Dog Transportation

My primary mode of transportation during the summer is my motorcycle. When our little zuchon was a puppy he rode in my backpack. When he started getting bigger (they dont get much bigger than shi tzus) he was too big for the backpack and he did pretty well if I put him on the tank of the motorcycle.

Last summer he got used to riding on the tank of the motorcycle. He stands, or sits, there all by himself. he can balance himself on turns and during stops. The wind doesnt bother him too much, in fact I think he loves to ride on the motorcycle. He is a true motorcycle loving dog.

For safety, when we ride I put him in a harness, i snap a leach on to the harness and tie it around my waist so that in case that he decides to jump he cant go far. He has never slipped off, slipped, or attempted to jump.

However this summer we had a concern about him getting hurt if I crash on the bike. The problem is that if I crash - and i always wear a helmet - he can crack his little doggie skull.

He loves to ride and so do I. Should I make tihs decision for him? Is he really that much worse off than in a car where he'll become a flying zuchon projectile anyway in case of an accident?

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Finally, a shamless plug for a site of a friend of mine who blogs about cell phones, wireless news, etc.

Trib Article about Dog Transportation

The Chicago Tribune had a great article in the Transportation section about safety features in cars for dog transport. Jen Mystkowski had a great half page shot of a little dog on the cover. Unfortunatly the article is only available to online scubscribers - and i am not one of them.
Here is what i was able to get from the site and in case you have access here is the Sit. Stay. Safely. article link.

Fencing, bags, safety belts, hammocks, car seats, kennels? these are just some of the items that make car-travel safe and comfortable for Fido or Fluffy.

I have also broached the topic in my blog article about dog transportation here.
Here are some more interesting highlights from the article.

29.1 million Americans say they have traveled 50 miles or more with a pet in the last three years.

The article goes on to mention some pet friendly features in Subarus and Saabs. Finally here is a good reference from teh American Veterinary Medical Association. What you should know about traveling with your pet.

Commuting with a Puppy - Dogs on Bikes, Motorcycles and Human Carirers

I commute every day about 3 miles to and from the office. Working in a dog friendly office allows me to take the puppy to work. I either drive to work, bicycle or take my motorcycle. My preferred way of commuting is using my bicycle. Outside of putting the puppy in my front seat when I take the car, commuting with a dog on two wheels isn't exactly easy.

Which got me thinking about 'Puppy safety' yesterday as I was rolling along as the puppy in my backpack tried to jump climb out and carelessly jump into the street. I doubt there are any laws which dictate safety measures for transporting animals.

It would seem that taking the car is the safest option. However when transporting a dog in the car, what is the proper etiquette? When driving with a puppy is it better to put them in a cage, in your lap or on the passenger seat? I don't think it really matters. Although the Canine Care Safety page recommends a cage, I think a dog being a canon ball when you hit a stop at 30mph inside or outside a cage wont matter for the dog.

If you make a sudden emergency stop, or are involved in a crash at just 30mph, a dog who is not restrained in the back seat can turn into a potentially lethal missile, warns the AA...

I think either way, the dog is more endangered than the driver.

Motorcycle and Bicycle with a puppy

I think for the dog these must be the safest options. Here is my rationale. If involved in a car accident, the dog will most likely be injured because it will become a projectile and will hit a hard stop breaking bones. In case of a bicycle or motorcycle accident, the puppy will fly as well, but will have a much easier landing. I think the biggest danger in that case is for the dog to be run over by traffic.

Which brings me to my current problem. Transporting the dog on a bicycle right now is problamatic for me as I don't yet have a bicycle dog basket. I tried putting the dog in my backpack but he has figured out how to unzip and try to jump out. My wife provided me with a dog carrier which I use right now, clipping the dog in to his dog collar. I guess for ultimate puppy safety I need to get a vest harness for the puppy, a human front carrier, and clip the dog to the human front carrier.

So far, the dog seems to enjoy the motorcycle rides.