First dog to go sky diving - funny or cruel?

http://www.itv.com/news/2014-05-28/whisper-becomes-the-first-dog-to-base-jump-off-the-eiger/

I'm not too sure about it. From the dog's reaction during and at the end of the video, I'd say it probably wasn't the best idea.

I think it is totally irresponsible and abusive. If they want to jump from a plane then fair enough, but do not force and animal to do it for pleasure!

Hayley wrote:I think it is totally irresponsible and abusive. If they want to jump from a plane then fair enough, but do not force and animal to do it for pleasure!

I absolutely agree!  

Absolutely agree with you guys!

Trouble is, you've got the people in the comments section claiming that, "the dog wouldn't have been wagging his tail if he didn't like it!"

More like the dog was frantic and terrified, and so was seeking comfort from his owner.

Absolutely terrible. the dog was obviously distressed throughout.

Him wagging his tail and jumping up gleefully at his tormentor was clearly relief and joyfulness that he was still alive.

I hope this kind of occurrence NEVER happens again - it WAS cruel and it WAS abusive and should never have been allowed. I am furious   

Completely agree. Poor dog, what would make someone think that was ok.

Hmm, really not something I'm comfortable with. There just doesn't seem to be any need for it.

LyndaW wrote:

I hope this kind of occurrence NEVER happens again - it WAS cruel and it WAS abusive and should never have been allowed.  I am furious   

Yes, I agree absolutely!

It's kind of pointless but the dog doesn't look worried.
Even when it's standing on that precipice it's not cowering or tail tucked. To each their own.

If is was stressed I would expect its tail to be tucked between its legs, but not something I'd ever ask a dog to partake in.

It just isn't something I'd want to take a chance with.

At least he's sharing his life with his best friend.
I don't condone taking your dog basejumping but he did take precautions strapping the dog in properly, having a well fitted harnass for the abseiling and the (lol) goggles.
As I said to each their own.

Thats true. Many dogs skateboard, surf etc with their owner, &some really enjoy it.

That's fair enough! Tbh, I was curious to know how different people would view it. Like I said in the original post, it's really not something I'm sure about. It didn't look to me like the dog was entirely happy, but there's only so much you can get from a quick video clip.

It is a short clip. I've looked at it a few times and all I'll say for sure is the dog isn't fighting to escape or cowering pulling it's head into the pack. I would never do it.
Also they parachute and hoist Special forces/Army dogs into war zones so...

I'm not sure that it's physically able to, but I don't think we'll ever know, unless wider footage is shown.

The good thing about Special Force dogs is that they're gradually trained for that type of work.