Originally Posted by ParNone
I think we need to keep in mind that we each have different dogs that were raised differently. What may be an unhappy experience for some people's dogs could very well be a joyful one for somebody elses.
From the time mine are puppies they are taken in the car for fun. The only unhappiness comes from the ones who have to stay home, cuz it's not their turn for the car trip.
I remember after Maddie died, Murph was just beside himself about staying home, while Oz and I went off to agility. Since it was at night, I decided to take him with us. You have never seen a happier dog. I'd walk him around for a few when we first got there so he could pee on every tree and bush he could get near. Then I'd pop him in the car near the field. He'd watch us from the window for a couple of minutes then he laid down and snoozed until we got back. Then did a major happy dance as he got all of Oz's leftover hot dog treats.
He was in that car by himself for at least an hour and half, but just try to leave him at home. If you even look like you're going to the car, he'll race ya to the garage. And if there was still doubt, all you'd have to hear was his death wail at being left behind to know he LOVED going.
Anyway, I don't believe in absolute safety. It's not reality. So might as well live life. Something can just as easily happen at home as waiting in the car for you. In fact, probably just riding in the car is the most dangerous thing about a car ride, but I doubt we're all gonna give up taking our dogs places because of that. So mine will happily go along with me and I'm getting major tail wags right now for that decision. :)
Par...
