Dog On Board!!!
IT STARTS WITH SAFETY
The little white dog jumped out of the car and ran around the Mizner Bark parking lot, oblivious to the potential dangers as well as its owner’s increasingly frustrated voice. “Cooper (names have been changed to protect the parties involved)! Get back here!” After a few unsuccessful laps chasing the pooch around a parked SUV, the man yelled (quoting), “Fine, get hit by a car, see if I care…@*#!!^! dog!”
Finally the red-faced owner corralled him successfully into the gated park. However, this incident is a good example of how some people are missing a few key points about dogs and car safety.
Let’s start by buckling up. While I’m sure there are owners who secure their dogs while out riding, it is pretty easy to notice the dogs riding in drivers’ laps, or whose heads are almost completely out the window, tongues lolling. Some people might feel it’s essential to let their furry friends enjoy the breeze, and what is the big deal after all? What these drivers don’t realize is that potential hazards abound: flying debris from the road can damage an eye; leaving the window open too wide may allow the dog to jump through; or a collision can transform the dog into a flying projectile who can severely injure others as well as himself. We have laws about buckling our kids, so why not our dogs? Many pet stores sell auto harnesses that will allow you to attach a leash and go for a walk once you’re at your destination. Still want him to be able to see outside the window? Canine booster seats are available in stores and online catalogs like PetEdge.
Next on the list is a reminder to never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside can soar in no time, even with the window open a crack, and dogs can only regulate body temperature (normally 102.5) through panting and sweating through their paw pads. According to PETA’s website, on a mild 73ºF day the temperature inside a car can reach 120ºF in 30 minutes. On a hot 90ºF day, the interior of a vehicle can reach 160ºF in minutes. What about leaving the a/c running? Many people do this, but systems’ compressors can turn off if the engine begins overheating. Also, an untethered dog can accidentally shut off the air or even turn on the heat (not to mention turn on your hazard lights too!).
Finally, we revisit our protagonist who was chasing his freedom-seeking buddy around the dog park lot. How can we stop our dogs from jumping out of the car? First, have the dog in a seatbelt harness. Next, when unbuckled and you have the leash attached, command your dog to “Wait” as you open the door. “Wait” tells a dog not to cross a threshold, whether it be a doorway or an open car door. Unlike “Stay” (Freeze!), “Wait” allows a dog to do jumping-jacks if so inclined, as long as he doesn’t cross that line. If he jumps out, bring him back in the car and try again, next time giving a better-timed leash correction backwards if he tries to jump out early. Verbally reward him sincerely for waiting. He will soon make the connection between the word and the behavior. Use a break command to exit the car when you are ready, like “Release”, “OK”, or “Let’s Go”.
Remember, take a few extra minutes to prepare for a safe ride, and there will be no regrets later on.
Written by Josh Abrams
Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Owner
of Top Spot Canine Academy at www.topspotcanine.com
Reach Josh directly at 561-496-5045 or josh@topspotcanine.com
Located in Boca Raton, FL
