What would you think if you saw dogs in their own pram?

[Greypop]

I have 3 aging dogs. The maltese is 12, the toy poodle is 11 and the Chihuahua is 14. I inherited them from my grandmother who passed a few years back. I have always loved them but they are absolutely adored by myself and children since we brought them home.

The thing is that toy poodle has always needed carrying after a very short while on walks but the other two have been quite happy to carry on. But the chihuahua is now slowing down. I know they enjoy being out (still get excited when I mention walkies etc). The Maltese can go on for much longer. And it also does me the world of good being out the house. Right now I end up carrying the dogs as and when they get tired. Dh has suggested a stroller but I don’t know why I find the idea really embarrassing. I know I shouldn’t care what people think but I do.

Be honest, what would you think if you saw a woman pushing two dogs in a dog pram/stroller?

I have 2 elderly Yorkies and a stroller. I walk one and wheel the other to the park and then the eldest comes out of the stroller for 10-20 minutes ( depending on how well she is walking) for a very slow walk. She then gets put back in the stroller and we go home. I’ve been doing this for over a year and only had 1 sarky comment but lots of people have commented how great it is that she still gets out.

I'd probably do a wee bit of a double take if it was a babys pram, but that's because I have never seen a dog in a pram / stroller (I live in rural Scotland). But then I'd think what a great way of making sure an elderly dog is still included and can go on fun walks without using all their energy on getting to the park / beach / whatever. I think go for it! You might get a funny look off someone but chances are they're someone who would be judgemental about many things and aren't worth considering.

I’d assume the dogs are elderly or disabled.

I'm under no illusion that mine would be having a nibble if I died, well one would, I'm probably not up to the fussy standard of the other one!

Dogs are scavengers, it's what they do. One of mine once mistook my toe for some food I'd dropped when barefoot 🤦 she was old and going blind at the time, and let go when she realised it wasn't the cheese I'd dropped because the other dog had already had that!

I see it quite often. Normally because the dog is too old to walk or is not well

I always thought the people who pushed them were a bit 'quirky' - but then my beloved ddog started slowing down and I really considered one.

I didn't do it as he was a mini JRT - instead I bought a cross body 'dog carrier' and used that (essentially carrying him in a dog version of a baby sling when he got tired) 😂
Pretty sure people who saw me thought I was bonkers but who cares?

Get the buggy OP!

Buggy ordered. Fuck it.

Only the judgmental weirdos are not going to have the mental capacity to work out that the buggy is functional

I’d just think they must have mobility issues and isn’t it nice they can still get out.

I'd think they may struggle with walking because of a surgery or something or that they're too old to walk long ❤️💙💚 Or something like that. Most importantly I'd think it's super sweet!

Forgot to add that it's really common, I see dogs in prams on a weekly basis, nobody really bats an eye. Good that you got the buggy, OP!

I would think the dogs were elderly and not able to walk far, and that the owner was good for making the effort to take them out.

I have a 17.5 year old bichon, deaf and mainly blind, I also have 3 dogs under the age of 10.

The bichon cannot do the distance the younger ones can, I will not leave her at home alone.

So for 2 years now i have been using a dog buggy for our big walks, it works for us.

You can buy proper dog buggy on Amazon. Have used mine for elderly or injured pets very often. People smile because they look cute in it. But people never laugh at me, nor do I care if they did

It's quite common at my local park. I just think it's nice for the dogs to get out and about 🤷‍♀️

Good for you OP👏 It won’t take them long to get used to it. I used Pavlov’s trick to train our Lab……bell on chariot..Ting….he climbs in then gets a small biscuit🤣 Our golden Lab used to come back at “Ting” as well, but she wouldn’t get in the chariot, only for the biscuit! Expect lots of attention in some places.😁

PS……if you intend doing some very long walks, depending on your chariot/stroller and it’s wheel types, carry a puncture repair kit. We’ve only had one puncture in 5 years with ours, but you can bet it will happen a long way from the car👍

Have one (a doggy stroller) and have used it for my dog after surgery and when they're poorly. Excellent recovery tool, keeps the dog out and about, fresh air and mental stimulation. I don't think twice about using it. For nervous dogs too, sometimes crowded places can be a nightmare but they're doable in a buggy with blankets.

I know several people who have elderly or ailing dogs who do this. I wouldn't think anything. If I saw someone who was barbie-esque dressed with an obviously young healthy 'hand bag dog' I might wonder if it were allowed to be a dog and was actually treated like a pet, and hope it was loved and valued and not going to be got rid of once the next 'trend' occurs I suppose? But generally, no, I assume there's a good reason.

I bought my 1st dog buggy 2nd hand on Marketplace, she had only used it for a couple of weeks.
The dog owner had 2 puppies - large breed dogs that she wanted to get out but they couldn't be walked properly until they had finished their vaccinations so into the buggy they went. Being large breed dogs they quickly outgrew it !

I have since bought a spare, also 2nd hand via market place. This dog had had an operation and needed a buggy for a couple of weeks.

Both buggies have saved me a fortune :) despite the 2nd buggy being blue and my Bichon is a girl.

I'd think what an incredible owner. Honestly the best kind of person. Really shows that you care about your dog and it's wellbeing.

I just saw a man on our rec pulling his dog along in a little cart he had fashioned to make a buggy for him. I just thought "what a kind owner" because I reckon the dog is injured.

We used a doggie pram for our old Jack Russell. It meant she was able to come out with us and our other dog without getting stressed or worn out. Even blind, deaf, arthritic and senile, she loved to be with us and our younger dog. We must have done something right because she was 17.5 years old when she died!

If a doggy stroller is what they need for them and yourself to still enjoy getting out of the house then go for it. Their quality of life trumps any judgy persons opinion.

There is a little old lady near me who drives her 8 (yes 8!!) chihuahuas to the walking trail, all but 3 are on permanent leads, 2 are allowed to walk freely (dragging their leads) and one is in a stroller.

They’re a little cluster of mayhem but it works for them and despite the noise, she always has them under control.