. This is to ensure their bone growth plates have closed so no permanent damage will be done by exercising too hard. In the meantime, you can socialize your dog to the bike and anything he may encounter when riding. These include people of all ages, shapes, sexes and races, children running, friendly dogs of all sizes and breeds, bicycles and cars moving by, joggers, skateboards, umbrellas, walking on different surfaces etc. In short, prepare him for life. And start when he is young!

Can my senior dog do it?
Yes! We have seen amazing results in just 6 weeks with inactive 10 and 12 year old dogs. Increased flexibility, a renewed spring in his step, decreased medical conditions and overall, a return to a more joyous approach to life.
Start where your dog is at and slowly increase the time and intensity.

Won’t my dog get hurt?
Not if you do it right. Assess your dog’s limitations and decide if it is right for him. You will learn to read him and after that, the lines of communication are open. You will also carefully choose when, where and with whom you ride to minimize problems.

My dog has behavior problems. Can I bicycle with him?
It depends how severe the problems are. For severe aggression (where the dog lunges at other dogs as they walk by) or if your dog is very fearful (pulling away as people or dogs go by), you will want to work with a behaviorist or a trainer that uses positive methods to improve the major issues. If he strongly chases moving objects, you will want to do some training to improve obedience and start very slow with a bike. Once he has overcome the worst, you can start bike training.  

My veterinarian has okayed my dog for physical exercise but has concerns about my dog riding with the bicycle.
Listen to his/her concerns, ask questions and weigh the answers. Remember that veterinarians usually see only the negative side of bicycles. Dogs come in injured because they have run in front of a bicycle. (Actually 8% of all reported bike injuries are due to loose dogs). These dogs were not riding with the owner, just running loose and interfered with someone else’s bike.
This is a huge concern for bicyclists everywhere. Many dog owners also don’t recognize behavior signs that indicate overheating or over-exercise. Once you learn to recognize them, you know when to stop. We will teach you to teach your dog to be aware of the bike and the danger it has. All sports have their risks, yet few dogs get hurt if the owners do their research and practice. By teaching your dog to ride, he will be less interested in other bikes and more aware of the need to get out of the way.  

Can games and bicycle skills be applied to other dog sports?
Absolutely! There is much cross over of activities. Playing with your dog can reinforce skills and maintain fitness for agility, Rally Obedience, tracking, dog sledding, skijoring, riding with horses and many other dog sports. 

Do I have to do it everyday with my dog once I start?
No. You can choose to use games to mix up the exercise or save you time on a day you can't get your dog out. Play from once a week to as much as 5 times per week, twice a day, depending on you and your dog’s energy level and schedule. They are great outlets that can be combined with other forms of exercise to provide variety for you and your dog.