There are two types of product that dog lovers may consider if they want to take their dogs out for an adventure in the countryside. There is the dog stroller, and the dog trailer. The stroller is much like a stroller for a small child, with the dog pushed along in front. This is either at a walking pace with a standard stroller, or a jogging pace with a more capable model. Then there are the trailers that can be attached to the back of bikes for cyclists. At their core, they both have a very similar purpose. They provide a comfortable, sheltered form of transportation for injured or elderly pets that can’t manage the route on their own four legs. Yet, there are clear pros and cons to each model.
Why are many dog owners keen to have a pet trailer rather than a pet stroller?The trailers are obviously going to appeal to cyclists more than the strollers. Families that head out on regular weekend bike rides in the country don’t want to have to give up the tradition if a pet gets too old or suffers an injury. The trailer is a great option that allows the dog to enjoy the views and the ride from a secure area. The trailers are generally easy to hitch up to the back of a bike and the dog can be enclosed in canvas and mesh for security and weather-proofing. This is the only option for larger breeds that used to run alongside the bike in a country park. The problem with these trailers, however, is that they can become harder to manage the bigger they get. Inexperienced users may have trouble steering the bike with these trailers on the back, and they really are best used on flat, wider cycle paths.
Some will prefer to stick to the stroller for convenience and peace of mind
A stroller can be more convenient for trips out in the country. The best models are easy to push around and some have all-terrain wheels to tackle rougher areas. They tend to offer the same capacity, canopies and other features as trailers. Also, there is something comforting about having the dog in an enclosure in front of you, rather than behind a bike out of view. Some may question why we simply don’t put smaller, elderly dogs in baskets at the front of the bike instead, but there are safety issues here. There is little to stop the dog reaching up, climbing out or simply distracting riders. The lack of security features is also an issue on sharp corners.
Which is best for your family?
There are definitely pros and cons to the dog trailer and the dog stroller, and the appeal ultimately depends on the nature of the family, the bike rider’s confidence in placing a dog in a trailer behind them and the quality of the stroller. Those that are keen, responsible cyclists may see the trailer as the best option and the stroller as too much of a compromise. Others will simply be more comfortable with the stroller.
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