The Best Dog Bike Trailer Australia - Take Them With You

We have all seen the stereotype. An ambitious person jumps on their bike and loops the handle of their dog’s lead around their handlebars. They set off and their dog perfectly matches the rhythm of their cycling. Not too fast or too slow. Not pulling ahead or lagging behind.

We have also seen the other stereotype. An ambitious person earnestly jumps on their bike and hooks the handle of their dog’s lead around their handlebars. Only this time, Fido spots a worthy chasable creature in the distance and runs ahead, leaving our poor cyclist out of control and in danger of being thrown off their bike.

I can picture both scenes in my head. I’m fairly certain 101 Dalmatians is to blame for both.

Even though I had exposure to both fantasies, it didn’t stop me from attempting the purported perfection of my rotund Flat-Coated Retriever trotting alongside my bike. Suffice to say this did not end well.

Going for a bike ride with your dog is one of the most fun things you can do with your pup, but there has got to be a more reliable way than the lead over the handlebar trick.

A dog bike trailer is exactly what you need for a safer journey for both of you. We're here to help you make that happen by sharing the top dog trailers Australia offers. We teamed up with canine experts and doggy parents alike to test out the best options, and after months of research and dozens of bike trailers later, have compiled this list.

Consider this your ultimate guide to bike trailers for dogs. We’ll talk about why the handlebar trick isn’t the best idea, trailers vs baskets, how to use a dog trailer, how to find a good dog trailer, and then finally, we’ll round up our absolute favourite dog trailers on the Australian market today.

So, strap in, we’re in for quite the ride.

Can Dogs Run Next To Your Bicycle?

Technically, yes, they can, with many many caveats. (1) For one, remember my aforementioned rotund Flat-Coated Retriever? She was not built for running or has much for focus. As a natural sniffer dog, she is always reading weemails. Try riding a bike with a dog whose nose is constantly to the ground, and will not take even one step forward until they have fully caught up on the smells of the day.

The second aspect of this is that it is quite dangerous to have your dog run alongside your bike.

Cycling can be dangerous enough without the added stress of preventing your dog’s leash from getting caught in the wheels. (3)

The third aspect is that it takes a huge amount of training for you and your dog to pull off this maneuver safely. Keeping yourself completely in balance with your dog’s motion is quite the skill. I’m sure even Olympic cyclists would struggle at first.

 If it all sounds like quite a lot of hassle, that’s because it is. Let’s discuss the alternatives that our panel of canine experts suggest.

Dog Bike Trailers vs Dog Bike Baskets

So today we are talking about dog trailers for bikes, but I’m sure if you’ve Googled this already, you have found quite a few things that don’t quite fit the bill.

Baskets often get lumped into the same category.

The main difference is that baskets are affixed to the front of your bike, while trailers trail at the back of your bike.

Bike trailers often double up as “strollers” as well. Little buggies that you can either push or pull your pup around in, depending on where you are and how you are using it.

How To Use A Dog Bicycle Trailer

There is a little bit of training and desensitising involved with getting your dog used to using a dog bike trailer, but it is nowhere near as complicated as having them run alongside you - trust me!

So how to get started? We discussed this very issue with our expert panel and their advice proved indispensable. There are three main stages you need to follow for success:

Step 1: Get your dog used to the trailer when it is stationary

You want your dog to be as comfortable in the trailer as humanly - or caninely - possible before the trailer begins motion. A good way of doing this is to make the trailer into a crate. Put their favourite toys and blankets in there to make it feel familiar. Allow them to use the stationary trailer as a crate for some time. When they start to feel secure there and even take themselves there for some quiet time, you know you are ready for the next step.

Step 2: Start moving the trailer around the house slowly

The next step is to start moving the trailer with your dog inside. This needs to be very slow and in a familiar setting. Keep your voice calm and encouraging. Reward your dog with a treat every few steps to help them associate the movement with positive things!

Step 3: Attach the trailer to your bike

When you feel confident that your pup feels safe and secure, you are ready to hit the road. And by that I mean, a very quiet, safe and controlled outdoor area. Attach the trailer to your bike empty first, then allow your dog to hop in. Move the bike very slowly, in a quiet area and see how your dog feels. Use your voice to encourage and soothe your dog. If they feel comfortable, you can attempt actually riding the bike on flat smooth ground.

What To Look For In A Good Dog Cart For A Bike

Size

While there are some bike trailers for large dogs, our team of researchers quickly discovered that they are few and far between. It is also quite the workout to haul your 60 kg Great Dane around as well as cycle. You would surely have thunderous thighs of adamantium strength, which I applaud you for.

For this reason, it is far easier to find a small dog bike trailer. That said, in our later reviews, we do have some medium options. Extra-large options are available from overseas but it’s quite the scavenger hunt to find one.

Suspension

Though you shouldn’t try off-roading with a bike trailer, it does need to withstand some level of bumpiness in the road. You want the ride to be as smooth as possible for your dog so as not to startle them. After all, they have a limited view of the road ahead. A huge jolt or consistently unstable ride isn’t enjoyable for them or you. Ideally, you want a model with a decent suspension to help achieve this.

Durability

Our panel of experts want to remind you that, particularly in the crate stages, you need your dog’s bike trailer to hold up to potential chewing and tough and tumbling. Most are made of a durable polyester or nylon Oxford fabric shell. You also need the trailer attachments to be made of a sturdy metal and not a fragile plastic that could comically snap mid-cycle. What a disaster that would be! 

Best Dog Bike Trailer For Dogs 2024 Australia 

So now we know the merits of the humble bike trailer, let’s dive into our top recommendations for dog bike trailers on the market.

A big thing to mention before you click below is delivery. For the most part, our expert testers have recommended options that will give you free delivery but it’s worth noting that these babies are heavy. While free delivery is possible, sometimes it isn’t and the delivery may be pretty pricey because of the size and weight of the package.

As I said, we have done our best to only recommend bike trailers with reasonable delivery costs or none. Just wanted to give you a head’s up as to what you can expect.

This pet stroller and bike trailer from Ibiyaya simply checks all the boxes that our team of researchers created as criteria. It’s well made and durable but not too heavy. It’s fairly spacious but also folds down easily for transport and storage. Plus, it’s very easy to use and it has all the imaginable features that can make your and your pet’s life easier - what more could we ask from a humble bike trailer?

Let’s start with what is not visible to the naked eye - the frame that holds this trailer together. It’s made with aircraft-grade aluminium tubing which is reinforced by steel in strategic places. This allows the trailer to withstand years of use and loads up to 50 kg.

Another thing I liked about this trailer is the multitude of doors and windows. There are two large openings on the front and back that make it easy for the dog to enter the cabin. Moreover, there are additional windows on the sides that ensure better airflow and give the dog a 360-degree view of the surroundings. My favourite is the window at the top, though. I was able to open this so my large dog could stick his head out and enjoy the ride.

Finally, this bike trailer also doubles as a stroller, similar to our number two choice. Thanks to the adjustable handle on the back, the transformation can be done in seconds. Keep in mind that the tow bar for attaching the trailer to your bike is not included with the purchase (but available separately).

In terms of price, versatility and quality combined, the Booyah range is the reigning monarch of the dog bike trailer world. They make these products with you as the rider and your pup as the passenger in mind. So, everything is optimised for their comfort and yours.

Starting with the sizing, it is one of the larger trailers on this list. It measures 77.5 cm x 61 cm x 27 cm and can hold a dog of a maximum weight of 13 kg.

There is a large front mesh window at the front and two on the sides for plenty of ventilation and a view of the passing world as you ride.

Our team of experts also loved how the Booyah is fitted with suspension to provide as much comfort as possible. The trailer can also quickly become a stroller when needed as it comes with a handy handlebar.

The stellar reviews attest to its high quality. Yes, it costs a pretty penny compared to other options on this list but you absolutely get what you pay for here! 9.999999 out of 10!

Next up is the Schwinn for the win! (I wish I could take credit for that but an excited reviewer takes that prize).

The Schwinn is slightly larger than the Booyah, clocking in at 80 cm x 52 cm x 21 cm. It can hold a dog of up to 22 kg so it is ideal for medium dogs.

It was incredibly easy for me to set it up and pack down for storage thanks to is compactable design. 

It is a durable little trailer with a sturdy steel frame. There is also an interior leash for extra security of your pup.

The lining of the trailer is easily washable, helping you to keep it fresh for your Fido. It’s a fantastic option for any adventuring pooch.

Reviews from our panel of independent experts are generally positive and it is slightly cheaper than our number two choice, the Booyah. However, the Schwinn doesn’t have the same suspension power that the Booyah does, which is why it is the runner up.

It’s still an incredibly high-quality product but well worth taking a look!

If you want a dog bicycle trailer that won’t break the bank, the New Skiiddii model may be the one for you.

This one is pretty fabulous all-around considering it has the most reasonable price point than our previous three picks.

I also love how it is a great size for small and medium dogs alike. The interior sizing is 70 cm x 55 cm x 65 cm. It can carry a dog of up to 40 kg. This makes it one of the largest holding capacities on this list.

This dog trailer has a rain-resistant shell, keeping your pup safe and dry. It is incredibly stable with a steel roll bar and a backup carabiner hook to make sure that the trailer stays stable, even if your bike tips over for some reason.

Our expert team of testers took note that the trailer has many reflective strips so you can ride at dawn and dusk in with the security of knowing you and your pup will be seen. It has 2 reflectors on the front, 2 on the back and 2 on the wheels.

This trailer pretty much has it all. It is easy to set up, easy to use and economical. It’s a no-brainer!

Want an easy to set up and highly portable bike trailer for your hikes and adventures away from home? Look no further than the vidaXL Dog Bike Trailer. This is a great product.

With a hardy steel frame and an Oxford nylon shell, I love how this trailer is durable and easy to maintain. You can be sure that cleanliness will be simple here with a washable lining.

It has large mesh windows for ventilation and a nice view. The front window can be covered by a handy roll-up plastic covering in case of bad weather.

The frame has a rotating safety joint that ensures that the trailer can’t be tipped should your bike fall over. It’s also incredibly easy to attach to your bike in general with a simple clip-on functionality.

The cabin measures 75.5 cm x 57 cm x 65 cm. The fabric is polyester so not quite as durable as nylon but should still be durable enough to use over the long term.

This is quite an economical option out of the trailers on this list too. Always much appreciated.

So why is this our portable pick of the bunch? Well, our team of experts agreed that this bike trailer is completely foldable and simple to assemble again whenever you need it. It is also one of the lighter trailers on this list. Being lightweight makes it far more portable to carry in your car or campervan.

Notwithstanding some mixed reviews from our panel, the vidaXL is worth having a look at if you enjoy the design and the sizing is right for your pup.

So far, the options here have been pretty spot on for small and medium dogs alike. The Tidyard is the perfect solution for small pups and puppies. It measures 59 cmx 43 cm x 50 cm and weighs just 9.5 kg.

Like many of the other options on this list, it is made of a tough steel frame and Oxford nylon fabric. It should last you many years to come if you don’t abuse it.

There are lovely large mesh windows to maximize air circulation and freshness in the cabin. The lining is moisture-resistant and non-slip too. My dog was cool and comfortable throughout our little adventure together.

Our team of researchers loved the boxy red and black design. It gives your pup plenty of headroom while also providing larger windows than the other models we have seen so far. Your pooch will have the best view of the outside world as you cycle on by.

Assemble and disassemble in a flash, as you can flat pack it at any time for easy transportation.

Overall, if you want your small dog or puppy to have a front row seat to your life as a cyclist, this is the one to go for!

The Final Verdict: Best Dog Bike Trailers Australia

For the best of the best, our team of independent experts believe that the Booyah is pretty fabulous. It has a cool design, it is durable and extremely well liked among our dog biker community! Booyah strollers are a cut above the rest overall, but that does come at an elevated price tag.

If you want a more economical option, we have to recommend the New Skiiddii. This bike trailer is great for medium-sized dogs and performs like a trailer double its price. And that’s what we want! A product of premium quality at a reasonable price. Give it a try!

References

1. Whittenburg, J. May 9, 2022. “How to Train Your Dog to Run Next to a Bicycle”. The Spruce Pets. Retrieved April 12, 2023. https://www.thesprucepets.com/cycling-with-dogs-1117836

2. Grzyb, K. June 7, 2011. “Tips for Safely Biking With Your Dog”. PetMD Editorial. Retrieved April 12, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/evr_dg_biking_with_your_dog_safely

3. Pender, K. January 14, 2019. “'We are not doing enough’: why is Australia failing its cyclists?”. The Guardian. Retrieved April 12, 2023. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/jan/14/we-are-not-doing-enough-why-is-australia-failing-its-cyclists
   
4. “Why and how should I crate train my dog?”. RSPCA. Retrieved April 12, 2023. https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/why-and-how-should-i-crate-train-my-dog/#ftn1