When you’re the parent of a young child and the owner of a dog, it’s not always easy to find the time to take care of both responsibilities. The idea of walking your dog at the same time as taking your stroller for a walk can quickly become a tempting one. To make sure you’re doing things correctly and safely, here are a few tips to help you choose the right lead for attaching your dog to the stroller.
I’m a perfect example of this, I walk my dog every day with my two strollers ^^.
It’s not always easy, but it works all the same.
Choosing a special bike lead to attach your dog to your Stroller
If you want to take your dog for a walk and still have your hands free to push a stroller, there are a number of accessories designed to meet the needs of dog-owning parents. These include leashes originally designed for cyclists. Bike leashes are flexible and allow the dog to run without getting in the cyclist’s way. This same feature makes them ideal for parents who want to take their dog out with them in a stroller, without needing a dog stroller.
Advantages of bicycle leashes when used with a Stroller
- Comfort: These leads allow the dog to move around freely without pulling on the stroller or rider, providing comfort for both.
- Safety: By keeping the dog away from the stroller and preventing it from getting tangled up, these leashes minimise the risk of accidents.
- Practicality: Most of these leashes are easy to fit to and remove from a stroller or bike, making it easy to switch from one activity to the other.
This is the leash I recommend for attaching to your Stroller. It’s a very good model for bicycles that attaches to the frame of the stroller, just like a bicycle:
The advantages of hands-free leashes for running
Another type of lead that I recommend is a hands-free lead like the one used for runners.
Leashes that wrap around you with a harness, allowing you to use your hands and therefore your stroller freely.
Or leashes that can be clipped over your shoulder or around your wrist.
As long as you can use both hands to hold the Stroller.
Criteria to take into account when choosing your special Stroller lead
When choosing the ideal lead for your dog and stroller, it’s important to consider a number of aspects. First of all, you need to think about your dog’s height and weight:
- Dog size: Bike leashes designed for small dogs are often lighter and less robust than those for larger dogs.
- Weight of dog: The weight of the animal will influence the choice of lead, as some leads can support up to forty kilos, while others are limited to around 20 kilos.
To ensure the safety and comfort of your walk, don’t forget to check a few other things when buying your lead:
- Flexibility: To prevent your dog from jerking the stroller, make sure the lead is flexible enough.
- Anti-entanglement system: Some leashes have systems to prevent your dog from becoming entangled in its lead. These devices can greatly improve the comfort and safety of your stroller ride with your four-legged friend.
Using a conventional lead to tie your dog to a stroller: precautions to take
If you don’t have the opportunity to invest in a special bike lead or if you want to use a more traditional lead to attach your dog to your stroller, here are a few tips to follow:
- Always check that the stroller is stable and does not tip over when the dog pulls on it.
- Choose a harness rather than a simple collar to limit the risk of strangulation and prevent your dog injuring itself.
- Keep one hand free to hold the lead and control your dog’s behaviour during the walk to avoid any incidents. A strap on the lead can be a plus, so you don’t lose your dog and have to let your stroller do the work.
The importance of dog training when out and about in the Stroller
To ensure that the relationship between your dog and your child in the Stroller goes as smoothly as possible, it’s essential to focus on dog training. A well-trained dog will be less likely to pull on its lead and will be calmer on walks, which will make your day-to-day life much easier. Don’t hesitate to consult a professional in this field if you encounter any difficulties.
Whether you’re using a special bicycle lead adapted for a stroller or a conventional lead, it’s perfectly possible to walk your dog at the same time as your child in a stroller. The key word is caution. Choose safe accessories and adapt your behaviour to ensure a pleasant moment for both your dog and your young child.
