Sadly, as the title implies, many dogs I observed while vacationing at Niagara Falls where not having fun. One dog, engaged in a game of Frisbee on a grassy shady park area, looked blissfully happy. This dog was fortunate enough to have an attentive human being. My own dogs were enjoying their respite away from myself, but I could not squelch observations of dogs on “vacation” with their humans. Being trained to observe, my vacation could easily have become a series of lectures to complete strangers on how stressed their companions were. Fortunately (for our relationship) I practiced some impulse control, and we had a fabulous time.
One little terrier mix, though, left a lasting impression. It was hot, really really hot, and the cobblestone walkways were like ovens. In fact I remarked on this to Argil as we strode along, intent on reaching the Maid of the Mist departure. Trying to keep up and look at the falls simultaneously, I noticed the wee dog amongst the masses, panting, forlorn and ignored by its` humans, who were also sight seeing. The irony did not escape me: all that water and no sign of any available for the thirsty fellow. No backpack, no dish, no water bottle, no signs of preparedness for a thirsty dog. The sight they were not seeing was that of their miserable dog. As you might gather, this is an issue that really bothers me.
My American Lab Bridget travels wonderfully, and has accompanied me on many a trip. In hot weather, we keep to shady grassy areas, and are often at places where Bridget is able to swim and be off leash, not amongst masses of humanity. To her, walking along in the baking heat, hearing and seeing water with no access, would have been a form of torture. Every time I saw a dog, I was happy she had remained at home for this trip. I am rarely anywhere without at least one of my dogs; this trip would not have been a good choice for any of them.
How many dogs were out baking in the hot sun, on the hot cobblestones? In my opinion, away too many. What does it take, I wonder, for people to have dog awareness, to realize that their dog is miserable? I wonder how dog owners can most effectively be taught that the comfort of their charges comes first and fore most? This is a frequently discussed topic amongst training colleagues. Was I remiss in not advocating? Perhaps it was a brief picture taking opportunity, with a return to the shade, and water for their pal. I hope so. My conscience is not at ease. In the meantime, perhaps someone will read this, and forward to a friend who was thinking of taking their dog on vacation? It is possible to leave them at home, happy and comfortable. My own dogs seemed to survive quite well without me.
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how do we advocate in a way that is heard?
I too love to take my dog with me when I travel. But you're so right--our first responsibility is our dogs' comfort. Even people who are knowledgeable and care about dogs can be forgetful.
I felt a little stupid when I attended a puppy kindergarten class with water bottle and bowl--no one else did. Was I being a little too "crazy dog lady?" Even the trainer didn't have water available.
But once I got over myself and put the water down in the room, all the dogs went to it. I was glad I didn't get into a self-righteous snit and deliver a "holier than thou" lecture because the next week, the other people in the class stepped up and kept the water coming for all the dogs.
Some people will never get the message. But others might just need a little reminder.
Pamela http://somethingwagging.wordpress.com
Too True
We used to take our lab mix (who passed away at 14 yrs. in 2006) climbing with us in the Cascades. We were often on snow for long periods of time where glacier glasses and mass amounts of sunscreen were required, along w/ crampons (meaning icy conditions). I remember one day a lightbulb came on that if we burn and need sunglasses and sunscreen, how about the dog who is with us. I asked our vet and the response was that dogs, especially brown dogs like ours, are not as much at risk of being burned on the snow because their genetic makeup is a bit different making them hardier than a human, including their eyes. We often checked our dog's paws, but she was one tough girl and never had any problems in her 10 yrs. in the mountains other than ACL surgery on both knees in her latter years.
The thought of her tongue hanging out during those snow trips worried me, though, until the vet assured me that if she exhibited no problems, then it was fine. We now have two dogs, one dark brown, almost black, and one white/black with hardly any fur on his tummy and one eye is pink. I would hesitate to subject him to long snow travel as I think the sun/snow could adversely affect him. I'm ashamed to say 15 yrs. ago I did not know that white dogs can be more susceptible to sun.
And then there was the time in late Fall when our lab mix went swimming at a lake trail we always frequented and we hooked her in the back of the pickup like we always did and drove the 20 min. home. The poor girl was almost hypothermic when we arrived and it took a good, long time for her to stop shivering. We are still beating ourselves up about that one. Oh, we learned so much with our first dog. But she loved and forgave us anyway!
Our lesson was that owners need to always think of their dogs as they would themselves to determine if it's safe or comfortable for the dog and not think of the dog as just an animal who is tougher than a human.
I don't think most people get it
And sadly there are times when I am not convinced that they even want to.
I guess it's been a rough month for me with private clients but lately it seems like so many dog owners do not want a companion, friend or ally but rather a prop, a toy and an accessory. I think for some folks it's all about what they want and how they feel without ever a thought for their dog.
*sigh* Yeah, it's been a rough few weeks.
Responsibility is key
I've read several blogs by people who travel with their dogs and do so responsibly. Not only that, but the dogs often come first. Unfortunately, when owners dont' take the dogs' needs into account, it's no vacation for those pets at all.
do they really like vacations
... or do we just like taking them with us? Okay, my dog is more neurotic than most, but I honestly don't think that he enjoyed it when we took him on a two week holiday. Too many new places, new people. Whereas he really likes the people at the boarding kennel. The family dogs we had as kids did enjoy holidays, but I don't think we should assume every dog would prefer to come on every trip.
(Peggy) Yes know to whom you refer
Hi Peggy:
I imagine, among others, you refer to our friends at Go Pet Friendly, whose passion is promoting responsible travel with pets. this was my first vacation in many many years without a dog and prefer to be with my dogs. But absolutely, those who do not travel responsibly need to be reached and educated. The terrier mix I wrote of was having no vacation at all. Not at that point in time anyhow.
Leslie Fisher PMCT CPDT-KA Look What I Can Do! Dog Training Where There Are No BAD Dogs, Just Dogs That Don`t Know WHAT To Do.
(somethingwagging) Yes, water!
On my list of "Bring to Class" (because people don`t always think of it) is water for your dog! I applaud you for being an excellent role model to that group of people. Possibly they thought water might be provided, and of course I do have it for those that forget. One message, one person at a time!
Leslie Fisher PMCT CPDT-KA Look What I Can Do! Dog Training Where There Are No BAD Dogs, Just Dogs That Don`t Know WHAT To Do.
snow ice and hypothermia
Been there done that with the hypothermia, letting Bridget swim too long in the ocean, as an adolescent dog, in November. It took her an hour or a down blanket wrap to quit shivering and yes we felt horrible and stupid. She was having such a good time! Of course she would keep going until she could not function. She also has had cracked pads from prolonged icy winter conditions. Likewise, I belatedly learned about the possibility of sunburn for dogs.
You have the best adventures with your dogs. So sorry for your loss. : (
Leslie Fisher PMCT CPDT-KA Look What I Can Do! Dog Training Where There Are No BAD Dogs, Just Dogs That Don`t Know WHAT To Do.
rough few weeks
I sympathize with the rough stretch you are having. I bet you are reaching people, just not aware of it. Keep up the good work! : )
Leslie Fisher PMCT CPDT-KA Look What I Can Do! Dog Training Where There Are No BAD Dogs, Just Dogs That Don`t Know WHAT To Do.
Doggie vacations
First, Leslie, thank you for making me feel better about being a bad dog mom. We are so much more aware with our two dogs now and sites like this help immensely, as well as working with local trainers.
Jackie, I applaud your awareness that just because you might want your dog with you at all times, such as on vacation, you know your dog's personality and the fact that your dog is more comfortable in a known environment. In early Nov. my husband and I are spending a week at a dog bed & breakfast on Vancouver Island. The B&B was specifically built for dogs and they even get to sleep in the bed! There is complimentary dog sitting and a dog wash facility and laundry. I hope the dogs will enjoy it. Nothing like tailoring OUR vacation time around what the dogs want. Hee, hee. It's called Cougars Crag. I can't wait and I know our dogs will love it. They are very social pooches.
Thanks, Leslie
It's a good fight, but every so often I think we all need a pat on the back. Thank you!
-Andrea
Great Blog!
Aloha,
I always carry fresh (RO-reverse osmosis) water for my dog even on short trips....you never know. After hiking a pine forest trail with my new little one (only 18 lbs. Cavalier...just lost my 90 lb. yellow lab at age 13, shedding tear) we headed to the car for a drink. Upon seeing two ladies with a funny looking lab/shar pie, but VERY well trained dog, we struck up a conversation since my dog was barking while the lab mix stared at him calmly. Elvis has some fear issue from previous home...anyway. We calmed my Cavalier down and he enjoyed some water which I shared with our new lab mix friend. She was thirsty. I thought, "boy they should have brought that dog some water!" Then one lady asked for a drink FOR HER from the jar and mentioned that they had not planned on being out this long. So it is good practice to always bring fresh water for you and the dog....this was a case of dog and owner misery!!
Alicia & Elvis....well hydrated!
Will Need Cougars Crag Report!
I think we will definitely need a Cougars Crag report, how very cool that you are doing that.
Leslie Fisher PMCT CPDT-KA Look What I Can Do! Dog Training Where There Are No BAD Dogs, Just Dogs That Don`t Know WHAT To Do.
thank Alicia/Andrea
Yes we all each and every one need reinforcement in this life time. Was thinking of Alicias comment this aft. We were out to let the dogs swim, and yes, they were thirsty and glad to have water, even though it was a much cooler afternoon. Cannot imagine going without water for them. Perhaps the labmix owner will now travel with water more routinely. : )
Leslie Fisher PMCT CPDT-KA Look What I Can Do! Dog Training Where There Are No BAD Dogs, Just Dogs That Don`t Know WHAT To Do.
Miserable dogs on trips
It seems that dog lovers often equate "taking ones' dog everywhere" as the highest form of care for ones' companion and that hiring a pet sitter or finding high quality boarding facility is a form of neglect. But traveling with a dog can be stressful for humans and dogs alike, and not all vacations and locales are really dog friendly. And while some dogs love travelling, not all dogs enjoy being taken along on long trips and having their routines disrupted or being exposed to strange noises and people. Some really are happier at home with a pet sitter. I have taken some wonderful trips with my dogs, but there is no question that looking out for your dog while travelling is a large responsibility, and like travelling with small kids, may rule out doing some of the things we "adults" really want to do while on vacation. Sometimes it really is better for all concerned if people arrange for responsible care for their "furkids" and take a real "grownup" vacation.
Doesn't just have to be on vaccation
Great blog - and great replies too. You know it's not just about vaccations either. We were having a heat wave in Adelaide (Australia) one summer - temp were up to 40 degrees celcius (I think thats about 100degrees F in USA - don't quote me on that tho) during the day and didn't go down much further by night. I play softball and it was training night (it gets dark quite late during the summer months), we had just a light training session - it was far too hot. However our entire team (make that our entire club) was most distressed to watch two young men jogging up and down the oval................with their Border Collie struggling to keep up. Finally I could take it no more, as the veterinary nurse in the club, I took it upon myself to take some water to the dog who had collapased in the middle of the oval. The owner came over to abuse me for "interfering" with his dog, and I angerally told him to take the dog home, saying he should not have it out in the heat, worse still encouraging it to run with him.
His reply to me was "the dog wanted to come" .......... I was so angry, telling him he was the one that had the ability of rational thought not his dog. Naturally the dog owner was also becoming angry at my "attack" but by now I had the backing of my entire softball team behind me, so he saw the good sense to take his dog home.
It never ceases to amaze me, with Adelaide's hot summers, when I see people walking their dogs on the hot tarmac either. My clients will ask (at least they ask and check) about walking their dogs in the summer. Last summer (particularly hot) amongst our patients there were 3 deaths from heat stress and 2 drownings from dogs desperate to get out of the heat - simply because the owners didn't want the dogs in the house or felt the dog would be better outside so they could have free access to toilet.
We of the supposedly intellegient species capable of rational thought!..........canisbasenji's I understand and sympathise. I too wonder if people have dogs merely as a prop (you put it so well) - the advent of the so-called designer breeds, popular supposedly because they don't shed hair. Although I know some people have them genuinally because it helps with their allergies, equally the number of people that have them simply because they don't want the mess. I was disappointed to read in a local newspaper an article from a columist, bemoaning why anyone would want a dog. Her partner and children wanted one, but she did not, disapproving of the mess and commintement a dog would entail, criticising people for having dogs etc. The article upset me, because I see this attitude creeping in, amongst dog owners.