I've got 2 whippets that I can't train to do anything let alone run along by me on my bike. I've tried a few times but in the woods it lasts about 5 seconds before they get bored and p*ss off to chase rabbits and squirrels. And horses, deer, kids the list goes on. Jeez they're a liability
Anyone want two whippets?
If you train the dog properly for normal life, a transition to a bike should just be an extension of an existing skill. However, if you are like the majority of UK dog owners you'll expect the dog to do what you want, when you want with no effort from yourself.
I took a well disciplined dog (who was afraid of bikes) and trained him to run with bikes. It was made all the more easier that I could trust his recall anyway. I liked to use an extender lead in a rucsack to start with - trained him to run at the side of me where there was room but with enough give in the lead for mistakes.
Work with the dog and get it properly trained, then move to the bike. Your reward will be a dog that is well behaved all the time.
Well, i took my black lab out riding for the first time today - a 1.5hr blast round the local woods. He was perfectly behaved and seemed to really enjoy it. He happily trotted alongside on fireroads, then galloped behind on the singletrack; his nametag rattled about as he ran, so i knew he was following. Also, thanks to djaustin, took his advice and carried a pocketfull of scooby snacks to keep him keen.
Will deff take him again, plus he's now flat out - sleeping like a dog :-)!
Before you go out the gate / house what ever make him sit and let you go 1st all the time,
This!! Oh this should be the first thing you teach a dog as it is the most important. Pack leader goes first, it's what they understand but what 99pc of dog owners fail to realise. When the dog knows that you are in charge the rest is easy.
Those dalmations must make excellent trail dogs they had their origins as carriage dogs can run miles, I'm hoping my dobey eventually obeys a few more commands, he's getting better and three or four miles in, he's fine will run by most distractions, but early in the ride, other dogs, rabbits, ugly cowering wimmen, left wing health professionals he'll go for if they show the slightest fear. So he's the first dog I've had to muzzle, just got it the other day after a close call livestock incident (someone left a gate open they shouldn't).
Good stuff everyone, thanks. Loads of great ideas. 2 sleeps til he arrives. Can't wait.
What an utter foolish thing to do! This is cruel to the dog as well as putting the safety of walkers and fellow cyclists at jeopardy! 
please do NOT do it.
I like my dogs to stay in my sight so they don't get caught up in the bike. I taught them that a shout of 'this way' means a change of direction, if they get too near the bike they get a nudge on the flanks with the front tyre (they don't like Bonty mud x's!), and good recall makes for some good riding time.
I ran all the way over the little one (lab/staff cross) once, it was like a furry speedbump 
She was ok though, she's a tough little dog.
Ahem... pics when he arrives then?
I trained my husky to run behind me so as to avoid the chance of hitting him if he decided to stop abruptly and sniff another dogs ass or anything else for that matter. Huskies aren't the easiest to train as well so you should have no bother with a retriever. I wouldn't run him/her for more than 10-15 miles 3 times a week as that's what a lad who trains huskies told me is enough for huskies and they're bred to run. Basically same as us, we don't go to the gym everyday so dogs don't need that either. Hope you have good fun anyway as I love taking him out but be warned, everytime you go near the bike they will expect to be going with you lol
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