Dog strollers all the rage

[Lilavati]

My only real annoyance is that they can and do and get away with taking their dogs places that I would not be allowed to take Sarama (who is not a huge dog . . she's about 50 lbs . . to me, that's a dog-sized dog). That annoys me. Just because their dogs are really little and can be carried means THEY can do things with their dogs I can't . . . no matter how well behaved my dog is. Its probably spiteful (if I can't do it, you can't either!) but it is how I often feel . . . sort of the way I feel about planes . . . I'll PAY for the extra seat . . . but let my dog ride in the cabin. Nope, only micro dogs in the cabin others fly cargo. ARGH!

[J's crew]

Personally, my opinion is most anything you buy for your dog can be misused. I can totally see having small dogs who tire out much faster than a large dog and wanting to have a stroller for those times.

I think alot of people make way to big of a deal out of something so trivial.

[PoodleMommy]

Originally Posted by Lilavati

Just because their dogs are really little and can be carried means THEY can do things with their dogs I can't . . . no matter how well behaved my dog is. Its probably spiteful (if I can't do it, you can't either!) but it is how I often feel . . . sort of the way I feel about planes . . . I'll PAY for the extra seat . . . but let my dog ride in the cabin. Nope, only micro dogs in the cabin others fly cargo. ARGH!

Honestly I think this is the main problem that permeates all these types of threads... at least you are willing to admit it, lol.

The thing is... it is not always the owners... its the owners of the places they go... I have asked if dogs are allowed certain places and they have responded with "as long as they are enclosed". Which obviously prohibits large (or even medium) size dogs.

But everyone chooses the size dog they get... I purposely chose a small dog so they could go more places. In getting a larger dog a person is aware that they will not be able to go as many places... but they have other reasons for getting them.

[Sweet72947]

Originally Posted by ArcticHeatwave

You know I would also be curious to find out what happens to some of these dogs once the owner does get a kid.

Working in rescue, moving and having a baby are the two most common reasons you hear for giving up a dog.

I see nothing wrong with strollers, as long as the dog gets the exercise it needs.

[Herschel]

We have a small (17lb) dog and he has just as much energy/stamina as our Border Collie. He walks (or runs), and is never carried.

My problem with strollers is that a lot of people say that their dogs are small (<20lbs) and throw them in a stroller. I don't know if it is because it's cute or if they honestly feel their dogs can't exercise because of their size. Then they wonder why the dogs are reactive, yappy, and under stimulated. Small does not mean portable, and small does not mean containable. Just ask anyone with a Jack Russell Terrier.

That being said, one of our neighbors has a 15 year old terrier. He's the sweetest dog but his joints aren't good at all and he gets stiff if it is too cold. She carries him outside for a while, then lets him walk to do his business, then carries him again. Could I see her with a stroller? Absolutely. I think I would encourage it. Another example--the woman that cuts my hair has a 6lb Yorkie with 3 function legs that she rescued. The dog wants to be outside and active but physically can't keep up. She has a stroller for her dog and I think that's absolutely fine. Her older dog that recently passed also used it while he was in kidney failure.

[Tankstar]

Originally Posted by PoodleMommy

Honestly I think this is the main problem that permeates all these types of threads... at least you are willing to admit it, lol.

The thing is... it is not always the owners... its the owners of the places they go... I have asked if dogs are allowed certain places and they have responded with "as long as they are enclosed". Which obviously prohibits large (or even medium) size dogs.

But everyone chooses the size dog they get... I purposely chose a small dog so they could go more places. In getting a larger dog a person is aware that they will not be able to go as many places... but they have other reasons for getting them.

Not every one wnats a small dog. even when I had small dogs I wouldnt have the nerve to bring them in to stores. I know dogs are not allowed, I will not ask to bring them in. Personally i dont want to have to go in a mall and find all kinds of little purse size dogs being handled/in bags while owners shop. We only took our little dogs to pet stores and dog friendly types of stores. I guess its JMO but I think it is rude to just think becuase a dog is a small size that they have any more right then a 30, 50, or 180lbs dog. Dogs are what they are dogs. Not babys who care if they get to go in a clothing store in a bag. I think this day and age people need to wak eup and relize dogs are dogs, not little stuffed animals who love to play dress up and wear their pearls.

[Gempress]

While I'd personally never use one (and honestly think they're a little silly), I don't think that people who use strollers are cruel or bad dog owners. They like their dog in a stroller, so what? As long as the dog isn't suffering from it, I see no problem. Just because they're not my cup of tea doesn't mean they're bad.

Same with purses. My mom's maltese LOVES her purse. She gets all excited and does the happy dance whenever my mom brings the purse out. The dog enjoys it, it's not harmful, so what does it matter?

I think criticism is better saved for people who are actually abusing their dogs.

[PoodleMommy]

Originally Posted by Gempress

I think criticism is better saved for people who are actually abusing their dogs.

AMEN to that! To bad everyone is not you however, Gempress.

People on here get more worked up over me putting a dog in a stroller then some threads that people have posted that show true animal neglect or abuse... when i think about it, it is actually as amusing as it is frustrating.

[RD]

Oh puh-lease. Just because people use a stroller doesn't mean their dogs don't get exercise. Truth be told, I wish I had a stroller of some sort for Eve (who is a service dog and gets PLENTY of exercise, attention and stimulation tyvm) when she's working. I don't want her feet on some surfaces any more than I'd want my own bare feet on them. I live in Arizona and you have no idea how BLOODY HOT the pavement gets during the summer. If I don't want her to scorch her paws, I have to CARRY her to and from the car every time we go somewhere. When I go to a class or seminar, I think it'd be great to have a soft place for her to rest while I'm sitting in a chair. She's on the move constantly and sometimes I'd rather she not lay on the cold hard floor.

I think strollers do have their place, much like any other dog accessory - crates, carriers, ex pens, leashes, etc. I also think they can be overused or abused by people who don't know what they're doing, but what's new with that situation?

If I could afford a good one for Eve, you bet I'd get one! Would I use it for leisure walks? No, probably never. But it would certainly make life easier for her as my helper.

Oh, and I'll throw in my .02 about small dogs in public places. If the store owner says dogs are welcome as long as they're enclosed, then feel free to put your Rottweiler in a stroller too! But face it, a large dog on a leash in a store is usually more intrusive than a small dog in a purse or stroller, no matter how well behaved. Carrying a small dog in a purse is no different than carrying around a purse, to other patrons. But when the dog is on the ground and sniffing at everything, people are less accepting of them. I have people give me disgusted looks because of Eve, even though she's very well behaved, doesn't sniff anything, keeps to herself and is legally ALLOWED to be wherever I am. If she was a little Chihuahua and in my arms, I think she'd get a much warmer reception. But whatever, I honestly don't see the point in getting worked up about it. Part of having a medium-large (though I consider Eve smallish) dog is realizing that they're seen as DOGS by society and not as our "children" as the littler guys are.

[copperdogsmom]

Teddy Loves his carrier and as soon as I touch it he tries to jump in even if its not open.He is barely in it when we go out but he knows when I grab it there is no way I am leaving him behind.To be honest I have seen the strollers and debated to get one or not but decided not to because at the moment the backpack carrier is working fine for us.