What bike?

During the first weeks and months of a dog’s life, it’s critical to introduce him to as many potentially scary or overwhelming experiences as possible: boats, bikes, men, women, people in uniform, the vet. . . anything and everything. The rules are simple. Make the introductions gradual, and make them fun. With Danger, I plopped him down beside my bike at three-months, clipped in, and took off. Then I wondered why he wouldn’t heel nicely beside me. With Cooper, I’m taking the long view.

1. Just walk him up to a bike that’s leaned up against a tree. No freak-out? Move to step 2.
2. Put him on a chair by the bike and spin the wheels until he loses interest in them
3. Walk with him on one side of me while pushing the bike on the other
4. Walk with the bike between me and him
5. Finally, get on and pedal slowly. Don’t go to this step until you have a reliable heel both on and off leash.
6. Your dog should keep pace with you rather than the reverse. If you find yourself speeding up to get your dog to heel–i.e. racing away from him–you need to go back.

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