There's a version of biking with your dog that looks effortless: smooth singletrack, a focused pup pacing perfectly behind you, dirt kicking up in golden light. And then there's the reality when it's done wrong. (And we've all seen it done wrong.)
To help put together this guide, we got some help from Jess Smith, a seasoned mountain biker, dog owner, and Board Chair of the Tahoe Area Mountain Bike Association (TAMBA). Jess has ridden trails across the Tahoe region for years, with and without her dogs, and has seen firsthand what separates a great dog ride from a bad one.
If you're thinking about hitting the trails with your bike and your dog, start here. Before you worry about what to do, it's worth understanding what not to do — for your dog's safety, and for everyone else sharing the trail. "Good trail dogs are trained trail dogs," Jess says, and we couldn't agree more.
1. Don't go big right out the gate
Not every dog is cut out for mountain biking. Your Alaskan Klee Kai probably would prefer sitting in the wicker basket of a cruiser around town. Even if your dog's breed is perfectly suited for the challenge, always start slow and small.
"The biggest mistake I see is people overestimating their dog's trail readiness," Jess says. "Just because your dog loves running doesn't necessarily mean they're ready to safely ride multi-use trails alongside bikes with countless distractions."
Skipping this reality check leads to overuse injuries fast — especially on hardpack or long descents. Singletrack with tight switchbacks, rock gardens, or heavy traffic is not where you "see how it goes."
Instead: Start with short rides on wide, low-traffic dirt roads or mellow trails where you can control pace and positioning. Build up slowly and pay attention to how your dog moves the day after the ride, not just during it. As Jess puts it, “good trail dogs need excellent recall, awareness, and the ability to move predictably around riders, hikers, and other dogs.”
2. Don't take puppies biking
Wait until your dog is at least a year old — and ideally two. A puppy’s joints aren't fully developed, and over-exercising them during this window is hard on their bodies and can lead to injuries that follow them for life.
Instead: If you want your dog to be a reliable two-wheel partner for years to come, the best thing you can do early on is be patient.
3. Don't let your dog go HAM
Darting across the trail mid-descent can be equally dangerous for a dog and for others on the trail. Uncontrolled running leads to crashes, conflicts with other riders, and wildlife encounters you can't manage. High-traffic trails, jump lines, and trails with blind features are particularly dangerous territory.
"Faster riders and airborne riders physically can't stop or change direction once they are committed," Jess says. "A dog standing in the landing is scary for everyone."
Some folks choose to keep their dog in front of the bike, and some choose to keep their dog behind the bike. If your dog is in front of you, you'll be able to see them at all times, but aren't as easily able to control their speed. With your dog behind the bike, they might need some extra training to keep distance from the back tire. "Space", "in line", and "back" will often be heard coming from your mouth.
Instead: Keep your dog close by at all times. Your dog needs to reliably respond to voice commands before ever hitting the trail.
4. Don't ignore trails rules
Whether you have a dog or not, uphill riders have the right of way. If you are cruising downhill, you must pull off to the side of the trail to allow uphill riders to continue on. And bikers always yield to hikers and horseback riders.
The rules prohibiting dogs on many mountain bike trails didn't come from thin air. They're the result of accidents, conflicts, and incidents that have happened when dogs and bikes share trails without preparation.
Jess applies that same thinking to her own rides. "I'm much more selective about when and where I ride with my dogs than when I ride solo," she says. "If it's a busy weekend, a high-speed descent, or a trail with a lot of blind corners and features, my dogs stay home."
Respecting those rules, and checking them before you ride, is how trails stay open for people and dogs alike. Jess sums it up simply: "Not every trail is a dog trail and not every dog is a trail dog. There's no shame in recognizing that some rides are better enjoyed without your pup."
Instead: Put your dog in a side sit anytime you pass someone on the trail.
5. Don't underestimate heat and water needs
Mountain biking covers distance quickly, and it's easy to underestimate how far your dog is actually running. Even a fit dog can overheat fast, especially on exposed trails, in dry climates, or at elevation. Hot dirt, dry air, and sustained running is a rough combination.
"Bring more water than you think you need, especially at elevation or in dry climates like Tahoe," Jess says. "Watch paws closely on warmer days and rougher granite terrain."
It’s important to identify early signs of overheating. Excessive panting, lagging behind, and glazed eyes are all red flags worth stopping for.
Instead: Ride early in the day or later in the evening when temps are cooler.
6. Don't tie your dog to your bike
It sounds safe. It's not.
Leashing your dog to your bike — especially on trails — is one of the fastest ways to cause a crash or injury. One sudden turn, squirrel sighting, or speed mismatch and you're both going down.
Instead: Keep them off leash, but on 100% reliable voice command.
7. Don't ignore paw wear
Gravel, sharp rock, and hardpack can tear up pads quickly. What looks like a short ride can leave your dog limping the next day.
Instead: Check paws before, during, and after every ride, build tolerance gradually, and carry a set of dog booties in your pack in case of a paw tear.
8. Don't forget: it's their run, not your ride
Treat the ride as their time outside, not as your training session. If your ride depends on your dog performing at your pace, you're doing it wrong.
Jess always recommends simplicity. "Some of my favorite rides with dogs are honestly the mellow ones," she says. "Forest roads, rolling singletrack, shoulder-season weekday rides, or easy pedal days where there's room to move and nobody feels pressured."
Instead: Let them sniff, explore, and enjoy it. The best rides are the ones where both of you finish wanting more.
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The more riders take the time to learn and model good behavior on the trail, the better the experience is for everyone. And the better the chances that trails stay accessible for everyone who loves them. Have fun out there!
