MOTORING DOGS

Evening Star, Issue 21515, 13 September 1933, Page 13

MOTORING DOGS

Perhaps the average dog gets even’ more “ kick ” out of a motor run than its master or mistress dees; The fun of a fide in the car never seems to pall on it (states the- * Daily Mail ’). At its very first ride in the car it should be impressed on the dog that it must remain in the same seat and not jump about from the front to the rear, or. paw or otherwise distract thedriver. One' hesitates to say that a dog should never occupy the seat next to the driver, because many dogs have perfect car manners and are less prone to make startling movements than human passengers, but it is generally safer to put it in a back seat (assuming that there’ is one). And it must be trained to “ stay put.” The driver must refuse to be distracted by the dog. If it demands his attention ho must first stop the car. That may seem obvious, but failureto observe that common sense precaution has had disastrous results in some cases. Many motoring dogs like to protrude their heads over the edge of the car or through an open window. The rush of the wind against _ their faces and the succession of varied scents wafted to their nostrils have a pleasantly ex hilnrating effect on them. The habit has its dangers, however, and should be discouraged. Cases of serious eye trouble have developed because of it, the result of particles of grit having been bijrled against the eyeball with such force as to injure it. Even the best trained dog is apt to become x - estivo on very long journeys. If the run occupies several hours one or two halts should be made and the dog allowed its liberty for a little while. Usually it will settle down quite readily on returning to tly car. When a halt is made the driver or other person in charge of the dog must satisfy himself that the road is clear of approaching traffic before letting the dog jump out. ■ A family excursion is incomplete without the household dog, and whenever possible it should be included in picnic parties. Along with the other eatables should be packed some biscuits of the kind most favoured by the dog. See a!so_ that its requirements in tire way of drinking water are catered for. If a stream or pond is not likely to be within reach of the nicnic ground, a bottle _of water should be stowed in the mcnic _ basket for the dog’s use. together with a saucer or pannikin for use as a drinking vessel.