Finally Car Safety Compliant

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I am embarassed to say I have never buckled in my two doodles in the back of our SUV's. They have a metal divider up that keeps them in the back and from becoming projectiles should there be an accident, but that has always still made us uncomfortable. It seemed like the few car rides, a few miles around town just didn't warrant harnesses. Yes, I know what you are all thinking.....STUPID, STUPID, STUPID DOODLE MOMMY. 

Well since we have purchased a vacation cabin about 100 miles away, a 2 hour drive, and we now go with them at least once or twice a week. And after one trip we both looked at eachother and said 'This is not safe AT ALL".  THoughts of an accident and them escaping, harmed, running into the mountains, alone, was my first concern, besides the worst outcome,, of course, being they are killed in an accident due to our negligence.

We purchased two harnesses, not knowing what to expect as they have never been restrained. They  snuggly fit and attached to the seatbelts pretty easily. Neither one seemed to care, I think because they still wear gentle walker harness around their chests when walking? 

Murphy settled right in, layed down and just snoozed the whole ride. Bella being a little more of a nosey body and exciteable when it comes to car rides, just sat up looking out the windows the whole time. 

Our usual car sickness still happened with Bella, and I was hoping the extra snuggness of the harness would help that, but no. I researched on DK and called My Vet, who suggested Dramamine and we gave her the first dose yesterday morning and SUCCESS!     No vomiting at all. And on the way home she actually laid down and rested. A first for her! 

So once again, due to DK, my doodles are safer and I continue to be a more educated and responsible dog owner.

The picture is of them at the cabin, helping us choose wood flooring. lol

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Is houdini small enough to fit in a crate in the back and your big boy in a harness in the back seat? That would be my only suggestion.  

[Stella]

Houdini is crate phobic!! He only gets crated at agility (because we have no choice there) and he is slowly destroying a wire crate!! It is something I ak working on, but he is not happy in there - he is my problem dog!!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Looks like you have 2 very serious decorators!  Congrats on the harness arrangement, it sounds like they are adapting well to it. Tara has had a harness for quite some time and now she knows when the harness comes out she gets to go for a ride! Woo Hoo! They learn fast!

[DJ & Chance]

Good for you!!! Love photo--I am sure those two doodle will make a great choice.