Do you leave your dogs in the car?

[Kfamr]

The only times i've left one of my dogs in the car is when Amy and I walked across the street in the canyon, they were still in our site - When Amy & I went into Subway - and I checked on them numerous times - and if someone is in the car with them.

I would NEVER EVER leave them in the car over a 5 minute period. No way, huh uh! I would never want to be left waiting in a car for that long, so there's no way i'd leave my dogs. They are much safer and happier left at home.

I don't think that is right.

[Jessika]

Eww a couple of HOURS?? I would NEVER do that! If I was planning on going to a store for a few hours, my pups stay at home as much as I love them.

But if I'm making a short trip and I'll be in and out, no more than fifteen or twenty minutes, then sure I'll bring 'em. Of course they HAVE to stay in the car because the only store pets are allowed in here is PetCo and Petsmart hehe

[finn's mom]

I've left Finn in the car before. If I just have to run in and out of a store or something, usually less than five minutes. I have, though, left him in the car if I've stopped at a Wendy's for lunch or something...but, I'll only leave him then if I can park near a window and then sit near the same window. but, I've only done that a couple of times. I don't think it's that big of a deal, as long as it's not extreme weather, one way or the other. When I travelled from Texas to South Carolina, he obviously had to stay in the car every time I stopped to get a drink or use the restroom or whatever. And, for daily trips and stuff, I'd rather take him with me and have him wait a couple minutes alone in the car than stay at home alone while I'm gone. It's more fun for both of us if he goes with me.

[Allecto]

Out in public, I generally leave my dog alone in the car for about as long as it takes me to pay at the gas pump outside and get back to the car. He typically only goes if he can come out of the car with me, or if I have someone else to wait with him for a short amount of time while I run in to do a quick errand, or if we don't have to leave the car (he thinks the drive-through is the funnest amusement park ride on earth).

I don't worry about dognapping much, b/c as soon as the excitement of being in the car wears off, he crawls under the back seat and dozes off. Unless something interesting is going on, you wouldn't even realize there was a dog in the car.

[Tollers-n-Dobes]

Only for a few minutes at a time, the longest my dogs ahve ever been left alone was maybe 10mins. I don't like leaving them in the car alone at all so I usually stay with them if my parents decide to stop somewhere for longer than 10mins. That being said, the dogs don't come with us if we plan on stopping somewhere. They're much more comfortable at home.

[k9krazee]

The only ones that usually go for car rides are Jack and Micki, they absolutely love car rides and expect to go everytime I grab my keys BUT they only go if I'm just running a few errands or something, I would NEVER ever leave them alone in the car more than 10 minutes if I can help it!

OR if we're travelling and staying in hotels and such, then I would much much rather have them staying in the car then alone at the hotel, but thats a completely different situation...

[Roxyluvsme13]

Lily goes On TONS of Car Rides, and we never leave her in the car. We've taken her in K-Mart AND Target before, and there are no NO DOGS ALLOWED signs, so everybody loves her.

[Cincy'sMom]

Yes, but usually only in short segments...a 5 minute run into a store, when weather permits. The dogs love car rides, and even just going to the corner to pick up a pizza is a thrill for them.

They have been alone in the car for longer periods, at the dog park. After a full day of playing, while we are cleaning up, they are tuckered out and sleep in the car. We are at the shleter house, in full view of the cars, and usually by that time there aren't many people left in the park. Itis just easier to know they are snoozing in the car, the worrying they will see and animal and dash for it.

[dab_20]

maybe for about 10 mintues tops. but if its cold or hot, i never do.

[lizbud]

I take both Smokey & Maggie with me on routine runs in moderate
weather. Not extreme heat, cold or rain. They both love car rides.

[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...

[dab_20]

well put post, Parnone.

[lv4dogs]

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...

VERY well said! (does a standing ovation for you)

[cyber-sibes]

Sometimes I take them with me to run to the store, only if I'm going to be a few minutes. I park way away from everyone, but I make sure they can see me going into the store. I would never leave them in a crowded lot, I'm afraid of dog nappers, too. usually they just lie down or sit with their noses in the window watching for me. Winter's not a problem, but if it's hot I don't leave them in the car at all.

[K9karen]

Only if it's a quick stop. Never ever in the hot summer unless someone is with me and I leave the AC on. There's a few outside cafes nearby where we can eat outside with Logan. Most provide water (we bring our own). We try to take her everywhere when we can.