Harley Davidson: Dogs on Harleys

This article applies to most Harley Davidson bikes (all years).

If only your dog could understand the idea of holding tight when riding the Harley Davidson, but because they can't, there are a few things you have to do before letting your dog hit the road. However, if you love your dog, you know it is worth it because nothing will make them happier than the wind slapping them on the lips. This article will shine some light on biker dogs, and what you need to let your dog have the same experience as you.

Dog Training

Before building a giant crate for your dog on the Harley, ask yourself how behaved your dog is. Dogs are animals, and animals can be unpredictable, so if you have a wild dog that can't sit in one spot for more than two seconds, maybe you should take it for a ride in the car instead. If you've taken your dog on a car ride before, you understand a little bit of their manners. If your dog have ever tried to jump out of the car window, maybe it doesn't know what's best for it and a motorcycle ride is a bad idea. Most dogs are smart enough to know they need to stay on the moving vehicle. If you really want the challenge of teaching your dog to ride without a carrier, good luck and the only advice I can give you is to try giving them a ride in the basket of a bicycle first. If you think your dog is ready for a motorcycle ride, read on to learn how to get them ready to do that.

Dog Carrier

Fortunately, we live in a world where dogs are liked just as much as humans, if not more. There are tons of manufacturers that produce dog carriers for your Harley Davidson. The popular carriers fit on the rear of the motorcycle, instead of the rear luggage. Depending on your taste, your dog's size, and how behaved your dog is, there are different types that vary from a hard sided cage to a seat with a doggy seat belt on it. Again, if you know your dog's manners, you should know which one your dog will feel comfortable and safe on. Be sure to secure your dog with a harness and not just a leash attached to a collar to prevent stress on their neck, or worse.

Homemade Carrier

When you think about it, the dog carrier you could spend hundreds of dollars on can be created right at home. Whether you use a re-purposed tail pack with added screen panels, air holes strapped to the rear fender, or you build a crate, as long as it is strapped tightly, it will serve the same purpose. Depending on the size of your dog, saddlebags could work as a home for your friend when you're riding, too.

Backpacks

Perhaps an easier way to carry your dog, especially if it is small to medium sized, is with a dedicated dog carrier backpack. The best thing about training your dog to ride in a pack is that you can easily start out with the dog on your back while walking around your neighborhood, move on to a bicycle, then eventually move up to the motorcycle. Another advantage of the backpack style carrier is that they are usually very inexpensive.

Doggy Safety

It all comes down to protecting your little buddy. So before you put your furry friend on your Harley, it's good to make sure the carrier is strapped tightly. Drive around with it on and something about the weight of your dog in it to make sure it doesn't shift with turns and acceleration. When you strap the dog, make sure you strap him from around the body, never from the neck. Over-strapped is better than under-strapped, so use a few extra bungee cords. There are dedicated dog helmets and goggles out there to protect your dog in case of an accident, or you can re-purpose some child sized items. Most importantly, ride safe as if you have a child with you on the bike. The more you ride with your dog, the more you and the dog will get used to it.

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