We spoke with Las Vegas-based rider Jean Bolinger about her travels with her Boston Terrier, Cricket. The two have amassed an astounding number of miles together, and Jean had some wise words for others who are considering making their pet their ride-or-die moto companion. Follow Jean and Cricket’s adventures on Instagram at MeanJeanRides.

How long have you been taking your dog on your motorcycle?

She’s actually my second Boston Terrier biker dog. My first one rode with me for 8 years. I was doing primarily solo riding and it was before social media so many people had never seen that before. When that dog passed away, I wanted another dog of the same breed to ride with me. Then I found Cricket.

She’s deaf on one side and doesn’t hear well out of the other either, due to a birth defect that also gave her one blue eye and a lack of pigmentation on her face. Her inability to hear well may actually make it easier for her to ride. Many dogs can get stressed by the sound of a motorcycle.

Cricket has ridden a half of a million miles so far. She’s traveled on a motorcycle to 48 states, as well as Canada and Mexico. She just turned 8 years old, so there are more rides in her future.

How did you train your dog to ride a motorcycle?

I work in the vet field, so I really like to wait until they are fully developed and emotionally stable before putting them on a motorcycle. They need to be mentally ready too. I started short rides with Cricket at a year old. She traveled with me to Sturgis at 18-months. 

I’ve had at least two dozen people ask about how to train their dogs to ride. I’ve actually done lots of training with Cricket–all kinds–it’s very important for safety. I started with basic obedience training. Then I worked to desensitize her to the motorcycle by lying her down next to it while it was running. I use physical touch and verbal rewards (rather than treat training).

The experience has to be a low stress thing and you have to be really attentive to your animal. Remember, the dog is balancing on the back of your bike (in fact, Cricket gets pretty muscular during long trips!) so it’s really important for their mental and emotional health that it's a positive experience. I also made sure that another person was riding next to me so she could look over for reassurance.

Cricket happened to really dislike it when I wore a full-face helmet during training. I had to wear a little jockey helmet so that she was more comfortable. For most dogs the engine noise and vibration is tough. But, everything has been so easy with her. 

Does your dog like riding a motorcycle?

She’s been the best little riding partner I’ve ever had. Cricket never lays down, even when we’re riding for 14-16 hours. She sits up and looks at everything and enjoys every single turn. I look in my mirror on twisties and she literally has a smile on her face and her feet are tapping. 

Cricket has always been an old soul since she was a puppy. She never had any puppy behaviors; she’s just calm and mature. But she gets excited when she hears a motorcycle. She even recognizes other people’s bikes. I think she uses sound and vibration to identify them. She always turns her head to look at other motos when they pass by in the other direction. 

When I grab her gear, she bolts out and sits next to the bike. Cricket has ridden with friends too–she’s happy to go with anyone and really just wants to be on the motorcycle. It’s crazy to see how much an animal can enjoy it. When we travel through the mountains, she looks up and notices hawks and eagles. This dog would rather be nowhere than behind me on a motorcycle. 

What gear do you use to keep your dog safe and comfortable on a motorcycle?

Motorcycling with pets (dogs, cats, birds), is made easier by all of the different types of carriers–like tank carriers, fiberglass carriers, and more. There are so many options so do your research for the size of your pet. I’ve also seen people ride with backpacks made specifically for dogs.

Cricket rides in a Kuryakyn brand Grand Pet Palace on the back of my motorcycle. It has an internal tether system, can be ventilated five ways, and you can fully lock in your dog when it’s cold, rainy, or there’s hail (though she hates this and starts bucking when enclosed). I like that it’s super safe and you can control the temperature.

She sits on a memory foam pad covered by real sheepskin and is tethered and harnessed so she doesn’t pop out. However there is a break-away point to eject your dog, which is the safest thing in an accident. Plus her carrier comes with dog bowls and turns into a carrier with a handle for air or other travel. 

Cricket also wears Rex Specs Canine Goggles in the winter which help block the cold air, and she wears a coat as well. Touring motorcycles often block the wind, which is better for her.

In the summer, I wet her down at stops with water from my CamelBak. She also wears a dog cooling vest [like this one]. She has ridden in up to 118-degree weather and has been more comfortable than I was. 

When traveling with a pet, plan for the worst. Have a plan for your pet if you go down. Consider what’s gonna happen with your dog if you’re in an accident and need to be transported via ambulance or Helivac for medical care. Her comfort, safety, and health are paramount for me.

Are there any legal restrictions that prevent you from riding a motorcycle with your dog in certain places?

Thankfully no. She’s so well trained and people are so fascinated that they tend to bend the rules for us. Everyone has been really welcoming wherever I go. I always get permission in advance; I check to make sure a dog is okay to stay. 

Do you have any advice for others who would like to take their dog (or other pet) on a motorcycle?

If you want to ride with your dog: introduce it slowly and don’t push it when your pet is too young. Puppies, in particular, are really susceptible to heat and cold changes. Wait a year to 18 months before taking them on a ride.

Riding a motorcycle is stimulating (maybe overstimulating) for them so desensitization of noise is really important. When riding, they may encounter a fire engine blaring, a car backfiring, and more. You want to expose them in a safe environment so that ultimately your dog will really enjoy it and be your partner. 

If you do it right, your pet really is, second-to-none, your best riding partner. Plus, there are no complaints about how long it takes to get somewhere! I hope I have another 6-8 years with her. She truly loves being on the bike. I can’t imagine being on a moto without a dog. She is my best travel companion. 

** Please note that many of these images were taken by Chris Matlock of Vahna magazine. His instagram can be found here.