Pet Strollers: Good idea? Bad idea?

Tom Oliphant >:)

Parrot Slave

In the pet parrot world there are several varieties of birds who are considered to be couch potatoes. One is the Eclectus from the Solomon Islands. Mine is named Echo. He never learned to be inactive. Since he came to live with us several months after his birth we have encouraged an active life style. Although we do have parrot carriers and chest mounted flexible cage we rarely use them except for a trip to the vet with other birds and animals. We would never use a stroller because he needs his exercise. In fact he is so active he follows me around the house (walking since we have trimmed a few of his flight feathers to prevent him from getting lost out of doors. If at all possible, let the beasties walk. TVO >:)

I've seen more than a few of these pet strollers while walking through busy streets of Hong Kong. At the beginning, it seemed weird to me, but now I'm accustomed to it.
Many people in Hong Kong have smaller dogs, due to space issues, and streets of HK are really crowded. Also, there are many places where dogs are not allowed. having a dog in the stroller can protect him and also allow his owners to go with him to places they usually wouldn't go to.
I must admit, if I had my dogs in the center of Hong Kong, and they are medium sized (somewhat like a border collie) I would think twice before taking it out on the street, let alone if I had a smaller dog.
So, if strollers are used for such purposes, I said it's OK to use them, though they are surely no supplement to dog walks (and now completely off topic but when I'm talking about supplements for walking the dog... there's this dog I see sometimes that is walked from the car.. the dog is outside, person is driving the car and they're going p and down this calm street...

Sanja Miklin

Zagreb

Croatia

I saw one of these at a show. I thought it was a big improvement on hauling a crated dog around on a wheeled platform. The dog easily and quietly accompanied the owner as she went around to various rings. Sure beat the 6 American Staffordshires who growled and lunged in their crates with NO ONE around to supervise them! The stroller held all of her gear too!

There are so many preventable diseases and behavior problems that are solved by regular exercise. Dogs also like to check their 'pee-mail'. Most exotic animals would not enjoy being transported outside their familiar environment in this manner.

I think if someone is contemplating buying a pet stroller as a fashion statement, they need to reconsider their reasons for owning a pet and stop being so selfish. We can see through all that spoiling and pampering.

If someone wants to buy a pet stroller because they have some unresolved paternal/maternal issues then this is just feeding it, not helping it. Owning a pet can either be a positive and healthy form of therapy, or an unhealthy and negative attachment.

If someone has an elderly or disabled pet, then a pet stroller might be a very good way to get to get the pet some fresh air and socialisation - so long as the pet agrees, then I'm all for it.

If the pet is a dog and he or she is otherwise healthy enough to walk, then walk! Everyone will be much better off for it.

Regards,

Aidan

http://www.PositivePetzine.com

Some of the smush-faced breeds, like pugs, have a really limited ability to walk any distance, especially in hot weather, but have a normal dog's desire to be out and about with their people.

But a 165-pound dog? I can't imagine it.