According To Vets, You Should Teach Your Pups To Ride In A Stroller

Want to take your pup out with you on a walk, but worried about the heat? Or maybe your pup is affected by health conditions and age, making him unable to withstand exercise for very long. And of course, maybe you just have a lazy dog who won’t walk for very long!

That’s exactly why pet strollers were invented! Not only is it adorable, it’s also highly functional and good for long walks. Some pups may even just love the ride, making it a fun activity and giving you some company on errands. But how can you get a pup used to a stroller if they’re not sure what to make of it?

Start with a basic introduction. Bring the stroller into a place in your home without many distractions, secure the wheels to prevent movement, and bring your dog to it. You can put your pup into the stroller yourself or coax him in with a treat. Once he’s stepped in, scatter a few treats around the inside so your pup will walk around and associate the space with good. To encourage calm during a long ride, have chew toys or treats that last for a long time, or a food puzzle full of peanut butter or your pup’s food to keep him occupied.

When you take your pup out for his first ride, make sure to secure him so he is not able to run if he jumps out. Secure a leash to a black-clip harness to avoid choking and hold the leash tightly. Some strollers may also have a place to clip a leash. Next, try moving the stroller. This can make some pups nervous, so only move for a few inches before rewarding with treats or praise. If your pup is calm, move a few inches more and build the distance gradually. Once your pup is used to this, then space the treats farther out or just replace them with a food toy or praise.

Start small when you take your pup outside. Don’t opt for a place with lots of distractions – just go to your front yard or around the housing area. You can add bedding before longer rides for added comfort, or maybe throw in a toy to cuddle with.

If you’re in search of a stroller, why not check out some of these options? There’s a handy one designed for nice, scenic rides here, one in a more roadster design here, and even one that uses a latch instead of a zip for convenience here! Purchasing from these links will also help feed shelter dogs. Do like and share away!