A thought from the human of a senior dog who will never be left behind
I’m sure he needs no introduction, but for those who don’t know, this is Skeeter, my BFF. A brief history for you, he’s a Jack Russell x Poodle, 12 years old, 2 dodgy knees and an ongoing hip flexor issue. Loves a duvet day as much as he loves a walk, loves a pub lunch even more.
And there begins the story of the pram.
I don’t want any of our time together to suffer. For years I’ve worked weekends and big days out with Skeeter have always been fairly few and far between. We’ve just about started getting some balance and can get out for more adventures on our days off. He loves going to new places and, touch wood, his knees aren’t stopping us. However, I can see a day in the future where a nice walk, a wander through a local market and a pub lunch will all be too much for him. But there’s no way I want to do these things without him. Nor would I want to be leaving him in the car while I’m out visiting somewhere dog friendly.
This is where I got to thinking, I could do with a crate that can come out with us. Somewhere comfortable and safe for him to have a rest throughout a day out, when mentally he’s with us but physically it’s all just a bit much for his body.
For us, a dog pram does exactly that. It’s a soft crate on wheels. A bed he can sleep in, off the ground and out of the way of people in pubs and cafes and a taxi for when his legs need a minute.
So why have I bought it now? He doesn’t need any of that help yet, sometimes I carry him on a walk at the moment if it’s too steep or there’s a lot of steps, but that’s the most help he’s needed so far.
The fact he doesn’t need it, is exactly why I’ve got it. There’s no real rush for him to LOVE it but I do really need him to love it if my plan is going to work.
Having time gives me an advantage. It allows me to make sure the pram is set up exactly how we need it with a made to measure bed, cosy blankets and of course a travel mug holder for me!
Time also means I can make a proper plan of how I’m going to make sure Skeeter is totally happy in there. I don’t need to force him in it and hope for the best, I can take the time to teach him how to behave.
First learning matters, his association of what the pram is for matters. None of this can be rushed. With training in this way, Skeeter gets to set the pace, he gets to think things through and has time for the lessons to sink in, to learn all the elements of walks with the pram, without the worry that I need to use the pram tomorrow.
To your future self, your dog will thank you for thinking ahead, for planning for them and for always including them.
Positively Peaches 
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