Step-By-Step Guide

How to Train Your Dog on the Thule Bexey

Bringing home a new Thule Bexey is exciting—for you and your dog. Like any piece of adventure gear, it benefits from a thoughtful introduction. The goal is simple: help your dog feel safe, comfortable, and confident before you ever head out for a ride.

With a calm approach and a little patience, most dogs adapt surprisingly quickly. Some are ready to climb in immediately, while others need a bit more time to investigate this new addition to the house. Either way, allowing your dog to progress at their own pace will create a much better experience in the long run.

1. Start at Home in Training Mode

Begin by switching your trailer into training mode. Remove the wheels and hitch arm, then place the flat, stable plastic base directly on the floor. In this configuration, the Thule Bexey functions as a cozy, ground-level kennel rather than something designed to move.

We recommend doing this immediately after unboxing your new Bexey and setting it up in the comfort of your home. A familiar environment helps your dog relax and explore at their own pace.

Encourage your dog to spend as much time as possible inside the trailer. Add familiar items such as toys, a favourite blanket, and a few treats so the space quickly feels and smells familiar.

Open the front and rear flaps fully so your dog can enter and exit from either side. This allows them to come and go as they please. You can even turn this into a simple game by seeing if your dog will walk through the trailer like a tunnel on their own.

If your dog is shy or apprehensive, try placing their food bowl inside the trailer so they can eat their meals there. Positive associations go a long way.

2. Add Height and Structure

After a few days, most dogs are comfortable entering and exiting the trailer on their own. Once that happens, it's time to introduce the trailer in its normal riding configuration by attaching the wheels and hitch arm.

While this may seem like a small change, some dogs notice the difference right away. The floor feels slightly different beneath their feet, and the trailer no longer feels completely fixed to the ground. Give your dog time to adjust and continue encouraging them to climb in, settle down, and spend a few minutes relaxing inside.

This is a good time to begin using the trailer as a place to relax even when you're not training. If your dog chooses to lie down inside on their own, that's a great sign. Continue rewarding calm behaviour and avoid rushing ahead. The more comfortable your dog becomes while the trailer is stationary, the easier the next steps will be.

3. Introduce Gentle Movement

Once your dog appears relaxed inside the fully assembled trailer, you can begin introducing movement.

Start slowly by gently rocking the trailer by hand or rolling it forward a short distance on a smooth surface. The sensation will be unfamiliar at first, so keep movements minimal and controlled. Follow up with praise and rewards so your dog learns that movement isn't something to worry about.

Over the next few sessions, gradually increase the amount of movement. Pull the trailer a little farther, make gentle turns, and allow your dog to experience the normal sounds and sensations that come with a rolling trailer. The goal is to build familiarity while keeping the experience positive and predictable.

Every dog adapts differently. Some barely react to movement at all, while others need a few sessions before they feel completely comfortable. Pay attention to your dog's body language and let them set the pace. If they seem unsure, simply slow down and spend a little more time at this stage before progressing further.

Remember that confidence is built through repetition. Several short, positive training sessions are usually more effective than trying to accomplish everything in a single afternoon.

4. Time to hit the trail

Before connecting the trailer to your bike, it can be helpful to spend some time pulling it by hand. A short walk around the driveway, down the sidewalk, or through a quiet park allows your dog to experience the sounds and sensations of the moving trailer without the added speed of cycling.

When your dog is calm and comfortable during these practice sessions, you're ready for your first ride. Choose a quiet route with smooth terrain and minimal distractions. There's no need to go far. A short ride around the neighbourhood or on a local pathway is often the perfect introduction.

Ride at an easy pace and focus on creating a positive experience rather than covering distance. As your dog's confidence grows, so can the length and variety of your rides. Most dogs quickly learn that the trailer means they're coming along for an adventure, and many eventually become excited whenever they see it being prepared.

With these steps complete, you're laying the foundation for safe, stress-free adventures with your four-legged companion. And once training is done, don't be surprised if the Thule Bexey becomes their favourite seat in the house.