Why do strangers judge me for using a dog pram

[WorriedDogMum87]

My dog is 6 and has trauma. She is very reactive and would bite someone if given the chance. On a lead she either freezes or goes absolutely mental and tries to run into the road.

I let her walk sometimes but only if no one is around. Most of the time I use a dog pram because it is the safest option for both of us.

I know some people might suggest having her put down, but this is about keeping her safe while she is still happy and able to enjoy life.

The problem is the judgmental looks, audible sighs and comments from strangers who know nothing about my life. I am not good at dealing with people and I already have severe social anxiety, so all this negative attention is really upsetting.

Has anyone else experienced this and how do you cope?

People stare at you because having a dog in a pram makes you look like a bellend. That's all there is to it.

Well said.

A dog pram is a mobility aid. The people that use them are not the bellends here.

A small dog in a pram was let out at a park, ran up and bit my 1 year old in the face. Any dogs with known bite issues should be muzzled in public.

You don't need a pram, you need a muzzle. This is because it's not a baby, it's a dog, and if people are judging you it's for not respecting the difference.

The worst thing about this is you're probably not the only one.

Told I couldn't get on bus with GC as buggy part was full. I wasn't impressed that I couldn't get on with a child when someone with a dog in a buggy had a space. I don't think those spaces were made for dogs. Walk your dog how you like but please don't hog spaces intended for children.

Your poor little one. I hope it hasn't left a scar but your child must have been terrified.

This times a million

Dog prams exist, and people are not using them because they are deluded into thinking their dog is a human baby.
They are the equivalent of wheelchairs for people.

Unless you live in several thousand acres of entirely private land then you have no place taking a dog like that outside your front door.

This x10000

It sounds like a bit of a sad situation for the dog, doesn’t she get frustrated looking out of the pram and not being able to run or sniff or anything? I don’t really see the point, unless you specifically need to take her somewhere, like the vets. Better to take her to be exercised somewhere she can be free. But honestly it sounds like she’s not very happy and maybe it would be kinder to euthanise, but I understand that’s a very hard decision.

People are judgmental about everything and anybody. You are just a walking target with the pram so notice it more.

Dog prams are great for grumpy days, sick days, injury days, vet visits, shopping and travel. It is by far the most borrowed item I’ve ever owned. If nobody else can see how great and practical they are then that’s their problem. Don’t let it get to you. Enjoy your pup.

Why? She is keeping it (and people) safe by using a dog pram, and also only letting them out on lead when there is no one about.

People walk reactive dogs all the time. You just don't notice as they are already taking precautions such as keeping them on a lead etc.

It’s not getting any exercise in a pram

It is not about exercise. It is about enrichment. Sights and smells count.
Otherwise, why are people taking out their elderly parent in a wheelchair?

If the animal is happy and enjoying life, and is safe, secure and getting fresh air in the pram, why not? Far better than to have a horribly stressed, reactive dog that you are trying in vain to calm down.

The OP has clearly tried everything, and this is the only sensible solution.

I genuinely have no idea why everyone is being so (yes) judgemental and giving the OP such a hard time on here.

Ultimately I’d say just do what works for you and your dog and ignore those judging - if that’s using a pram so be it. However, I do question how much enrichment your dog is getting from these walks.

Could you take your dog to a secure dog field instead? That way your dog gets some really life enhancing off-lead time, the opportunity to run around and sniff freely and at their leisure and you don’t have the anxiety of bumping into other dogs/people and dealing with the resulting reactivity from your dog.

Your dog needs to be checked for any health issues at the vets. And you need to buy a suitable lead etc, and a muzzle. You need to know your dogs background from being a pup. Any thing you know of that happened to make your dog react that way?

And the first thing ppl will tell you is don't hide your dog away at home. You have to walk them. Walk your dog on a short lead so you have control. You need to work out the distance your dog feels safe without reacting to dogs. Use a muzzle its for your dogs safety as well as others. A dog on a short lead muzzled is under control. Don't let ppl or dogs get close to you. Make sure others put their dogs on leads. Regardless of the but my dog is friendly. Ask ppl not to stare at your dog , its a threat to a dog.

Dogs need exercise, not wheeling about like a baby. If the dog is reactive, it needs behavioural training.

Is the dog snarly in the pram? I've seen pets in prams before and wouldn't consider commenting or tutting, I always assume they're old/injured/disabled but still like to go out. They are always placid though.

When walking your dog, if he fix's his stare at another dog across the street, turn around and walk the other way so he is facing away from the dog. You need to keep doing that, and take his favourite chicken or whatever he eats with you.

The dog is not happy. That is absolutely clear from the behaviours the dog is displaying.

It's depressing how owners overlook basic dog behaviours that are clear signs of distress, as long as the humans are happy.

To put it into terms already introduced by previous posters, if people consider the dog pram a mobility aid, this is the equivalent of putting a person with mental health issues into a wheelchair. They don't need the wheelchair they need mental health support. The wheelchair has no therapeutic value whatsoever, it just becomes a convenient way to push someone around around. The person still has mental health issues and still has a very high level of anxiety. The wheelchair just becomes a source of frustration for them because it isn't solving the problem.

Don't use a pram as a source of convenience. Get the dog real help to reduce its anxiety, don't just paper over the cracks.

Some people just like to judge.

That said, your dog needs to be muzzled in public and you should work with a trainer or behaviour expert.

@WorriedDogMum87 please tell me the dog is properly strapped in.