All Puppy Bulletin

Date: 4/9/07

Subject: Riding in a Vehicle

How should my GEB Puppy ride in my vehicle?

Riding in a Vehicle

As outlined in the Puppy Raiser Manual, all puppies must ride in a crate or on the floor of a vehicle. This minimizes the risk of being tossed in the event of a sudden stop. Leaving the puppy in the back of the vehicle, outside of a crate could pose a greater injury risk.

Stopping for a Few Moments

The following question has been raised: What if my vehicle won’t accommodate a crate and I have to stop for a few moments to go into a store? Our puppies should not be left unattended in a vehicle outside of a crate. Leaving them on the front floor on a short-tie could result in the puppy being strangled or entangled. If left untied, the puppy can chew upholstery or develop the habit of sitting in the driver’s seat near the controls. This teaches the puppy that it’s okay to sit on the seat when nobody is looking.

SUV Barriers

What about using an SUV barrier and leaving the puppy in the back while running errands? This seems like a good solution but also has risks. When the hatch is being opened, the possibility of the puppy escaping before you can secure him is real. We lost a puppy in another region exactly like this. A very reliable puppy was sitting nicely while the hatch opened; a squirrel ran across the grass and up a nearby tree. Yes, the reliable puppy shot out of the vehicle after the squirrel. The puppy was hit by a car, sustaining injuries which resulted in his inability to become a Guide Dog.

In Summary

Puppies should ride on the floor or in a crate when in transit and be supervised or crated when stopped. These preventative measures are for the safety of your puppy and your peace of mind.