Here We Go Again----- Seat Belts

[F, Calla & Luca]

I thought this was thought provoking, especially the part about testing of restraints. My dogs stay calmly in the back seat. Although I have restraints I do not use them but I know many people would be critical of my decision.

http://www.care2.com/causes/are-doggy-seat-belts-really-safe-for-yo...

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

I am the only one I know that thought they were a good idea in my circle of acquaintances.  I have never had a dog that didn't sit or lay nicely in a car, I never have mine in the front seat and I thought they would be a good thing for the dog's safety.  Apparently that is not true.  I have not had one so far, was thinking of getting one for Meg for safety but will rethink that.  On the other hand if Meg would not stay in her seat while I was driving I would definitely get one or the wire guard to put between front and back like my daughter has in her SUV.  Thanks for sharing that article.

[Donna K & Quincy]

I don't use a car restraint. I've looked at them and even tried a couple but I never liked the way they worked. It always seemed to me that they could cause more harm than good. I do have a hammock type thing that keeps Quincy from being thrown on the floor if I brake too hard ( which I have done). He is perfect in the car and has never tried to get in the front and rarely even pokes his head out there unless there is a treat involved. I think this may be a case of damned if you do and damned if you don't.

[Val MacQueen and Jasper]

In Australia in New South Wales, that is, you are fined for not having your dog in a seat belt, $400 and 3 demerit points. They say if you have to stop suddenly or are in an accident the dog can become a projectile and cause injury.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I have them but I rarely use them, usually only for longer trips. I have been doubting how safe they actually are. It's really hard to know for sure. I'm looking for ward to the results of all the safety testing.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Very interesting. I have car restraints for my dogs, but have never used them. I have been unsure about the safety of them.

[Camilla and Darwin]

This is very thought provoking F. We always harness Darwin into his belt, without exception. I guess I never thought about the fact that Dog seat belts don't really have to be tested and aren't very regulated. I am going to have to research our harness. I doubt based on the design that the harness could slip to around his neck (it is secured under his armpits), although I'm not convinced that this harness is sturdy enough to withstand a crash. HMMM.

[Jennifer and Jack]

That is the cutest picture ever ....

[F, Calla & Luca]

It really is.

[Camilla and Darwin]

:-)

[Stella]

I purchased this kind of harness and had to return it because Chase managed to get it off on several occasions. He would lie down and back up, getting it off over his head!! I then tried another design that fastens into the seatbelt clip. He learnt to stand on the release button and get free!! I have given up on restraining him because he is such a Houdini. He gets out of every harness we try!

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

have you tried the kurgo?

[Stella]

Not yet!!  I've considered it!  My husband thinks it is cruel to restrain him in the car - I keep telling him it is even crueller if he flies through the windshield if we crash!  The other harness we tried was badly designed and he kept getting himself all tangled up.  I would have to keep stopping the car to untangle him!  So, I am a bad doodle mommy and don't restrain him on local drives, i do still fasten him in on the highway, but the only one we have right now is the one that goes into the seatbelt clip - the one he can undo!!.