UTV Riding with Your Dog

Want to boost your next side by side adventure? Bring your favorite four-legged friend along for the ride! As long as you do the right preparation, you and your pal can enjoy a safe and thrilling ride. We've created the following guide covering everything you need to know about riding a utility vehicle with your dog. 

If you have any questions or want to look at UTVs for sale, visit Abernathy's Cycles. We proudly serve those in Memphis, Nashville, and Union City, Tennessee.

Safe Transporting of Your Dog

You never want to let your pup freely walk about your side by side. He might fall off your moving vehicle and get injured. Or he might try to get on your lap or crawl around your legs, interfering with your ability to safely steer your utility vehicle.

Instead, you'll want to utilize a crate. To secure it to your UTV, you can use tie downs. You'd be surprised how easily a crate can slide right off even if you only go at a slow speed.

You'll also want to be aware of the weather on your ride as you may need to adjust your crate accordingly. For hot days, be sure that the crate you use offers enough ventilation. You don't want your dog suffering inside something that is stuffy and hot. For colder days, you''ll want to utilize a kennel cover to keep heat inside and help block out bitterly cold wind.

Building Your Dog's Comfort with Your UTV

If your dog has never been transported in a crate before, you'll want to create positive first associations. Put her favorite toys or treats inside so she can associate the crate with fun. Be relaxed as you show her the crate and talk to her in a happy and calm tone.

After she gets used to the crate, your next step is getting her used to riding in a utility vehicle. You don't want her first journey to be a several hour adventure because you don't know how she will respond. Go for short trips and slowly increase the length of time. It'll help ease her into riding and keep every experience positive, rather than being out too long and causing her anxiety that causes stress the next few trips.

Packing Your Utility Vehicle

You'll want to bring along a few items to keep your dog comfortable. First, you'll need a water bowl so he can stay hydrated. If you are cramped for space, get a collapsible bowl. Next, you'll want to pack a pet first aid kit. That way, you'll be prepared if any minor medical issues come up. You can pack a brush to help you remove stickers and other items that cling to your dog's fur as he explores the brush. Consider an LED collar light as it'll make it easier to see your pet as he roams at night. Booties can be a great accessory to help protect his paws from difficult and rugged terrain. Finally, you can consider adding a windshield to your utility vehicle. It'll make the ride more comfortable for you both since it'll help block debris and wind.

We hope you found these tips helpful! If you have questions or want to look at UTVs for sale, visit Abernathy's Cycles. Our expert staff is happy to provide personalized recommendations for UTVs for sale. Tell us your budget, riding level, riding lifestyle, and any features you want and we can find you models to match. Whatever you need, you can find it with us! We proudly serve those in Memphis, Nashville, and Union City, Tennessee.