Sit, stay… or not? How PNW dog owners really see their pups

Most Pacific Northwest dog owners think their pups deserve an A+ for behavior, but when it comes to listening and following commands, the latest PEMCO Insurance Northwest Poll shows a different story. 

Nearly two-thirds of dog owners in Washington and Oregon (63%) say their pet is well-trained. But when pressed on specific behaviors, like heeling, obeying commands, or resisting the urge to bark, just 13% believe their dog actually listens. And, only 4% trust their pup to roam safely off-leash. 

While the data might suggest our pups are unpredictable, nearly two-thirds of respondents (65%) say they’ve had little to no negative encounters with an off-leash dog in the past year. 

And beyond training and safety, the poll shows PNWers simply love to show off their furry friends. More than half (57%) post about their pups online, either through dedicated social media accounts or their own pages. 

The poll also revealed a gap in car safety: while 77% of residents believe dogs should be secured with a harness, crate, or seatbelt, just over half (54%) report actually doing so. One in four admit to letting their dog roam freely in the car – something that can put both drivers and pets at risk. 

The next time you hit the road with your pooch, keep PEMCO’s tips for traveling with your dog in mind: 

1. Use a pet carrier or pet harness and buckle them in. Don’t just set a carrier on a seat – attach it securely using a seat belt and/or seat latch system. You also can use a car harness (never a collar) that attaches via your car’s rear seat belt.  
2. Don’t let your pet ride on your lap. As tempting as it is, never allow your dog to ride on your lap. In a 30-mph crash, a 60-pound dog can slam into the dashboard (or you) with 2,700 pounds of force! 
3. Remember: airbags cause injuries too. Your pet faces the same danger of injury from airbags as children. Whether you use a harness or a carrier, the backseat is a safer location for your dog. 
4. Roll up the windows. If your dog is secured via a harness, don’t open the windows or allow your dog to put its head out the window. Flying road debris and even insects can seriously injure dogs’ eyes.   
5. Don't leave your pet unattended in a car. Even if you don’t think the car will be too warm, or that you won’t be gone for long, it will be safer and better for your dog to not be left alone.  
6. Have an emergency plan. Emergencies happen when we least expect them – especially for dogs! If you are going out of town, research veterinarians at your destination and ensure you have access to or take copies of your pet’s health record. Also be sure to bring your pet’s medications and a pet first aid kit. For "out-of-the-way" places and in case of unexpected weather or natural disasters, bring along at least three days of water, food, and medications – for the pet and you! 
7. Make sure your dog has an ID tag. Whether spooked by auto travel or just hankering for a good stretch, sometimes dogs exit your vehicle without. Make sure they can be safely identified and returned by ensuring they have current tags including your name and phone number and, if microchipped, their chip number too. 

No matter how you travel and socialize with your pooch, PEMCO encourages pet owners to leash up, buckle in, and practice good etiquette to keep their pets and communities safe. 

PEMCO Agency partners with Pet's Best, a trusted and highly rated provider of pet insurance, so you can focus on those moments that matter most. As an added value, PEMCO customers get a 5% discount on their policy. 

For a full summary of PEMCO’s latest Northwest Poll results, visit pemco.com/blog/nw-polls.