crazybailey
Forums Regular
Caro, I'd say if she's at least restrained somehow, that's better than nothing. It does prevent her from being thrown from the car or around in the car. If that's whats working and most comfortable, stick with it.
For those of you that use seatbelts/harnesses...
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BarbV
Forums Celebrity
Have you thought about a seat cover? I've got one that goes from the back of the back seat and attaches to the head rests in the front seat. I lay a towel down to catch flying fur. While the pups can still lay down, stand or sit - generally move around - it does prevent them from trying to get to the front seats, and also prevents them from landing on the floor.
PitterPatter
Forums Enthusiast
Caro, I'd say if she's at least restrained somehow, that's better than nothing. It does prevent her from being thrown from the car or around in the car. If that's whats working and most comfortable, stick with it.
That was one of my concerns was the fact that they can be thrown around in the car. I also was afraid the side curtain airbags could get her. Mine sets in a car seat with her harness on. Since the car seat is for a dog I'm sure it doesn't have to pass any safety tests. But as stated, I feel it's better than nothing.
corbinam
Moderator
I'm just curious...did everyone's dogs like/not mind being restrained in the car? I just bought Lexi a small harness for the car and she HATED it. She struggled so much that I had to stop the car and take her out of it because I was afraid she might hurt herself. She kept trying to back out of it.
She doesn't mind her walking harness at all--I think she hates this one because it restricts her movement.
Should I keep at it or just stick with a crate?
She doesn't mind her walking harness at all--I think she hates this one because it restricts her movement.
Should I keep at it or just stick with a crate?
take4roll10
Moderator
Bailey never gave me a problem with the car harness and being restrained in the car. She just sits or lays down.
What I did until they got used to it was clip the d-ring on their harness to a longer leash. I buckled the seat belt and basically tied a small knot using the leash to the seatbelt. There was plenty of give for them to move around in the back, but not enough so that they could go flying to the front of the car (which they did originally).
I do want to note though that these trips were VERY short and close to home/away from other cars, primarily to get them used to being partially restrained. Using a technique like this is NOT SAFE for any kind of driving where you could get into a wreck. It would hurt your baby, so I don't recommend using it for your regular way of car harnessing.
corbinam
Moderator
That definitely makes sense. I could do this around the neighborhood until she felt more comfortable. Thanks for the idea!
RetiredProf
Forums Enthusiast
Well, with the weather the way it is (snowing again) and Gus' vet appt tomorrow morning, I ventured out and bought him a safety harness for the car today.
It's the kind that you loop the seat belt through. I bought the medium, for dogs 30-65 pounds and, with a little adjustment, it fits him perfectly (the little moose). I let him wear it around the house for a while and he was "struttin' his stuff."
Dee was not impressed. "You are so not Elton John, ok?" She's in one of her moods...
Anyway, makes me feel better. Did I fret over car-safety this much 30 years ago when the kids were little?
It's the kind that you loop the seat belt through. I bought the medium, for dogs 30-65 pounds and, with a little adjustment, it fits him perfectly (the little moose). I let him wear it around the house for a while and he was "struttin' his stuff."
Dee was not impressed. "You are so not Elton John, ok?" She's in one of her moods...
Anyway, makes me feel better. Did I fret over car-safety this much 30 years ago when the kids were little?
Calliesmom
Moderator
Well, with the weather the way it is (snowing again) and Gus' vet appt tomorrow morning, I ventured out and bought him a safety harness for the car today.
It's the kind that you loop the seat belt through. I bought the medium, for dogs 30-65 pounds and, with a little adjustment, it fits him perfectly (the little moose). I let him wear it around the house for a while and he was "struttin' his stuff."
Dee was not impressed. "You are so not Elton John, ok?" She's in one of her moods...
Anyway, makes me feel better. Did I fret over car-safety this much 30 years ago when the kids were little?
there were barely seatbelts back then- more options to choose from today.
never wore a seatbelt as a kid- always wear one now
I never had harnesess for any of my dogs till a friend of mine was in an accident, she was in a pickup with the back on an enclosed like a camper but not the big campers on top, not sure what they are called. She was in the back part and an older couple was driving.
They got clipped coming a ramp on the highway and the truck rolled her two shelties were with her and her male got thrown out of the truck. She begged the trooper to let her get her dog to a vet but they would not let her go yet...Gizmo died the next day. I got seat belts shortly after ward. Maggie and Katie did fine with theirs so far Zak has been in his crate or my lap and now that he is big enogh he can wear Maggie's when she is not with us. He will grow into Katie's soon enough.
My friends use crates for their two.
They got clipped coming a ramp on the highway and the truck rolled her two shelties were with her and her male got thrown out of the truck. She begged the trooper to let her get her dog to a vet but they would not let her go yet...Gizmo died the next day. I got seat belts shortly after ward. Maggie and Katie did fine with theirs so far Zak has been in his crate or my lap and now that he is big enogh he can wear Maggie's when she is not with us. He will grow into Katie's soon enough.
My friends use crates for their two.