So, you’re out with your dog and you’re suddenly faced with a dilemma. A moving dilemma. A moving escalator! Question is, do you decide to take the escalator or the stairs? Let’s have a look and see what is the best option for you and your dog and what steps can be taken to keep your dog safe.
Table of contents
- Understand the risks
- Does your dog have the right temperament?
- Safety always comes first
- Use the escalator at quieter times
- Give plenty of praise and reassurance
- Remain in control
- Know what to do in an emergency
- Getting on and off may be the most difficult part
- Perhaps stick to stairs that don’t move
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Understand the risks
In short, it may be safer to avoid escalators completely. An escalator is an example of moving machinery which involves various moving components. It can be easy for a lead, nails or even little feet to quickly become tangled in the mechanism. Using an escalator may cause serious injury or in extreme cases, death. If you have no other option but to use an escalator, then there are different precautions that can be taken to keep you both safe.
Does your dog have the right temperament?
You know your dog the best so it may be worth considering your dog’s temperament. How do they deal with new situations? How nervous is your dog? If your dog tends to get stressed easily then it may be worth giving the escalator a miss. If your dog is quite the confident pooch then check that there are no restrictions on using the escalator with your canine companion.
Safety always comes first
The easiest and safest way for a dog to use an escalator is to be carried. This way you have complete control of them and they will feel safe in your arms. However, there is quite the difference in carrying a Chihuahua and a Great Dane up an escalator. Even though seeing someone carry a Great Dane in their arms as they ride the escalator may be a comical sight, it certainly won’t be the safest or most practical. Extra large breed dogs should avoid riding an escalator as their bodies will most likely span over two moving steps, which isn’t an ideal situation.
Use the escalator at quieter times
It will be best to use an escalator with your dog at quieter times of the day. For example, the London underground at rush hour would not be the best time to be using an escalator with your dog. There will be far too much going on for both you and your dog to be able to ride safely without distraction.
Give plenty of praise and reassurance
The first few times using an escalator may be stressful for your dog. It’s almost like they’re learning a new trick and need to understand how to act and behave. Give them plenty of verbal reassurance and tasty treats along the way. After a few times, they will be a professional escalator rider.
Remain in control
It is important to remain in complete control of your dog whilst on the escalator, as you may endanger yourself, others and your dog. It may be best to keep your dog on a tight lead so that they are close by you at all times. Avoid using extendable leads, or keep it locked to a short length. Always let others get on the escalator before you and your dog so that you have plenty of time to allow your dog to get on the escalator without feeling rushed.
Know what to do in an emergency
In a worst case scenario, you need to familiarise yourself with how to stop the moving mechanisms of an escalator. On all escalators there should be an emergency stop button at the entrance and exit and on larger escalators they can be located periodically throughout the journey. Make sure to take note of where the emergency stop buttons are should you need to stop the escalator.
Getting on and off may be the most difficult part
Most dogs, by instinct, do not take well to moving floors. Equally, entering and exiting the escalator can be the most difficult part. It may be beneficial to train your dog to step or jump over the grate where the moving stairs appear from to avoid them panicking or grazing their foot pads.
Perhaps stick to stairs that don’t move
At the end of the day, it may be easier and safer for everyone involved to take the stairs. Not only will it look great on your step tracker, but it will also stop any anxiety for you and your dog. It may be unavoidable to use an escalator with your dog, in which case, be prepared with plenty of reassurance and additional training. If any injuries occur along the way, contact your veterinary surgeon as soon as possible.
Oh and if you don’t have a dog – yes, you are still allowed to use the escalator!
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