September 2021 / Issue 3
D E I F I T R E C G N I RID or dogs f y a w t s e f a s The s r a c in l e v a r t o t
TRAINING YOUR DOG TO LOVE THE SEATBELT Get these 3 big ideas right and you'll have your dog asking to be buckled up.
p. 23
30 DAYS OF RIDING CERTIFIED Life is meant to be shared with your 4-legged BFF. Here's 30 different places you can go - oh the adventure!
p. 38
WHOOPIE RIDES CERTIFIED A tribute and farewell to one of the first dogs to get buckled up with DRC never too old to start!
p. 49
YOUR DOG'S
t e g o t : n o i s s i M d e l k c u dogs b d e i f i t r e c n i up o s s t l seatbe e b n a c y e h t f o e s a c n i e saf . h s a r c r a c a
HEY DOG MOMS & DADS, A Note from the Dog Seatbelt Lady Hopping in the car with my dog has been the norm since day one of Piper's puppyhood. I carried her in my lap on the way home. She hopped around the footwell of the front passenger seat on our first trip to the vet. I had her in one of those pop up crates in the back for a little bit too, as she and her littermate played together during the whole ride anywhere (her little brother lived with us for a few months). When she was bigger, I had her sit in the front seat next to me, but Piper was too big, and uncomfortable. As time went on, she settled in the back seat of the little Honda Civic. All windows rolled down, she would sit and sniff the wind, stand up and stick her head out the window, stand on the center console and peer out the windshield, or lay with her back end on the back seat, front paws on the floor, and head on the console under my arm. I can still feel the freedom and delight of me and my BFF on the road, off to whatever adventure I had planned (or not planned) for us that day. The road was our home away from home. Thinking back, there were hints about buckling her up, but I didn't see or hear them. Her brother jumped out of the car window at one point. Piper fell forward multiple times when I had come to a sudden stop. A couple of people mentioned that maybe she needed to be buckled up, and I said why? "Nothing will happen. I'm a good driver. She's fine."
RIDING CERTIFIED
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SEPTEMBER 2021
See, I get it. When you first get a dog, all you want to do is cuddle with your new furry friend all the way home. You want your dog to be your co-pilot up front. You're very concerned about your dog's happiness and freedom to move around. You're a good driver, and would never cause an accident. Life is good, nothing will happen to you. Gosh, I get it. That was me. But I was so wrong. Crashes do happen, and you don't have to be at fault for it to occur. The day the teenager decided to go on a speeding frenzy affected my entire world. (If you haven't heard Piper's story, click here.) And yes, grief, depression, PTSD...it all still hits me in waves, even 4 years later. With the holiday season coming up, that's when it's at the worst for me. Growing up, all I ever wanted was a dog, but I couldn't have one. So obviously, the first thing I did when I got my own place, was get Piper! I didn't know much about dogs at the time so she didn't have all the right things, but the thing she did have, was all my heart. You know what it's like to love a dog. That's why you're here. And I don't want you to ever lose your dog - your best friend, in a car crash like I did. That's why it's so important that you buckle up your pup in a certified seatbelt, and encourage your friends and family to do the same. As we roll into cooler weather and holiday trips, it's time to really dive in to dog seatbelt safety. I promise, having your dog properly secured is actually a great thing! Both you and your dog can feel good about it. My spunky, nothing-like-Piper, "new" dog, River, doesn't just tolerate being buckled in. She expects and prefers it. Whether you're learning about certified seatbelts for the first time, have been thinking about it for a while, have a non-certified seatbelt and need to switch, have a certified seatbelt but aren't using it, or travel in a certified seatbelt every day, I encourage you to embrace and continue the Riding Certified life this fall! May you and your dog enjoy countless adventures together this season - here's to staying safe in the car! Love,
-P. Suanpan Dog Seatbelt Lady & Founder of Dogs Ride Certified
RIDING CERTIFIED
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SEPTEMBER 2021
ENJOY THE RIDE
Read while jamming out to good tunes
Riding Certified: [rahy-ding sur-tuh-fahyd] verb
1) The action of a dog traveling in the car in a Center for Pet Safety certified dog car safety restraint. noun
2) The safest way for 4 legged family members (such as dogs) to travel in cars.
Gives you AND your pup peace of mind.
YOU BUCKLE UP. It's WAY too easy for the
wrong product
to land in your hands.
BUCKLE UP BASICS p. 14
Riding Certified Means Having No Regrets
p. 18
Deciding on a Seatbelt Based on Space
p. 21
When the Fit Isn't Right
p. 22
Buy Certified or Not At All
SPOTLIGHT ON . . . Tethers come with walking harnesses these days!
p. 23
Training Your Dog to LOVE the Seatbelt
p. 38
30 Days of Riding Certified
p. 49
Whoopie Rides Certified
SEATBELT TRAINING p. 23
p. 29
p. 32
Training Your Dog to LOVE the Seatbelt Building Great Car Riding Skills
The Car Skills Checklist
Buckling up your pup should be as easy as buckling up yourself!
ON THE ROAD p. 36
Ride Into Fall
p. 38
30 Days of Riding Certified
p. 44
Windows Open or Closed
p. 46
Riding Certified Retreats
MAKING A DIFFERENCE p. 49
Whoopie Rides Certified
p. 51
Dog Seatbelt Safety and Nail Polish
p. 53
Simply the Best
p. 56
Change the World
It's all about practice! But practice doesn't make perfect. Practice makes you PREPARED for the unexpected.
WHY DOESN'T YOUR PUP?
et your intention xpect safety first lways do it ell a friend uckle up your pup xplore new places ive fully ravel lots
t ' n o d I " o t want y n a have " . s t e r g e r
BUCKLE UP BASICS
Riding Certified Means Having No Regrets "I don't want to have any regrets." That's what a dog mom said at a seatbelt fitting one day. If you're ever in a car crash, whether major, minor or fender bender, would your dog be safe? If your dog wasn't in a certified seatbelt and was injured, how would you feel? What if your dog was killed in the crash? Unfortunately dogs are lost, injured, and killed from car crashes much more than you know. Only a snapshot of this ever makes the news. Piper's crash shut down the entire road, closing traffic from both directions, but hey there wasn't a news feature on it. Being in a crash is a scary thing. Dogs enter fight or flight mode. Piper was paralyzed, so her instinct was to fight, growling at her rescuers. Dogs who are mobile tend to flee.
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There are tons of organizations out there that specialize in finding dogs lost from car crashes. Lost Pets of Auto Accidents, a group based in Arizona, has a new post almost daily about yet another dog in a crash. Some are found and make it home safely. Some are found injured. Some are found deceased. And some are never found. Although the world doesn't have numerical data on dogs in car crashes, the stories are plentiful. That's why buckling up your dog in a certified seatbelt is so necessary. You never want to find yourself reaching out to your local lost pets organization, wondering where your dog is, if he/she is alive, and why you didn't just buckle up your pup earlier. No regrets, right? So let's dive into what exactly a certified seatbelt is, and why the fact that it's certified plays a crucial role in your dog's safety.
SEPTEMBER 2021
Dogs Ride Certified refers to a "certified seatbelt" as: Any dog car safety restraint (harness, carrier, kennel, car seat, etc.), that has passed ALL of Center for Pet Safety's crash testing criteria and standards, receiving certified status from the organization.
RIDING CERTIFIED
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SEPTEMBER 2021
Center for Pet Safety (CPS) crash tests dog seatbelts. They have a certification program with high standards, as they should be! As of September 2021, only 5 brands have been certified. Within these 5 brands, there are 10 products total. That means only 10 products have been shown to protect dogs in the car...to give them the best chance of survival. All the other hundreds of dog "seatbelts" out there, either failed the crash test, haven't sought certification, or don't even qualify to be tested. The problem is, the pet industry isn't regulated. CPS standards aren't required. So companies can use their own standards and call a product "crash tested." Maybe it passed the company's test, but not CPS' test. If a product fails ANY crash test, can you really call it safe? Would YOU put your dog in it?
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CPS also has an advisory out against tethers, the simplest, most common method people who DO buckle up their pup use. Tethers have been shown to increase the risk for spinal damage and paralysis in a crash, yet they're still being heavily marketed and sold in stores. It's not right. Certified seatbelts aren't easily found in local stores, at least not in Maryland. But the noncertified ones, oh yeah, easy peasy. So easy, that sometimes it can sneak right into your home if you're not careful. Some walking harnesses automatically come with car tethers, and are advertised for its convenience. You can use the harness to walk your dog AND buckle up in the car. If that's appealing to you, good news. You can do that with a certified harness too, no tether needed!
SEPTEMBER 2021
Having a certified seatbelt means peace of mind. Peace of mind that your dog is traveling in the safest way possible. The seatbelts that are certified have gone through a rigorous process. The quality is there! So, if you're going to buckle up your pup in a certified seatbelt, (remember, no regrets!) then it's got to be one listed in the chart below.
Click on each brand to be taken to the company's website, and on the product to watch the crash test by Center for Pet Safety. Stick around CPS' website to watch the crash tests of those that have failed, to really see the difference in how the seatbelts work. Then come right back to Dogs Ride Certified to figure out what's the best seatbelt option for your dog! After all, you buckle up. Why doesn't your pup? Let's get your dog Riding Certified. Regrets have no place here!
CERTIFIED SEATBELTS Sleepypod
HARNESSES Sleepypod Clickit Sport Harness, all sizes Sleepypod Clickit Terrain Harness, all sizes CARRIERS Sleepypod Air Sleepypod Atom Sleepypod Mobile Sleepypod Mini
Lucky Duck
Lucky Kennel - all sizes (intermediate and large)
RIDING CERTIFIED
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GUNNER
Gunner Kennel - size small, medium and intermediate Large is NOT certified
ZuGoPet Rocketeer Pack Jetsetter Bag is NOT certified
AWAY
Pet Carrier
SEPTEMBER 2021
BUCKLE UP BASICS
How much room does your pup take up in the car? If you've got multiple dogs or a whole crew of kids, the type of certified seatbelt depends on the space you've got. Sleepypod harnesses and carriers are the most versatile of them all. They only take up as much space as your dog. You can use a Sleepypod product in any car, in any seat, as long as you've got a shoulder belt to go with it. Sedan, minivan, SUV, truck...it's all good. If your dog isn't riding with you that day, you can use the space for someone or something else. Same goes for the Away Pet Carrier - all you need is just one seat with one shoulder belt, and only when your dog is in the car. The ZuGoPet Rocketeer Pack takes up the least amount of space, because this dog car seat lays flat against the backseat. The space it takes up depends on how big your dog is! Since your pup is suspended in the air, the actual seat is available if you absolutely need to put items on it. You can't put another body there, but your kid's backpack, sure. If you need the seat for an actual human when your dog isn't riding with you, the Rocketeer Pack is movable. You just have to unhook everything. Not preferable, but doable.
RIDING CERTIFIED
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SEPTEMBER 2021
If you're looking at a Gunner or Lucky Kennel, know that they take up a LOT of space, but are absolutely worth the investment. It's not something you'll want to move around after you set it up though. The space you dedicate to the kennel is no longer available to anyone else but your dog! The small Gunner Kennel should fit in just about any vehicle. Any bigger size, and you'll need to use the cargo space of your minivan or SUV. All sizes should fit in the back of a pick up truck. Both of these kennels are huge, so if you need more room, you might need to trade in your car (kidding...sort of). One dog mom says:
"I got my current vehicle with 'what do I need that will fit a Gunner Kennel?' in mind!" Oh the things we do for our dogs! RIDING CERTIFIED
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When choosing your dog's certified seatbelt, first eliminate the products that won't work for your pup. Shift your focus to the ones that do! Then out of what's left, envision how you and your dog would do with each one - which works best for the space you've got and your lifestyle? Choose wisely, because buckling up your dog isn't something you're going to do sporadically. Riding Certified becomes habit. It's something you'll do every time you and your dog get in the car, so it needs to be sustainable, and that's different for each person. What will you choose? The popular Sleepypod? The indestructible Gunner or Lucky Kennel? The hip ZuGoPet Rocketeer Pack? Or the classy Away Pet Carrier? As long as the fit is right, you can't go wrong with any of those certified options. Now go get your certified seatbelt today! SEPTEMBER 2021
Your kids buckle up. Does your dog deserve to be safe too?
BUCKLE UP BASICS
When the Fit Isn't Right Parents of little dogs, this is for you! What do you do, when your dog doesn't fit the certified product that you like? This is a common problem for dog moms and dads of little dogs who want a harness, so their pup can see out the window and move around. You might be tempted to get the Sleepypod harness anyway and try to bulk up your dog in sweaters. Or maybe rig up some extra padding to the harness. Good try, but it won't work out as easily as you hope. The fit needs to be snug, so it can keep your dog safe in case of a car crash. That's the reason you're buying it, right? So what do you do? Go find a different harness, use that instead and hope it works in case of a crash? Please don't. Sleepypod harnesses are the ONLY ones to have passed crash testing by Center for Pet Safety. If you're concerned about your dog's safety in the car, a different harness isn't going to solve that problem. Instead, you have a couple different options: go for a car seat (ZuGoPet Rocketeer Pack), a carrier (by Sleepypod or Away), or a Gunner Kennel. RIDING CERTIFIED
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If being able to see out the window is top priority, the ZuGoPet Rocketeer Pack is it. Your dog wears a harness that connects to the car seat, sitting in it similar to a human baby would. The downside is that your dog remains in this position for the entire car ride, so do plan on frequent stops if you're headed on a long trip (which you should do anyway, regardless of what seatbelt system you use). If the window view isn't that important, look into a carrier or Gunner Kennel. If you want something versatile, cozy and functional, Sleepypod and Away have perfect carrier options. Your dog can snooze away happily in there! However, some dogs are too tall for the largest carrier, and in that case, go with the small Gunner Kennel, which despite its bulk, fits in most cars (measure first to be sure). A safe option really does exist for every size dog. Are you worried your dog won't like the car seat, carrier or kennel? No problem. A little training can help! Think about it - if your child complained about buckling up, would you say okay, and drive with your child unrestrained in the car? Of course not. So why can your furbaby get away with that? Stop searching for other seatbelt options for your pup, because a certified one already exists, and training support is available if you need it. In the long run, you'll be really glad you went certified!
SEPTEMBER 2021
BUCKLE UP BASICS
Buy
Take a look at the big picture. What does it mean when you purchase a dog seatbelt, certified or not? It's not just about the item you're buying. There's a message that your purchase sends. You're saying, "I believe in your product." When you buy certified, you're not only getting the safest seatbelt possible for your furry BFF. You're supporting the certified brands and sending the message that Center for Pet Safety (CPS) certification matters to you. It helps them maintain their quality standards and be encouraged to continue with it. CPS certification isn't mandatory, and neither is maintaining the re-certification. It's something these brands choose to do, because they care. And they'll keep doing it, as long as you care too. If you buy a non-certified seatbelt, you're only helping the non-certified brands continue to produce and sell products which haven't passed Center for Pet Safety's crash testing. Products which have failed crash testing, or don't even meet quality standards to be tested, are still being sold in stores. People don't know what they're buying isn't up to par, and it's not okay. Buying a non-certified seatbelt sends the message that certification doesn't really matter to you. You don't need the safest product out there. And if that's the case, you're not looking for a seatbelt, but merely a restraint. Please buy a car hammock or barrier instead, not a non-certified dog car harness, booster seat, carrier, crate or kennel. Dogs Ride Certified is about much more than just getting dogs buckled up. It's about shifting culture so that buckling up your pup will become nothing more than a habit, while also gaining regulation on the pet industry so that products will need to pass Center for Pet Safety's crash test prior to landing in the hands of dog parents. If you're ready to buckle up your dog in a certified seatbelt, or if your dog is already Riding Certified, excellent! If you're not ready yet, that's okay. Just please don't go purchase a non-certified seatbelt instead. Deal? RIDING CERTIFIED
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SEPTEMBER 2021
TRAINING
Training Your Dog to LOVE the Seatbelt
I got a certified seatbelt... Now what? How many things have you bought, only for it to remain unopened or collecting dust in the corner? Hopefully that's not the case with your certified seatbelt. In fact, the goal is for you to use it, and that's why car seatbelt training is such an important part of Dogs Ride Certified. If you're worried your dog won't like the seatbelt, or you already have one and are finding that your dog isn't a fan, let's change that. For most pups, it's all about easing into the buckling up process. They're just a little unsure about what's going on and need to be shown that things aren't that bad! If you don't know where to start, no problem. Everything you need to learn about training your pup to love the seatbelt is right here. But before diving into training strategies, there's 3 core ideas to embrace that are essential for you to bring to each training session. 1) Treats are good. Don't be stingy, be generous! Treats are your friend! You'll be using a LOT of treats while you're training, and it's okay. Use good stuff. Boiled chicken, steak, cheese. Cut it up into teeny, tiny pieces. Be prepared, and always bring more than you think you need. Better to have extra than to run out in the middle of training. Tip: Decide how many ounces/cups you need in one training session, and prep the treats into baggies, measuring out that amount. When it comes to meal time, subtract that many ounces from your dog's regular food. It's important for weight management, with the amount of treats you'll be giving. RIDING CERTIFIED
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And again, be generous with the treats! Reward your dog as earned. 2) Positive vibes only. You're trying to get your dog to LOVE the seatbelt, right? Put on your happy, enthusiastic voice! Bring good energy and a can-do attitude to the training. If you're boring, sounding frustrated, or loud and scary, how much is your dog going to want to be there with you? Would you want to be there with you? Dogs (and people) all learn better in a positive environment. 3) Listen to your dog. Although you're ready to get your pup buckled up and would like to use the seatbelt right away, you need to let your dog set the pace. If your dog says yeah, "this is fun!", then keep it up. But if your pup says "oh, I'm still not so sure about this..." then don't push. Keep the sessions short and to your dog's comfort level. This will build trust and a solid foundation for the seatbelt work. Just watch your dog's confidence grow in the whole process!
In the next few pages, you'll get the exact steps to take for training your dog to love the seatbelt (harnesses and carriers/kennels), which is the first thing to do when trying to create a successful car ride. If you have a good car rider already, you might be tempted to skip it and go straight to buckling up. Instead of skipping, just do a run through with your pup, to make sure everything is smooth sailing. It never hurts to reinforce the behavior you want!
SEPTEMBER 2021
"My dog ________ harnesses." What word did you use to fill in the blank? My dog hates harnesses. My dog runs away from harnesses. My dog LOVES harnesses! Hopefully, it's that last one. But if not, let's get you there. You'll need to figure out exactly what your dog isn't happy about. Is it you touching his/her paws to put the harness on? The feel of the harness coming around his/her body? Does the sound of the buckle snap make your dog jump? Or do have no idea, because you can't catch your pup as long as the harness is in your hands? First, make sure your dog is comfortable with you handling his/her body. With the Sleepypod harness, your dog will need to step into it, and it'll buckle up on his/her back. To work on this, touch your dog's paw, leg, or back briefly, then give a treat. Repeat on all the body parts! Hold your touch for increasingly longer periods of time.
Watch your dog's behavior. Is his/her body relaxed when you touch, or tense? Does your dog pull away? If you notice this, simply touch for shorter periods of time. If your dog flinches before you even touch his/her body, start with just reaching towards your dog, stop in the air, and give a treat there. You'll be able to get closer over time. Next, introduce the harness. Put the harness on the floor and sprinkle treats on and around it. Place the harness around the house and encourage your dog to find it! Keep the harness in fun places - toy bins, by the food bowl, your dog's bed, (your bed!) etc. When putting on the harness, give your dog something to do. A lickimat or snufflemat are both excellent options. You want something long lasting that'll stay in place, so that your dog will also stay in one place. If your dog is afraid of buckle snap sound, work on this separately. Push the harness buckles together to hear the click (away from your dog's body but in your dog's sight), and happily drop some treats afterwards. You want to take the sound's scariness away, and if you use your dog's most irresistible, favorite foods in this activity (as you should for any difficult task), the buckling up sound will become something fun to look forward to in no time. Be consistent, and soon your dog will be running to you to put on the Sleepypod harness! Your pup might even learn to step into the harness on his/her own!
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SEPTEMBER 2021
r u o y If d l u o c dog n g i s e d n w o r e h / s i h room, d l u o w what ? t i n i be
going into the IfThat's yourwhat's dog could design carrier/kennel! his/her own room, what would go in there?
This is your dog's very own space, like a teenager's bedroom.
The first step is to set up the carrier/kennel in your house and build your dog's curiosity around it. Sprinkle your dog's favorite treats around and inside of the carrier/kennel. Praise when your pup approaches or steps inside. Toss some chews and food dispensing toys in there too. Allow your dog to initiate and check it out!
Now, comfort. Except you don't have to worry about this when it comes to the Sleepypod carriers. It's also a pet bed and is majorly soft. But if you want to add a little blanket, your dog won't complain! For the kennels, both Gunner and Lucky Kennels have beds that are available separately. Doesn't matter if you want to use the specially made ones or your own - just make the carrier/kennel a cozy place to relax. Finally, toys! You can hide your dog's favorite toys inside the blankets. Throw toys into the carrier when playing indoor fetch - you have momentum and motivation at your advantage! Your dog is already running, so might as well keep going all the way to grab the toy instead of stopping at the door.
Speaking of doors, throughout the whole process you'll want to keep the carrier/kennel door open, and avoid physically putting your dog inside. If you want your dog to really LOVE the carrier/kennel, your dog needs to learn to go inside on his/her own terms. Next up, food and water bowls go inside. This is now the only place in the house where these things exist! Feed all meals inside the carrier/kennel. If your dog is nervous about going all the way in, you can start by placing the food and water bowls on the edge by the door, and gradually place them a little bit further inside as your dog's confidence grows. RIDING CERTIFIED
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After your dog starts to wander and settle inside of the carrier/kennel independently, then start to play around with the doors. Don't close it all the way at first, but at an angle. Build up to being able to close it all the way for increasing periods of time, ensuring that your dog is relaxed throughout the whole process. If you make the carrier/kennel an inviting, personalized space to be, then inside your pup will go! SEPTEMBER 2021
Is it time to Ride Certified yet? Did you notice that all of these strategies never mention getting into the car? This is on purpose. Work to build very strong, positive associations with the seatbelt before even bringing it to the car. The time you put in will help alleviate any anxiety towards the buckling up process down the road. If you're using a harness, a common problem with skipping training is your dog getting tangled up in the seatbelt. Or, if you're using a carrier/kennel, your dog crying for the entire ride. Don't run into this problem - it'll take more time to undo problem behaviors than to avoid it altogether. Lay the groundwork needed to teach your dog to love the seatbelt first!
If your dog has a laid back personality, the groundwork might just take a few minutes! If you've got a fearful one, this could take days. It's all up to your dog, and remember to let him/her set the pace. Watch your dog's body language and facial expressions closely. How you train is a response to that behavior. And remember to make this fun! Keep the 3 big ideas from the beginning in mind at all times: Treats are good. Positive vibes only. Listen to your dog. Training your dog is a bonding experience for the both of you. It's joyful and fulfilling, and sets the energy for your time together. Have a fantastic time doing this!
RIDING CERTIFIED
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SEPTEMBER 2021
TRAINING
BUILDING
Great
CAR RIDING SKILLS You've done all the prep work! Your dog is happy to wear the Sleepypod harness, or content to just hang out in the certified kennel. Time to hit the road! Almost. Just 1 more step to take. You've got to ease into the car ride. No matter which certified seatbelt system you go with, it's important to start stationary and build up to the road trip. Riding Certified is new, and as with anything new, it takes time to get used to it. Start with getting buckled up in the car and staying in the driveway, then go for short drives around the block, a little further to fun neighborhood places, and finally out for longer trips. Throughout each of these phases, you'll want to be rewarding your dog for calm car behavior. If you can get someone else to drive, or someone else to sit with your pup as you drive, that's ideal. It's nice to be able to keep an eye on your dog for the first couple of rides! If you don't have anyone to help, that's okay. Just be extra mindful of keeping the initial rides micro short until you're confident your pup is ready for more.
RIDING CERTIFIED
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SEPTEMBER 2021
In general, most dogs that are already calm car riders have no problem transitioning into riding in a certified seatbelt. They're relaxed and just go with the flow. For dogs who are a little nervous, a certified seatbelt can actually help with this. It helps them feel secure in the car, like a security blanket. For excited dogs who are used to bouncing around the car, a certified seatbelt may take some getting used to. Really stick to the stationary or short drives in the beginning to help your pup get accustomed to the new way of riding and for best success. Regardless of your dog's riding style, consistency and routine will be your best tools. Unless you have the Gunner or Lucky Kennel (which will most likely remain in the the car after set up,) decide if you'll keep the certified seatbelt in the car, or in the house. Fall into a routine of always getting your dog ready for the ride in the same place. For harness wearers - have your dog sit in the same seat every time he/she gets in the car. This helps builds muscle memory of what to do when the car door opens! Block off any space you don't want your dog to wander off to, which'll make it easier for your dog to learn where his/her seat is. Always buckle up your pup, and make sure to have the leash in your hands before unbuckling.
For carriers - there's a tether inside of the carrier, but it's not for the car. All you need to do for the drive is buckle the carrier in. Once you've arrived at your destination, you can open part of the carrier to let your pup peek out. This is what the tether is for. Secure the tether to your dog's harness so he/she can't jump out. Kennel people - you get to just open and close the door! But when you get to where you're going, be sure not to open the door too wide without getting a hold of your pup first to prevent fast escapes. When you get back home, remember where you decided to keep the certified seatbelt. If it's in the car, be sure to take the harness off and leave it in the car for the next trip. Same goes for the carrier - unbuckle and lift your dog out. If you're going to keep the certified seatbelt in the house, then be sure to leave the harness or carrier right by the door, so you always remember to use it! If you follow the same routine every time, your dog will come to not only know what to do, but also expect to be buckled up. You'll wonder why you waited so long to get the seatbelt! It'll also become habit and as automatic as buckling yourself into the car. Most importantly, your 4-legged best friend will always be safe, and that's what matters. Go Ride Certified!
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SEPTEMBER 2021
Has your dog ever jumped out of the car?
Buckle up your pup!
The Car Skills Checklist
TRAINING
If you live with an over-excited or severely anxious car rider, you might need a little more help with the car training. It's important to take a micro close look at your dog's behavior. What's going on? Where's the process breaking down? The Car Skills Checklist is a tool you can use to help pinpoint the problem areas of the car ride. As a whole, a car ride looks like 3 big steps: get in the car (and buckle up), ride to the destination, and get out. But if you really analyze it, there are so many more actions involved. What do you do within those steps?
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SEPTEMBER 2021
These details are important, because it's where you can specifically identify your pup's trouble areas. Knowing the exact task that your dog is struggling with helps you get a clear picture of what he/she can already do, and what skills you still need to teach. Looking at the details also causes you to watch your dog's behavior more closely. Maybe you didn't even realize that your dog's anxiety starts when you pick up the car keys, or that a specific road causes your excited pup to get pumped up and tangled up! That's the beauty of the checklist. To learn exactly what's going on, so you can make a plan for it. Since everyone's car routine is different, the checklist varies from person to person. To get you started, here's a customizable Car Skills Checklist that you can modify as needed. You can add in your specific routines and get started with changing your dog's car behavior today!
The Car Skills Checklist in Action Since Piper was such a natural car rider, I expected River to be the same. Wrong! She wasn't a fan. River got tangled up in the seatbelt. She would pant loudly and pull backwards when driving through cities & highways. To my extreme displeasure, she also didn't like the windows down. Since being on the road is my joy, River HAD to learn to love this too. Otherwise, what would we do? The checklist helped me figure out exactly where the breakdown would occur, which guided our training. I'm happy to report that River is now a great car rider and loves to go on outings! If you're struggling with your pup, I hope this checklist will help you discover where to start. Dogs can do anything you set your mind to teach them to do, so if you're determined to change your dog's car behavior, then it'll totally happen. Let me know if you need help along the way- I know how important it is and would be happy to help! -P.Suanpan RIDING CERTIFIED
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Sample Car Skills Checklist Can your dog remain calm for these tasks? 1) Leave the house Get the keys. Open the door. Walk through the door. Dog waits while you lock the door. 2) Approach the car Walk towards the car. Walk to the car door. 3) Get in the car Open the car door. Dog hops in. Settle in the seat. Dog gets buckled up. Dog waits while you close the door. You walk to the driver's door. Open the door. You get in. Close the door. Put your belongings away. Buckle yourself up. Get the keys.
4) Go for a ride Put the keys in the ignition. Start the car. Back out of the driveway/parking space. Drive towards the street. Drive on the neighborhood street. Drive on the main roads. 5) Arrive at the destination Slow down as you arrive. Park the car. Turn off the ignition. Get your belongings. Unbuckle yourself. 6) Get out of the car Open your door. Close your door. Walk to your dog's door. Open your dog's door. Unbuckle your dog. Dog jumps out of the car.
Dreaming of a peaceful car ride? This way to Doggie Car Camp!
ON THE ROAD
Ride into Fall 10 Autumn Activities To Do With Your 4-Legged Best Friend
Cooler weather, crisp air. It's the perfect time of year to get out with your pup. Sure, you can go to the park, find a new hike, go camping. That's great and always fun, but what else is there to do? Here's 10 ideas to help you and your dog embrace the Autumn season together!
6) Tailgate a college football game. Hang out with some friends, enjoy a hot dog. Although you probably won't be able to take your dog into the game, you can take your dog for a good walk around campus. 7) Take your pup to Home Depot. Did you know this store is dog-friendly? Go sniff out some mums for the garden together. Your dog can help you dig a hole to plant them afterwards too! 8) Go to the farmers' market. Shop local and get the freshest butternut squash, brussel sprouts, and kale you can find. And if your pup is lucky, there's probably a dog bone stand right around the corner.
1) Take your dog to the farm. Go for a hayride, pick a pumpkin, get lost in a cornmaze. Your dog's senses will go nuts! 2) Take your dog apple picking. Because yum and fun. 3) Go to the beach. Yes, you read that right. Now's the best time to go, just as the weather is starting to change, people are clearing the beaches, and dog restrictions are lifted (typically Labor Day - Memorial Day). Less crowds, less distractions, less heat = good times. 4) Go to Starbucks - pumpkin spice latte for you and a puppachino (cup of whipped cream) for your dog! 5) Drive a scenic route. The changing leaves make for a beautiful, peaceful drive. RIDING CERTIFIED
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9) Take your dog to Michaels art store. Yes, this store is dog-friendly too! Pick up some knitting materials and make a blanket for the chilly weather. If you're super crafty, maybe knit matching sweaters, one for you and one for your pup! 10) Go to a winery or brewery. Enjoy the outdoors and just relax with your dog by your side. Fall is a great season to be outdoors. Take in your surroundings, and breathe deep. You've already got the perfect companion to enjoy it with! SEPTEMBER 2021
ON THE ROAD
30 DAYS OF RIDING CERTIFIED Did you read the list of Fall activities to do with your dog? Did you think that was it? There's a WHOLE lot more, for any time of the year. Let's really embody the SEATBELT philosophy! Get ready to: Explore new places, Live fully, and Travel lots! If you haven't already, think creatively beyond the regular trips to the vet or dog park. When you take your dog out for adventures, you're enriching your pup's life. He/she is getting mental stimulation, sensory input, fun, and bonding time with you. So here's 30 ideas, one for every day this month! What's even better, is that most of them are free! Challenge yourself to do one thing from this list each day, or spread it out among the weekends. One look at the joy in your dog's eyes and you'll both be hooked on the need to buckle up and hit the road. Is your highway playlist ready? Let's go!
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1) Go to a local park. There are 410 parks in Montgomery County, MD. That's 410 potential adventures right there! How many are in the county where you live? Have you been to them ALL? Grab some doggie friends and go for a pack walk, or maybe park-hop at several small parks in the neighborhood. There's always something new to see and smell. Don't forget to have your dog help carry the keys and your phone in the Terrain Pack for a hands-free experience! 2) Park at a school's parking lot and explore the neighborhood. Walking the same neighborhood route is predictable and gets boring. Mix it up by heading over to a nearby school (outside of school hours), and explore the surrounding neighborhood! New scents, new dogs, new people. P.S. If you're into dog parkour, the poles of the parking signs make great weave poles, and benches work nicely for a "paws up!"
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3) Park at a community recreation center and explore the neighborhood. Same as the school parking lot, but you can go anytime. If your community recreation center is in a shopping area, that's a great opportunity for dog training practice - calm behavior in crowds and loose leash walking. Or, see if there's a dog friendly store (just ask, you might be surprised at the answer!) and do some browsing around. 4) Take your dog to the gym. The doggie gym, that is. Zoom Room has locations based throughout the US. Frolick Dogs is based in Virginia. There's agility equipment, fitness platforms, toys and more. Anything to keep your dog active and have fun doing it! A perfect indoor outing. 5) Take your dog to the pool. If your dog loves the water, you've got to go to the pool. Doggie swim centers are popping up all over the place now. Most places put a life jacket on your pup and give swim lessons first. Not only will this be a splashing hit, but an excellent workout as well. A tired dog is a good dog!
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6) Sign up for a training class.
13) Go to the mall.
If you've got a puppy, you'll need a basic manners class for sure. But after those skills, there's more fun stuff to do! Maybe try Canine Good Citizen, or a Fun & Games class. Be sure to look for training centers that embody positive, rewards-based methods.
Did you know that some malls allow dogs? If not in the stores, then in the common areas. It's not be widely advertised, so just ask. Indoor walks are great for rainy days!
7) Try a doggie sport. Treiball, nose work, agility, sheep herding, dock diving, to name a few. Find a class near you and get your dog started in an "extracurricular activity."
Home Depot and Michaels are a couple big stores that welcome dogs. Local, independent shops tend to as well. No need to feel guilty about running to the store and leaving your dog home alone. Your pup's Riding Certified with you!
8) Go to doga.
15) Go to the actual pet store.
Yoga with your dog? Om yes.
You can't go wrong with this. Dogs are always welcome! And what dog wouldn't want to pick out a new toy?
9) Take your dog apartment shopping with you.
14) Go to a dog-friendly retail store.
16) Go on a hike. Lease running out soon? Take your dog with you to look at apartments. If the place is truly dog-friendly, you'll know by how your dog is greeted. There's a huge difference between "dogs allowed" and "dog-friendly!"
Get lost in the woods and don't forget the bug spray! Even better, check out the 52 Hike Challenge. 17) Go camping.
10) Explore a new city. Pick a city, and head into the heart of town! Walk around, taking in the sights and window shopping. Don't bother with a plan. Just wander! But bring a charged phone in case you need a GPS on the way back.
Take that hike but don't leave the woods, stay a while! Pitch a tent and camp out. Then you can wake up ready to go hiking again the next day.
11) Eat out. While you're getting lost in that new town, why not stop for a bite to eat? Roll out your dog's mat and order something for you both to share! 12) Head to the drive-thru. If you're feeling like a fast, informal meal, take your dog with you to the drive thru! What will it be - chicken nuggets, fries, or a burger?
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22) Go mini-golfing. Can you see it now, your dog's head tilt figuring out what's happening, then chasing the golf ball down the putting course? Even better, why not have your pup carry the ball to the hole, for the ultimate hole in one! (Know your dog - don't do this if he/she might swallow it.) If mini-golfing is too easy, try a real golf course! Dog-friendly ones are harder to find, but do exist. 23) Go to an outdoor or drive-in movie.
18) Go to the lake. Grab a doggie life jacket and head to the water! A nice alternative if your pup is afraid of the beach waves. 19) Go on a cruise/boat ride. Not a vacation cruise, but a day trip, on the bay sort of ride! Watermark Journey in Annapolis is dog-friendly, as are many. You can also rent a boat and take it out on the lake/river. Just watch a little driving lesson, and then off you go. Hop on board and enjoy a day out on the water! 20) Try SUP. Stand Up Paddleboarding - a great workout for you and and your 4-legged pal. Did you know dogs benefit from having strong core muscles too? 21) Run a marathon. In a virtual marathon, your dog is always allowed. Buckle up, head out to the track and train together. Or, try the 2K-9 Ruff Run. It's a fitness specialty title from Do More With Your Dog. How many titles will your dog collect? RIDING CERTIFIED
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Want to see a new movie but don't want to leave your dog behind? No worries. Experience the movie outdoors! Sprawl out in the backseat with a tub of popcorn at the drive in, or set up a lawn chair and a dog bed at your local outdoor movie site. But have a couple chew toys on hand too in case your dog thinks the movie deserves rotten tomatoes and you disagree. 24) Set up a doggie playdate. Meet in your friend's backyard, find a good place through SniffSpot, or meet at the dog park at low-peak hours. Dog bars are gaining popularity, if you want a busier vibe. If your dog likes to play, have at it! And if not, then just relaxing next to another dog while you and your friend catch up works too. Don't forget to always supervise dog play and take frequent breaks! 25) Find an empty field to play fetch or train on. Baseball, football and soccer fields, when not in use, are a great spot for some 1-1 time with your pup. Use a long lead, and practice skills such as come, wait, stay, etc. Never let your dog off leash unless your pup will reliably come to you, and especially not with other dogs around. You never know how the other dog will react with your pup running up! For safety, always have your dog's tags on and a GPS collar if you'll be letting your dog loose. SEPTEMBER 2021
26) Find a dog event to attend. Dog events are everywhere. The season usually runs from Spring to late Fall when the weather is at its best, but some Winter ones do exist! Dog events are such a fun place to meet other dogs, connect with vendors, and support a good cause. Of course, set your calendar for THE dog event to attend, Piper's Walk! The next date is June 25, 2022. 27) Climb a mountain. You'll want to build up your dog's endurance before doing this, but what better company to have enjoying a mountaintop view than with your furry BFF? 28) Go on a picnic. Stay a while on the mountaintop. Spread out a blanket, snacks, and plenty of water. It's the perfect way to rest up before heading back down. But really, you can picnic anywhere beach, park, backyard. Use it as a training opportunity as well - calm behavior and settling down among a world full of distractions is no easy task for a dog! 29) Go to Grandma's house for spoiling. Face it. Grandparents are supposed to spoil their grand-furbabies, and you know that's where the begging skills are perfected. Go ahead, head over and let Grandma shower your dog with love, attention, and treats. Your dog deserves it. 30) Go home. You can buckle your dog up in a certified seatbelt and go on all sorts of adventures, but at the end of the day, it's all about coming home safely. Making it home safely. A certified seatbelt gives your dog the very best chance to make it out on adventures with you and back home again. That's what Riding Certified is all about.
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Where will you take your dog today?
#RidingCertified
ON THE ROAD
Windows Open or Closed?
Do you drive with the windows open or closed? Does your dog like to stick his/her head out the window and sniff the wind?
Wait, is that even safe? As with everything, there's risk involved. The main danger is road debris. Pebbles, leaves, small insects, etc., can fly into and get stuck in your dog's eyes, ears, or nose, causing severe inflammation and/or other injuries. Dogs can also get windburn on their ears, and with enough wind flow, the ears can flap so forcefully that it ruptures a blood vessel! Sounds painful, doesn't it? Worse though, if your dog isn't buckled up, an open window is an invitation to jump out when something interesting (or scary) comes into view.
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It's dangerous, opening up the potential for causing an accident or getting hit by a car, or both. However, if your dog is Riding Certified, you don't have to worry about your pup darting out! It's really about the tiny foreign objects flying into your dog's face and the force of the wind. Another thing to consider is your dog's window preference. Some dogs actually don't like the windows open. Watch your dog's behavior. Does your dog prefer the window open all the way, partially open, or closed? If your dog doesn't like the windows open, then this isn't a problem for you. One less thing to worry about! But if your dog does like the window open, and you want to give your dog that luxury, do it mindfully.
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If you're on a busy road - lots of fast cars, in the heart of a major city, passing through a construction site, or something along those lines, roll the windows up all the way. Dirt, concrete, dust, broken glass, and even spit (yes, it does happen, ew!) are all potential dangers. If you're in a rural area or on the highway, away from the heavily populated areas and your dog is Riding Certified, then sure, go ahead and roll the window down a bit and let your dog enjoy sniffing the wind. There's still the risk of little insects and dirt flying by so don't roll the window down all the way. Just enough to let a little air flow through and give your dog a good whiff of what's around. If your buckled up pup is just begging you to roll the window down all the way, wait until you're driving very slowly on a calm road, to prevent excessive ear flapping.
Buckling up your pup reduces the risks that an open car window can bring.
Life is short. You decide which risks to take. Experts will tell you to never open the car window because of the risk of injuries and car escape tactics. At Dogs Ride Certified, it's about reducing risks and maintaining balance. Because time with your pup is limited. It's important to be safe, but also to enjoy life. Buckle up your pup in a certified seatbelt, so that opening up the car window a safer (not risk-free) experience for your pup. It's not only the destination that matters, but the time on the road should be a joyful journey as well. Is your pup Riding Certified? If not, keep the windows closed until your pup does get buckled up in a certified seatbelt. Too much is at risk. But if your dog is already traveling safely in the car, go enjoy that (partially) open window and breeze flowing through!
When you buckle up your pup in a certified seatbelt, you eliminate the risk of your dog jumping out the window. If your dog buckles up in a certified harness, he/she is able to sit up, lay down, turn left, and turn right, but not walk to the other side of the car. So open up the window opposite from where your dog is sitting to further reduce road debris risk. If you buckle up your pup in a certified carrier or kennel, your dog is enclosed, which greatly reduces any risk of road debris flying into your dog's face.
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ON THE ROAD
Riding Certified isn't only about buckling up your pup in a certified seatbelt. It's about buckling up and going on adventures together. About enriching your dog's life, which also enhances yours. What's even better, is Riding Certified with friends! That's what Riding Certified Retreats is for. It's a time for dog parents who believe in the safety and well-being of their pups to come together! Meet new people, new dogs. It's a dog-friendly community outing! Once a month, you and your dog are invited to buckle up and hit the road with Dogs Ride Certified! It's fun to take your dog out, and it'll make him/her so happy. You'll be providing your dog with opportunities for socialization and a variety of experiences. It's also an amazing bonding experience for you and your pup, and you'll definitely go home with a tired dog! Most retreats are free or low cost, because taking your dog out shouldn't cost a fortune. It should be simple, fun, and repeatable, and hopefully inspire you to continue taking your dog on adventures even when there's no organized retreat. For now, Riding Certified Retreats are only available in Maryland. If you live in another state, grab your fellow Riding Certified friends and find a similar event in your area - but hey, you're always welcome to head over and join the Maryland folks! RIDING CERTIFIED
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2021 Outings: Thursday September 23, 2021 Dog Days at Linganore Winecellars - Dogs, music, food and wine. Bring your own picnic blanket. 4PM - 8 PM. Cost: Free admission! + Food and wine. Sunday October 24, 2021 Sharp's at Waterford Farm - Hayride and explore the farm. Meet at 11AM. Cost: Hayride is $2.50/person + other personal farm purchases. Saturday November 13, 2021 Catoctin Mountain - Meet at the Visitor Center at 9AM. Let's go for a brisk hike. Cost: Free! December 2021 No retreats. Happy Holidays and happy traveling!
How to Join: 1) To join a retreat, all you need to do is RSVP. That way you're up to date on event details. 2) Make sure you have a certified seatbelt for your pup, so your dog is safe on the way to the outing and back home. If you're using a certified harness, your dog doesn't have to wear it on the outing, but it sure would be cool to see a bunch of pups running around in Sleepypods! It could inspire and spread awareness for seatbelt safety to other dog families at the location. 3) Show up and have fun! RIDING CERTIFIED
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Let's Come Together: The more the merrier! Piper's Walk (the dog festival for dog seatbelt safety) only comes around once a year. It's nice to have little things to do with your pup throughout the other months as well! The Riding Certified Retreats are a fantastic way to put your certified seatbelt to work and practice those car rides with your dog. You'll have a whole community of people to bounce stories and ideas around with, while your dog becomes a pack member of other well-loved dogs. Come when you can or become a regular - just Ride Certified and have fun!
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE
WHOOPIE RIDES CERTIFIED "Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong." -W.R. Purche That's why losing a dog is so hard. Dogs have a way of infusing themselves into your entire life and soul, and Whoopie was no exception. Whoopie's journey with Dogs Ride Certified began at 10 years old, proving that it's never too old to start buckling up! But his journey was more than that. Whoopie spent the last 3 years of his life so immensely loved. Every time his dad talked about him, the sentence would end with:
"He's just a sweet doggie!" Whoopie had found himself at the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Centeryet again, and his previous family didn't come for him.
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So when his new parents walked in for just a little dog fix, Whoopie knew those were his new people! He stood on his hind legs and asked persistently to be taken home. Luckily, it worked! One of the first things Whoopie's parents did was get him a Sleepypod Clickit Sport harness. They knew what had happened to Piper and the toll it had on her mom, so they wanted to be sure that their new dog was protected in the car from the start. Whoopie was safe in the car for sure. Although his vet appointments were only 10 minutes away from home, Whoopie was always Riding Certified. Smart, considering accidents can happen at any time, on any road, for any length of a drive. More than that, buckling up gave Whoopie a routine, and since he was a nervous car rider, the seatbelt played a role in giving him stability on the ride. He was anxious on the way to a place, but completely fine with the ride home. SEPTEMBER 2021
Home. The place where Whoopie would do one of his favorite things - sleep! His parents used to joke that he was a stuffed animal, laying still in one spot for so long. But he loved his routine and his people. Whoopie just wanted to be loved, and he got it. Whoopie ended up riding in the car a lot in the past year, but unfortunately not for adventures. He had been diagnosed with diabetes, then cancer. He Rode Certified to go rounds of chemo. On August 21, 2021, 2 days before Piper's birthday, Whoopie's condition worsened and his parents made the difficult decision to let him go. They said,
"He didn't want to miss Piper's birthday party! Although Piper and Whoopie had never met here on Earth, there's no doubt that the two are now friends, sitting on the Rainbow Bridge checking in on their people together. They're probably talking about dog seatbelt safety and barking in delight as they watch more and more dogs get buckled up in certified seatbelts. Like little cheerleaders up in the clouds. Whoopie was a good dog - a sweet dog, and will always be remembered as one of the very first dogs in the Dogs Ride Certified community to be buckled up in a certified seatbelt. He was safe and protected in the car during his whole life of love.
We'll miss you, Whoopie. See you at the rainbow bridge❤️🌈
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Dog Seatbelt Safety & Nail Polish What do these 2 vastly different things have to do with each other? Well it's a reminder that you don't have to have a dog or be in the dog industry to support dog seatbelt safety. Dog seatbelt safety was something Cheryl had thought about when she would travel with her dad and his dog, Stroudsburg. She remembers,
"Stroud would sit on the back seat and go sliding across the bench seat with every turn and when my dad would stop short, he would go flying. It looked painful." RIDING CERTIFIED
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Then, Piper's crash happened. Cheryl and Piper's mom happened to be coworkers at the time, and she saw how devastating it was. As P threw herself into learning about dog seatbelt safety, Cheryl learned right along with her. Since then, Cheryl has played an integral role in running Piper's Walk, the dog event that raises awareness for dog seatbelt safety, as the volunteer Assistant Director. In 2020, Cheryl started her own business selling dry nail polish by Color Street. When Color Street came out with nail sets featuring paws and pets, Cheryl knew they'd be perfect as prizes for Dogs Ride Certified to use at Piper's Walk. And so, a partnership was born! Despite having no dog of her own, Cheryl is one of the biggest advocates for dog seatbelt safety yet. She's always telling her friends, family and co-workers about certified seatbelts. SEPTEMBER 2021
In fact, Cheryl is the reason that Albert, a goofy chocolate lab, was buckled up from puppyhood to now, a fully grown boy 2 years later. All because Cheryl shared her passion for dog seatbelt safety with someone who didn't know about it. Cheryl's business, Nails & Glam, sponsored Piper's Walk this past June 2021. She encourages other people and businesses, whether dog-related or not, to consider becoming a sponsor for the next Piper's Walk in 2022! When asked why, Cheryl said:
"Sponsoring allows me to help Dogs Ride Certified spread the word about dog seatbelt safety as well as, likely saving lives. I get the personal satisfaction of helping a cause that I feel passionate about and can write it off my taxes. It's a win-win!" Ha! She's got a good heart and pure honesty. Cheryl continues to make a difference in dog seatbelt safety each day, and Dogs Ride Certified is so incredibly thankful for her support! If you're interested in getting your "win-win" and sponsoring Piper's Walk 2022, please email info@dogsridecertified.com!
To learn more about Nails and Glam, click here. Join the Nails and Glam Facebook Group to view the paws and pets nail set, and more!
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SEPTEMBER 2021
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Out of the 5 certified brands of dog seatbelts, you'll find one brand mentioned the most, more pictures of dogs buckled up in this brand, and it's also the brand featured in Dogs Ride Certified's online shop. Yes, of course it's Sleepypod! Dogs Ride Certified loves Sleepypod, for so many reasons. Most importantly, they're a brand with integrity. A good company, led by good people who care about the safety and well-being of dogs (and cats too!). Everything about Sleepypod just oozes that. First of all, Sleepypod offers 6 different car safety restraints - 4 carriers and 2 harnesses, which are they ALL certified by Center for Pet Safety. Every single one! And getting certified is no small feat.
It takes a lot of time and money to make sure every feature is just right and meets all of the safety criteria. Sleepypod's products alone make up 60% of the list of certified seatbelt products. From this list, they're the ONLY brand with a certified harness. No other seatbelt harness has passed Center for Pet Safety's crash test. What does that tell you about the quality of Sleepypod versus all the other harnesses on the market? To top it off, Sleepypod harnesses were initially only certified up to 90lbs. Now, the Sleepypod Terrain harnesses can hold up to 110 lbs of dog! You've got to love their continual growth to allow more dogs the access to get buckled up.
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Obviously, they've got great products. But they've also got big hearts. Sleepypod has been a sponsor of Piper's Walk over the years, and also donated Clickit Sport harnesses and Air carriers to the Go Home Safe Program, where dogs adopted from the shelter went home with a free seatbelt! Dogs Ride Certified wanted to help families buckle up their pups from the start of their journey together, and Sleepypod shared the vision. They also have a Crash Protection Program, where they'll replace your seatbelt for free if you're ever in a crash. (Products can stretch or be damaged in a crash, which alters their effectiveness if reused). In fact, Sleepypod saw a post about one of Dogs Ride Certified's buckled up dogs, Romi, who was in a crash (he's okay, thanks to his Sleepypod Clickit Sport harness!) and reached out to make sure Romi's mom knew about this program. Sleepypod goes above and beyond to keep dogs safe in cars.
Finally, they believe in positive, rewards-based training. They know that a seatbelt alone isn't going to keep your dog safe in the car, but the way you introduce and approach the training makes all the difference. They've got videos and tips to help with that. So, although Dogs Ride Certified will always support and advocate for every certified brand and product, including new ones to come, Sleepypod has a very special place here. They're top notch. Innovative. Dedicated to safety. They're simply the best. ❤️🙌🏻
Does your dog Ride Certified in a Sleepypod? Post your pictures, share your stories and thank them! #RidingCertified #SimplytheBest
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Scale of 1-10, how distracted are you when your dog is in the car? Buckle up your pup!
P's Vision:
"One day, buckling up dogs in certified seatbelts will be the norm. There won't be such thing as a noncertified seatbelt. There's just buckled up, safe and protected."
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
CHANGE THE WORLD Feels like a dream, doesn't it? To think about changing the world. Does your one little action really make a difference? Yes and yes. A world where all dogs are safe in the car feels exciting and enormous to make happen, but it's the little things that add up to make it come true! Without any action, nothing changes. Change starts with you. What do you want? Do you want to be able to walk into a store for a dog seatbelt, whether it's a harness, crate, carrier, kennel, car seat, or booster seat, and have confidence that it'll keep your dog safe? Do you want more products to get certified, and for the ones that have failed Center for Pet Safety's crash testing to leave the shelves? Do you care about the safety and wellbeing of all dogs? (Of course...) Then you have more power than you realize. After all, aren't the pet stores stocked with things that people buy? If people stop buying them, or not enough sales comes in, the product just fades away. No point in having them on the shelves if they don't sell. This is where education comes into play. Dog parents, new and old, need to know about certified seatbelts, so they don't buy the non-certified products. Instead, they'll get something that'll keep their dog safe! And that helps the certified brands gain traction. Spreading awareness is key! People are talking about dog seatbelt safety these days. It's becoming more popular, as news stories about dogs in crashes increase. Advertisements for tethers have surfaced. More articles are hitting the internet about dog seatbelts...except the talk isn't quite clear on the safety aspect. It's more about restraining, rather than protecting. Which means, now is the time to steer the conversation (that's already happening, yay!) towards certified seatbelts. Will you please help? Here's 10 easy things you can do today, to start turning all of this into reality. RIDING CERTIFIED
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1) Only buy certified. If you're in the market for a dog seatbelt, don't even look elsewhere. Get your seatbelt here! If it's not on the certified list, don't buy it. 2) If you're using a non-certified seatbelt, send it back. Seriously, send that non-certified seatbelt back to the company, with a letter asking them to get their product certified by Center for Pet Safety, and why it matters to you. If everyone started doing that, what a message that would send! 3) Ask pet stores to only sell certified brands (and don't buy what they have if it isn't certified)! Pet stores keep in stock what sells. If enough people request something, they'll stock it. And if something doesn't sell, it won't last long on the shelves. Some store owners have mentioned that they used to have Sleepypod, but it didn't sell so they replaced it with a cheaper option. Quality over quantity please! 4) Write to the certified brands and thank them. Let the certified brands know how much you appreciate their hard work and care to keep your dog safe. Brands have to re-certifiy, and your letter of appreciation will inspire them to keep going and get future products certified too! 5) Support places that sell exclusively certified products. You shouldn't have to worry about if your dog seatbelt is certified or not. You should be able to go to a store or site and know that everything is safe. You should be able to trust them to only bring you quality products. Where do you find such a place? Oh hi! Right here at Dogs Ride Certified!
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6) If you see someone using a non-certified seatbelt, tell them about certified seatbelts. Because people need to know about the safest way to transport their dogs! 7) Tell your veterinarian, dog trainer, doggie daycare provider, dog walker, dog sitter, etc, all about certified seatbelts. Urge them to either carry the certified products in stock, or send their clients to Dogs Ride Certified to get buckled up! If they transport dogs, encourage them to buckle up their clients' dogs in certified seatbelts, because that's best practice. 8) Volunteer at a dog rescue and encourage new dog families to take their dog home buckled up in a certified seatbelt. Start the union off right! If the family sets the expectation of being buckled up in a certified seatbelt from the very beginning of their time together, that's going to be the way the dog travels in the long run. 9) Help rescues transport dogs safely. Dog rescues do a lot of transporting. But it's not ideal for them to buckle up one dog at a time or even use Gunner or Lucky Kennels in their big vans when they have so many dogs to move at once (we need a better solution for them one day). Unfortunately dog rescue vans in car crashes have been making the news lately. Help the rescues out - if you have a certified seatbelt and can make a drive with them, that's another dog protected in the car. If interested, check out Doobert to get connected with a rescue that needs help! 10) Use your certified seatbelt on every ride. A certified seatbelt only works if you use it! Don't forget to buckle up your pup, whether it's a 30 second drive or an 8 hour trip. Every second matters. It's not something you have to do - it's the way of life. Let's make it a habit.
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It's such great news. Now let's keep it going! If you started taking action today to buckle up your own dog and spread awareness to others, can you imagine what dog seatbelt safety would look like in a few weeks? A few months? A year? Whether you're a dog parent, a dog rescue, a dog training center, a dog walker, a dog daycare, or just a dog lover who believes in dog seatbelt safety, you can help. And if you want to take it a step further and volunteer with Dogs Ride Certified, email info@dogsridecertified.com!
Easy steps, right? And momentum has actually already begun. This past summer 2021, signs emerged in the DC-MarylandVirginia (DMV) area that progress is happening. A few examples include: A Gunner Kennel was spotted in the back of a pick up truck, with the certified tie downs and all, off of busy I-95. A vet tech mentioned that she often sees dogs come into the vet hospital in Sleepypod carriers or harnesses. A vet shared that she tells all her clients about certified seatbelts and has a Gunner Kennel for her own dog.
You might not see the results right away. But little actions, they truly add up. You can be a part of the change. Will you? Will you change the world? Together, absolutely, yes we can!
Because,
DOGS. RIDE. CERTIFIED.
Dog parents are reaching out to replace their non-certified products with certified ones, so their dog can be protected in the car. RIDING CERTIFIED
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Share your adventures!
@dogsridecertified
@dogseatbeltlady
Get your
CERTIFIED seatbelt HERE
RIDING CERTIFIED MAGAZINE
Visit www.dogsridecertified.com. Call/text 301-337-1039 or email info@dogsridecertified.com.
