If you really want to have fun with your dog, you should seriously consider skateboarding together. It’s an awesome way to keep you both fit, healthy, and happy. With the proper equipment and some training, you will get stoked to ride alongside your companion!
Where to get started?
Having an appropriate board for dog pulling is essential right off the bath. In general, you should be looking for a longboard or cruiser that’s easily maneuverable, very stable, and large enough for optimal riding experience. However, the ideal skateboard for you will depend on your experience, your dog’s conditions, and your preferences!
To help you find the perfect board for your needs, I’ve selected the best options on the market for skatejoring*. In this article, I will share with you all my recommendations.
I also have some useful information about this awesome dog-pulling sport you don’t want to miss out on. At the end of your reading, you will be all set to ride your new longboard behind your buddy as safely as possible!
*The word “joring” is the Swedish translation of pulling. Thus, skatejoring is the action of getting towed by your dog while you are skateboarding.
If you want to ride together, here are the best skateboards for dogs!
What Makes Some Skateboards Better Than Others For Dog Pulling?
Before selecting the perfect option for your needs, you should know that not all types of boards are well-suited for you to ride with your dog. To enjoy this sport together, the equipment you choose must provide you with optimal control and stability. That’s mainly why longboards and cruisers are normally better for this purpose!
Skateboarding is totally different if you get pulled by your dog at the same time. You will have to hold the leash over long distances, adapt your speed according to his fitness level, and react fast to his sudden moves. Therefore, keeping your balance must be as easy as possible, even if you are an accomplished skater!
Here’s an excellent video for you to see what longboarding with dogs looks like in action!
Other Things To Consider For Skatejoring With Your Dog!
Apart from the type of skateboard, you also need to consider more specific aspects such as its height, length, and components to make sure it’s suitable for dog pulling. For better stability, the board should be as low as possible. Long and wide decks are also more interesting for solid footing and optimal balance.
To get pulled by your dog safely, traction and slow acceleration are essential. The more control you have on the board, the smoother your ride will be. Thus, soft wheels (with a lower durometer rating) are more appropriate for skatejoring.
Overall, The Perfect Board For Skatejoring Should Be…
- Stable. (Low, Wide, Long, Soft Wheels, Etc.)
- Easily Maneuverable. (Responsive, Good Grip tape, Etc.)
- Made From High-Quality Components & Durable Materials.
- Smooth & Comfortable To Ride On Rough Terrain Over Long Distances.
My Top Pick Of Longboards & Cruisers For Dog Pulling!
Now it’s time to take a look at some of the best options available out there. During the selection, my focus was on the following criteria: balance, maneuverability, quality, and performance. Since we all have different budgets, needs, and preferences, I’ve selected 5 different skateboards to ride alongside your dog.
Best Longboard For Skateboarding With Your Dog → Quest California Native Spirit Longboard
Price: $$$
Quality: *****
Stability: *****
Control: ****
Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Ideal for beginners, this double-drop longboard is great to help you find your center of balance easily. The low-level and wide design provides optimal stability for dog joring.
Made from high-quality materials, the board is also very sturdy and durable. Comfortable and easy to control, it’s a perfect choice if you enjoy smooth rides.
The construction is very responsive to turns, and the bearings are good enough to cruise pretty well. The wheels are very soft and offer good traction as you need them for dog pulling.
This product is also very cheap for its excellent performance. Thus, the California Native board is my ultimate recommendation to start skateboarding with your four-legged buddy!
Technical Details.
Type Of Board: Drop Down Longboard With Open Wheel Design.
Components: 7-Ply Hardwood Maple Deck, 7-Inch Aluminum Trucks & ABEC 7 Bearings.
Length: 41” Width: 9”
Weight: 8 lbs
Wheels: 71mm & 78A (Soft & Grippy)
Pros.
- Best Bang For Your Buck.
- Reliable Board At The Lowest Price Point.
- Solid Deck & Good Components.
- Very Stable & Easily Maneuverable.
- Smooth Riding Experience.
- Most Customers Are Impressed & Satisfied.
Cons.
- Bearings & Trucking Could Be Improved.
Best High-Quality Skateboard For Dog Pulling → Poke Longboard Made By Loaded Boards
Price: $$$$
Quality: *****
Stability: *****
Control: *****
Overall Rating: 4.9/5
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you might wonder which board you should choose for more extreme urban mushing. The perfect option for accomplished skaters is the Loaded Poke Longboard. Very lightweight, stable at high speed, and responsive to quick turns, it’s an awesome choice for dog pulling.
This versatile board can be used for pretty much any type of adventure. You’re looking for something to enjoy smooth and comfortable rides on advanced trails with your four-legged buddy?
The Poke Longboard is the ideal balance between convenience and performance. Thus, I highly recommend you to choose this awesome skateboard if you have to budget for it!
Technical Details.
Type Of Board: Mini Longboard.
Materials: Bamboo & Fiberglass Construction.
Carver Trucks: CX.4 Front & C2.4 Rear Truck. (With Orangatang Nipple Bushings)
Wheels: 70mm & 80A (Good Speed & Control)
Bearings: Loaded Jehu V2 Bearings.
Length: 34” Width: 9.125”
Weight: 2.8 lbs
Pros.
- Optimal Control & Stability At High-Speed.
- Compact & Comfortable Design.
- Great Board For Carving, Pumping, Slashing, Freestyle & Urban Commuting.
- Light & Durable Construction.
- High-Quality Components For The Best Riding Experience.
- Good Customer Service.
Cons.
- Quite Expensive.
Best Original Longboard For Urban Mushing → Jucker Hawaii Makahuna
Price: $$$
Quality: ****
Stability: *****
Control: *****
Overall Rating: 4.6/5
This cruising longboard is another great option to consider for dog joring. With the 42-inch deck, solid wood construction, and soft wheels, it’s ideal for stability.
The kicktail and top mount design are also great for better maneuverability. Thus, the Jucker Hawaii Makahuna is an excellent choice for smooth rides with your buddy.
The authentic Hawaiian style of the board is interesting for aesthetic purposes. However, the quality of the components and the overall performance is also very impressive.
For more comfort, the board has bamboo layers that make the deck more flexible and comfortable for the rider. That’s another reason why this nice-looking longboard might be the right one for you!
Technical Details.
Type Of Board: Original Top Mount Longboard.
Materials: Bamboo & Canadian Maple Deck.
Wheels: 69mm & 78A (Soft With Good Traction)
Bearings: Jucker Hawaii ABEC 7.
Length: 42” Width: 9”
Weight: 7.8 lbs
Pros.
- Nice Looking & Performant Hawaiian Design.
- Smooth Glide On Rough Terrain Because Of The Soft Wheels.
- Excellent Stability & Control On The Board.
- Made From High-Quality & Durable Materials.
- Very Responsive For Quick Turns If Needed.
Cons.
- Wheels & Bearings Could Be Improved.
- Some Customers Have Experienced Quality Issues.
Best All-Around Skateboard For Dog Pulling → LMAI Bamboo Wood Cruiser Longboard
Price: $$
Quality: *****
Stability: ***
Control: *****
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
In general, the longer the board is, the better stability you will have. However, some accomplished riders might be interested in an option that’s shorter for more control.
That’s why I’ve included the LMAI Cruiser on this list. It’s a versatile skateboard that’s ideal for cruising with your dog if you have good balance.
On the other hand, I would not recommend it for beginners or high-speed urban mushing because of its short length*. Even if this type of cruiser is easier to control and more convenient, it won’t be as stable as the other options on my list. But it’s still an awesome board for better maneuverability and to challenge yourself while riding with your dog!
*If you’re looking for something compact and stable, you should seriously consider the Poke Loaded.
Technical Details.
Type Of Board: Cruiser Longboard.
Materials: Bamboo & Canadian Maple Deck.
Trucks: 5.25” Aluminum Trucks.
Wheels: 62mm & 78A (Soft & Grippy)
Bearings: ABEC 11 Made From Stainless Steel.
Length: 27.5” Width: 8”
Weight: 6 lbs
Pros.
- Awesome Control For Easy Sharp Turns.
- Smooth Riding At Fast Speed.
- Made From High-Quality Materials & Components.
- Perfect Design For Cruising.
- Good Stability For The Length Of The Board.
Cons.
- Not The Best Option For Beginners.
- Slightly Too Short For Dog Pulling.
- Not As Stable As Longer Boards.
Best Budget-Friendly Longboard For Skatejoring → Quest Totem Skateboard
Price: $
Quality: ***
Stability: ****
Control: ****
Overall Rating: 4/5
If you’re just getting started, you might be looking for an option that won’t break the bank. Unfortunately, most good skateboards for urban mushing are not very cheap.
To have something durable, stable, and easily maneuverable, you need to invest quite a bit of money. However, the Quest Totem Longboard could be an affordable and performant board for dog pulling.
Great for beginners, this midsize cruiser has the ideal length to help you find your balance and have good control. The board itself is made from solid hardwood maple and bamboo for better durability.
My biggest concern with this cheap option is the components. The wheels, bearings, and trucks are definitely not the highest quality. Overall, it’s a beautiful and decent longboard for the price!
Technical Details.
Type Of Board: Midsize Longboard Cruiser.
Materials: Hardwood & Bamboo Deck.
Wheels: 65mm & 80A (Good Traction & Speed Performance)
Trucks: 6” Reverse Kingpin Trucks.
Bearings: Precision ABEC 7 Carbon Bearings.
Length: 36” Width: 9.25”
Weight: 8 lbs
Pros.
- Best Longboard For The Lowest Price.
- Made From Relatively Good Quality Materials.
- Provide An Awesome Balance Between Stability & Control.
- Beginner Friendly Board Ideal For Cruising.
- Nice Looking Vintage Design.
Cons.
- Wheels, Bearings & Truck Need Improvement.
- Not Well-Suited For Pro Skaters.
- Quite Heavy For The Length.
How To Choose The Right Skateboard For Dog Pulling?
With all the boards available out there, it can be difficult and overwhelming to choose the perfect one for your needs. To narrow down your options, I highly recommend you stick with my 5 recommendations. Now here are some elements you should consider to find the right longboard to ride behind your dog!
Your Dog’s Conditions.
Even if you are the rider, your buddy is still an important part of the sport. His pulling force, speed, fitness level, experience with urban mushing, and many other factors can influence which board you should choose. For example, you might have to select an option that’s very stable at high-speed if you want to enjoy dog joring with an athletic Husky.
Your Skateboarding Skills & Style.
If you have never ridden a board in your life, you don’t need the same equipment as professional athletes. Beginners should opt for one of the most stable options like the Quest California Native Longboard or the Loaded Poke. If you are already an expert rider, you might want to challenge yourself with a skateboard that offers less stability but more control.
Another important thing to consider is the type of rides you plan to do with your dog. The intensity, frequency, and environment of your skateboarding adventures will influence what you should get. For instance, you don’t need the most performant longboard if you want to cruise smoothly around your neighborhood alongside your buddy!
Your Personal Preferences & Needs.
Ultimately, it’s also essential to think about what you want to ride on. You are the final customer, so if choosing a board that’s beautiful, compact, or versatile is important to you, then go for it.
You might also have preferences about the length, price range, or any other aspect of this important purchase. However, you still need to find something suitable for dog pulling and meeting your basic needs!
It’s Time To Invest In Your Dog Joring Skateboard!
With all the information you have, you’re all set to select the perfect board to ride with your best friend. If there is nothing ideal for your needs among my top 5 suggestions, there are still plenty of other great options on the market. Now I highly recommend you purchase the longboard of your choice to start skatejoring with your dog as soon as possible!
Other Essential Gear For Skateboarding With Your Dog!
You are probably excited about the idea of getting started with this awesome sport. However, the board isn’t the only equipment that’s necessary for dog pulling. You also need to invest in an appropriate leash, harness, and maybe other accessories for everyone’s safety. To save you some time, I’ve already put together all the best products for skateboarding with your dog!
Skatejoring Starter Kit.
- Longboarding Protective Gear. (Helmet, Gloves, Pads, Etc.)
+
Or
Optional Gear.
- Dog Booties (Ruffwear Grip Trex Shoes) or Protection Paw Wax. (Musher’s Secret)
- Portable Bowl. (Outward Hound Dog Bowl)
- Skateboarding Backpack. (Burton Treble Yell)
How To Prepare Yourself For Longboarding & Dog Pulling?
Apart from having the proper board and equipment, there are other things you can do before you hit the trails with your buddy. First of all, you must be very comfortable and agile on the board before adding any other difficulty.
Then, your dog should also be well-trained to enjoy this type of sport. Once everyone is ready to go, it’s time to ride together with your new longboard for the first time!
Different Types Of Skatejoring Preparation:
- Learn Basic Skateboarding Skills.
- Master Dog Obedience & Leash Training.
- Teach Your Buddy How To Pull Your Longboard.
- Physical Conditioning & Socialization For Your Dog.
Tips To Get Started With Skateboarding & Dog Joring!
Before letting you go, I still have some important advice for you. Longboarding and urban mushing both have big learning curves.
That’s why it won’t be easy to combine those two sports. To help you avoid some mistakes and prevent unnecessary risks, here are some of my best tips for skatejoring beginners!
Don’t Let Your Dog Do All The Work!
Even with the best board and dog-pulling gear, you should always try to keep up with your companion. Otherwise, you will increase the risk of injury or accident by putting more strain on his back. That’s why pushing on your longboard is still important to make skatejoring enjoyable and safe for everyone!
Learn How To Brake!
Skateboarding at high speed can be dangerous, especially if you don’t know how to stop efficiently. Before letting your dog pull you on your new board, make sure to practice your braking skills to keep control over the situation.
To slow down, you could either put your back foot flat on the ground or invest in a longboard brake system. Whatever method you choose, you must have the capacity to decrease your speed or completely stop if you want to enjoy this sport safely!
I Highly Recommend You Check Out This Drop Down Longboard Brake On Amazon!
Start Slowly & Improve Gradually!
In the beginning, it won’t be easy for your dog to keep up with your pace over long periods. Therefore, you need to let him build up some stamina before enjoying longer and faster rides together. Just make sure you respect his physical limits and conditions for his safety!
Teach Joring Commands To Your Dog!
If you are serious about skateboarding with your four-legged companion, you have to be able to communicate with each other somehow. The best way to lead him on trails is to learn and teach him urban mushing voice cues.
Basic commands such as “Go” or “Hike”, “Right” or “Gee”, “Left” or “Haw”, “Easy” or “Slow”, and “Stop” or “Whoa” can be extremely useful on rides. The best way to teach your dog the mushing language is on daily walks.
Have Fun!
Ultimately, you do not want to forget the purpose of skatejoring. Riding with your dog is probably one of the best things you will ever do together, so please enjoy it.
To make the most of this awesome sport, you only have to make sure it’s pleasant for everyone. Then, you can have as much fun as you want while spending quality time on your board alongside your buddy!
Last Thoughts About The Best Skateboards For Dog Pulling!
With everything you’ve just learned, you are ready to hit the trails with your dog. From choosing the right gear for urban mushing to physical and mental preparation, that’s a lot of information to process. However, I’m sure you will be able to skateboard together successfully if you’ve made it until here!
I hope my article has helped you find out what you need to get started with this joring sport. Overall, the best option would be a longboard that’s stable, easily maneuverable, and comfortable to ride for dog pulling.
That’s why I highly recommend you choose either the Quest California Native Longboard or the Loaded Poke. Now it’s time to select the perfect board for your needs and finally enjoy riding alongside your buddy!
Take Care & Ride On!