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Tips for Novice Pet Stroller Owners
Although dog strollers have been around for quite some time, they’ve only recently emerged as mainstream products in the pet industry. When joining the ranks of other forward-thinking pet owners by transporting your dog or cat in a pet stroller, you’re likely to garner some curious glances from passersby. To avoid any potential awkwardness or self-consciousness, prepare yourself for your first pet stroller outing with the following tips for novice dog stroller owners.
· Be prepared. Before leaving on your first few jaunts with your new pet stroller, be sure to bring along all the essentials you and your pet will need. Important items include plenty of drinking water, dog or cat treats, pet toys, a leash for impromptu walks, a towel for absorbing moisture from spills or accidents, and whatever personal accessories you need to bring along, such as car keys, a cell phone, or a wallet.
· Introduce your pet. Eliminate your animal’s potential nervousness by encouraging him to explore the pet stroller while it’s still inside the house. One trick is to put some treats or toys inside to entice him to step into the stroller’s cabin. The more comfortable he feels with the stroller, the smoother your outings will go. You might even consider rewarding your dog or cat’s interest in the stroller by giving him a treat the first few times he climbs in. If your pet has a favorite towel, blanket, or stuffed animal, place it inside to help create a comforting, familiar environment.
· Practice. Just as your animal needs to become acclimated to the new stroller, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with the equipment. Many dog strollers offer such features as easy collapsing for storage or placement in an automobile. Some versatile models can be converted into pet carriers or car seats. Don’t wait until you’re out and about with your pet to attempt manipulating your stroller—practice in the comfort of your own home to avoid awkwardness in public places.
· Start slow. To help prevent your animal’s anxiety and apprehension, avoid heavily trafficked areas during the first few outings with your new dog stroller. Stick to quiet parks or calm, residential neighborhoods. Save the big-city errands for later.
· Limit the stroller to outdoor use. Once your pet is acclimated to his new stroller, only use it for outdoor walks. Preventing him from using it as an indoor bed or resting place will help your pet associate the stroller with outings. Never use a pet stroller as a “time out” environment to punish your dog for misbehaving.
· Consider the terrain. Just as there are certain types of vehicles intended for off-road travel, specific models of pet strollers are intended for more rugged surfaces. If you plan to take your dog stroller on rough, uneven surfaces, such as gravel trails or pothole-ridden roads, you’ll need to use an all-terrain model equipped with wider tires and shock absorbers.
· Consider the activity. If you’ll be strolling leisurely through a residential neighborhood, most any type of pet stroller will do. But if you plan to incorporate your dog stroller into strenuous physical exercise, such as daily jogs or speed walking, you may need to consider a specially designed jogging stroller. These boast such features as sleek tires and easier maneuverability for negotiating quick turns. There are also several types of bike strollers that can be hooked up to the back of your bicycle.
· Don’t forget the accessories. There are a range of beneficial pet stroller accessories available to enhance your outings with your pet. For all-weather protection, consider a wind and rain cover to protect your dog or cat from inclement weather. Some models even come equipped with a detachable umbrella for rain and sun protection. Other optional pet stroller accessories include storage baskets and parent trays.
Perhaps the most important bit of advice when incorporating a new pet stroller into your regimen is to be patient. As with any new novelty, it will probably take your dog or cat several exposures to become comfortable with riding in a pet stroller. Don’t expect them to jump inside and enjoy the ride on the first try. With each outing, your animal will likely become more and more at ease. Before long, he’ll be begging to hop inside and enjoy his relaxed, well-appointed mode of transportation.
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