![How to train your dog to use a pet stroller, carrier or cycle trailer [i_559] How to train your dog to use a pet stroller, carrier or cycle trailer](http://www.dog-strollers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/train-dog-for-a-stroller.jpg)
Strollers are not just cute – they are functional!
Hardly any dog will simply take to a stroller straight away. Some may only need a short time to get comfortable riding in a dog stroller and some will need a little more time and patience.
First of all, does your dog need a stroller? Most healthy fit dogs will be fine walking on a leash by your side but there are some situations where your canine best friend needs a little help with their mobility. Like us humans, not all dogs are fit and in good shape. On any day out you will see so many healthy dogs running, walking and gadding about. You will most probably not see many infirm or disabled dogs because they will be secluded at home, their owners incapable of taking them out due to the dog’s mobility issues.
A dog stroller can help your dog with it’s mobility
Even in old age dog’s joints suffer and some even have hip replacements and leg operations that put a stop to all their running and even walking. When that happens to us we purchase scooters and wheelchairs. It can be possible to do the same for dogs. But pet strollers are not only just for the senior, injured and disabled dogs, some small breeds tire very easily when being walking around the city, especially on hot sunny days. There are small pups that need to be transported around town, or need to visit the vets. These vulnerable pups may need some protection from other boisterous dogs and from diseases, especially if they have to wait six months for their booster vaccinations.
A stroller can help protect your dog
Some dogs suffer from the heat in the summer. Bulldogs and Pugs can benefit from the shade of the stroller, otherwise they would have to spend the whole summer at home and indoors. Some dogs have even died due to the heat and by being left in a closed up car. This is when a stroller can help protect your dog and keep them safe when running on daily errands.
Dog strollers are becoming more and more popular
So you may start seeing more and more of these dog strollers on your travels and there may come a time when you may need to buy one for your little doggy friend. Many dog owners have praised the day they got theirs. It has also made a big impact on the dogs life. No longer do they have to stay at home all alone because they just can’t keep up with thier owners pace anymore. Many have a new lease of life on their new wheels, making more trips to the doggy park, the countryside and even the beach where they can run around at their own pace, having their fun and exercising at the same time.
Pet strollers, dog joggers and cycle trailers
Then there are the dog jogging strollers and cycle trailers, these are other ways to get you and your dog out an about. Some dogs may not be able to keep up with your jogging speed, so why not take them along in a jogging stroller. New mums use infant jogging strollers when they want to get back into shape, they just jog along with their baby tucked up safe inside. So why not jog with your dog? Most pet jogging strollers are lightweight, easy to push and very sturdy and strongly built. The wheels will have good suspension to cope with bumps in the road, so your little pooch won’t feel a thing.
Cycle dog trailers are also another way to spend more quality time with your dog. Cycle outings and day trips can now include your canine best friend which means they no longer have to stay at home. The avid cyclist can now spend the whole day exploring the countryside with their dog, with plenty of exploring on foot when they get there. All cycle trailers have a weatherproof covering so your dog is protected come rain or shine. They even have reflectors included into their design and signal flags to alert other road users that you have a dog on board. So dog strollers, dog joggers and cycle dog trailers are on the up and up and becoming more popular.
So how do you train your dog to use a pet stroller?
So if your dog does need a stroller to help them get around, or you want to start taking your dog out on cycling trips how do you get them acclimatised to the dog stroller or dog trailer? How do you get to the stage when they simply hop into the stroller without any fuss?
Tips on training your dog to use a stroller
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Step 1Bring the stroller into your home, garden or backyard. Make sure it’s a place with minimal distractions. Then secure the wheels on the stroller so that they won’t move. If your dog gets into a stroller that will roll about, they will take an instant dislike to it and won’t want to go near it. They need to feel that it’s a secure and steady place for them.
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Step 2Either pick your dog up and place them into the stroller or lure him in with a treat or dog toy. Once he is inside, scatter treats around to encourage him to investigate the space and to associate it with good things. They will also transfer their own smell onto the insides of the stroller, which makes the next stages of the stroller training easier as they will remember being in there.
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Step 3Continue this enticing method on a daily basis, and even close up the canopy for short periods of time, so they get used to being inside fully covered. When you first use the stroller outdoors you will need to have your dog fully enclosed. Only when they are completely at ease with the stroller do you pull back the canopy and let them feel the wind beneath their ears!
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Step 4To start with, make small trips outside with the stroller. Choose calm peaceful places which little distraction. If your dog gets uncomfortable or irritable, take them out of the stroller. You don’t want them feeling trapped inside it. Leave it a while and then entice them back inside the stroller with a treat. Make them think that going inside the stroller is a pleasant experience. In time whenever you bring out the stroller, your dog will know that a lovely trip is about to happen. An outing is about to take place and they will simply hop in without any command from you.
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Step 5Even when your dog is used to the stroller and you are using it outdoors keep placing long-lasting chew toys or food puzzles stuffed with canned dog food or peanut butter. They are an excellent way to encourage your dog to settle in the stroller for long rides. Placing one of their dog blankets inside the trailer will also make them feel safe and secure.
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Step 6When planning a long trip with the dog in the stroller, make sure they have a good walk or an exercise session before you travel. Always include a stop off point for your dog to get out and stretch their legs and do their business. Popping by the doggie park or any dog friendly exercise area will give them chance to stretch their legs and use up some energy. Even if they tire easily, they can ride home in comfort and have a snooze. When you start using a dog stroller, it’s very important that your dog, no matter what state of health they are in, still does the maximum amount of walking and physical exercise that they can handle.
Give it time and some patience
![getting about with a pet stroller [i_562] getting about with a pet stroller](http://www.dog-strollers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/out-and-about-in-a-pet-stroller-175x175.jpg)
To make your dog love their pet stroller you should be very patient with your pet at all times during this training. Even when you talk to your dog about getting in and out of the pet stroller always use a happy and soft tone of voice. In time your dog will understand that the pet stroller is fun place to be after a couple trips.
Make sure your dog is secure.
![dog stroller training [i_561] keep your dog secure inside the stroller when you begin going outside](http://www.dog-strollers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/dog-stroller-training-1-175x175.jpg)
Also do not load the handles up with lots of shopping bags. Use the storage compartment underneath. This will keep the stroller upright, heavy bags hanging over the push handles will only tip over the stroller.
In time your dog may become so used to travelling in the stroller that you can push back the canopy and let them get some sun on their whiskers. It’s still a good idea to keep them securely fastened to the stroller. No matter how much you think you know your dog, they can still be unpredictable, especially if they think they are protecting you from other threats. All good strollers and trailers will have mesh windows to keep your dog well ventilated in the summer. The protective covering also protect them form the rain and cold weather.
![dog cycle trailer [i_563] keep your dog secure in the trailer when out on the road](http://www.dog-strollers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/dog-cycle-trailer-175x175.jpg)
And keep the trailer covering closed especially when you are travelling at speed on the roads. That way you can keep your mind on the road and not be distracted by whether your dog is going to jump out or not. The covering will also protect your dog from bits of road debris that may annoy them or fly into their face and eyes.
In time when your dog is more settled and comfortable inside the trailer and especially when you are cycling more slowly, you can unzip the trailer front mesh panel, so your dog can feel the fresh air and the wind beneath their ears.
Here’s to many hours of happy travelling with your dog!