Operation Freedom Paws

18 hours ago

Today's Mentoring Monday post is about vehicle safety tips. Please teach your dog to “WAIT” when you open the car door until you have picked up the leash and have him fully under your control. Then teach him the “UNLOAD” command so he doesn’t leap out of the car on his own. Make it a habit to load and unload your dog on the passenger side of your vehicle, so when you are parked on the street, he isn't getting out of the car into the path of oncoming traffic. Wherever you park, inventory your surroundings. Be aware of where vehicles, people, and other dogs are before you have him exit the safety of your car. We prefer to have dogs travel unrestrained in the back seat. If you must stop suddenly, he won’t be thrown into the dashboard. In the event of an accident, he won’t be trapped inside the car in a harness. Unrestrained service dogs in the back seat also have access to alert their handlers. The weather is warming up, so we want to remind you to PLEASE keep your windows part-way up when your dog is in the car. No matter how well trained they are, dogs can (and do) jump out of open car windows. By leaving the windows partially open, but not far enough for his entire head to hang out, your pooch can safely have the benefit of all the wonderful smells outside the car. You can relax knowing he isn't going to be able to leap over the seat and out the window faster than you can even think to react when he sees or smells something interesting. He's also not likely to be hit in the face by a rock kicked up from the road, get sand blown into his eyes, or be stung in the head by a flying insect. That also means you’re not likely to be paying an emergency visit to your veterinarian! ... See MoreSee Less