Okay, so, the other day I had this wild idea: What if I could get my dog, Max, to ride on my motorcycle with me? I’ve seen those cool videos online, and I thought, “Why not?” Max is pretty chill, so I figured it was worth a shot.
Preparation is Key
First things first, I needed to make sure Max would be safe. I definitely wasn’t going to just plop him on the seat and take off.
- I got him a doggy helmet. It looked ridiculous, but safety first, right?
- I found a harness that would securely attach him to me. It’s like a doggy seatbelt.
- I practiced putting the gear on him in the house. He wasn’t thrilled, but he got used to it with enough treats.
The First Attempt (and a Few Fails)
The first time I tried to get him on the bike, it was a total disaster. I started the engine, and Max freaked out. He jumped, barked, and generally acted like I was trying to torture him. So, I turned off the engine and spent some time just sitting on the bike with him, giving him pets and treats, letting him sniff around. No pressure.
The next few tries weren’t much better. He’d whimper and try to wiggle out of the harness. I realized I needed to take it super slow.
Baby Steps (and Lots of Treats)
I decided to break it down into tiny steps. I’d put on his gear, get on the bike, and just sit there, engine off. Then, I’d give him tons of praise and treats. We did this for a few days. Then, I started just turning the engine on and off, getting him used to the sound. More treats, more praise.
Short Rides Around the Block
Finally, I felt like he was ready for a super short ride. I kept it to just around the block, going really slow. He was a little nervous at first, but he started to relax. I could feel him leaning into me, and his tail even started to wag a little.
Success! (Sort Of)
We’ve been on a few more short rides since then. He’s definitely getting more comfortable. He still looks a little goofy in his helmet, but he seems to enjoy the wind in his fur. I wouldn’t say he’s a pro motorcycle dog yet, but we’re getting there! It’s all about patience, positive reinforcement, and, of course, lots and lots of treats.
It’s been a fun experience. Maybe not quite as smooth as those online videos make it look, but we make great progress!
