Family Pet Zone 

The Dog Stroller

One of the most convenient pieces of Dog Equipment that I have!

This spring I went to Arizona for a month and took my dog with me. It was going to be hot (especially in a standing car) and a shade tree is not something you can count on in AZ so  I needed a way to NOT leave her in the car except for very short periods of time. Feeling a little foolish I decided to look into a dog stroller. I did an online search and an E-bay search and on E-bay found one for a reasonable price and ordered.

 I received the stroller about a weekbefore leaving and following the directions put the wheels on and we were ready for a dog. Following the clicker training techniques I was able by using clicks and treats to make sure that my dog was not afraid of the stroller and actually feeling very friendly towards it.

When we arrived in AZ we put it to work right away, we had to go to Home Depot and so, out came the stroller and in went the dog (along with a treat) and we headed toward the front door. We strolled comfortably around the store with only a few people catching on to the fact that a dog was in the stroller. The Home Depot people were very friendly and receptive to the dog in the stroller. My dog was comfortable in the stroller, she felt safe and protected while still being able to keep an eye on us and everything around us. During the month we were in AZ I used the stroller frequently. Restaurants and grocery stores will only allow service dogs into their establishments but I could go to farmers markets and outdoor restaurants.

I now always take the stroller with me when I take my dog to street fairs or other events where there will be a lot of people and activity. I find that she relaxes within the stroller and is quite happy in her safe area. I also found that when it is hot, the stroller is cooler because the covered area is in the shade. The stroller is a crate on wheels, giving that same safe place effect.  

 I now have two dogs and they both fit in the stroller at the same time. They get along quite well and are the right size for the stroller. However, if you have two dogs that need more space than one stroller, I have seen double-decker strollers advertised on E-bay.

If you travel with your cat or another animal you might want to consider one of these for your pet. There could be gaps that would allow your cat to get out of your stroller, so I would recommend putting a halter on your cat. This is also a good idea for your dog. Most strollers have the ability to strap your animal in, a little internal leash that keeps them safe. Always strap them to a halter not a collar, if they were able to get their body outside of the stroller nothing bad will happen if they are attached by the halter.

Since I have had the stroller, several of my friends have gotten their own strollers. They tried mine, loved it and ordered their own. I have even ordered a second one. I left one in AZ and have one in Oregon.

There are many features to a stroller and I will share some of my favorites. Two features I love about mine are the tray that is on top, right below where you push the stroller. You can put your water bottle, the dog’s water bottle and a few treats or a leash or small purchase on that tray. The second thing is the basket that is below the body of the stroller. It can hold your purse, purchases or dog paraphernalia. If you like the idea of a lower basket check the stroller to make sure it has that feature, some don’t.

My first stroller had a zipper closing on the front and my second closed with Velcro. The Velcro closing was not a success so I changed it by putting snaps on instead and I love that solution. So, if you do not want to have to install your own snaps do look at that area of the stroller and ask yourself, will this keep my dog in securely, if the answer is no, keep looking.

Sharon J. Hebel