Traveling in the car with 2 doods!

[April S.]

Luna is 2 years old - 74lbs.  Zola is 13 weeks, 18lbs.  We are traveling this weekend for a funeral, the trip is about 3 1/2 hours by car.   I have one of the car hammocks for the back seat and its worked well for one doodle but how do we manage 2 in the car and keep them both comfortable but make it not so annoying for Luna.  I looked up car seats for dogs, all of them are "booster" seats which would work for the little one (for a few months).  Anyone have any suggestions/tips ?   Zola has no cares for "personal bubble space".  Thanks in advance!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

We travel a lot with our girls.  Lucy is about 75 lbs and AnnaBelle is about 60 lbs.  We have a van with a complete seat right behind the front seats like a regular car.  Lucy lays on the seat and AnnaBelle prefers the floor.  She sits in between the two front seats.  They are both buckled in with their seatbelt harnesses.  I've never tried the hammock type seat cover, but just looking at it it seems like it would be awkward getting them in and out.   I just cover the seat with blankets and put a couple pillows down and they are fine.  I have an old quilt that I cut a couple slits in that fits over the head rest to hold it up over the back of the seat.  They could both sit on the seat if they wanted.  The most important part is to be sure they are both buckled in. If they are both buckled in it would keep the puppy from being all over the other doodle.   Also, make sure you have ahold of the leash before unbuckling or opening the doors.  You don't want one of them bolting out before you are ready.  Additionally we carry a type written note in my purse and also one in the glovebox that says who to call to get the dogs should something happen and we can't take care of them.  We also ask that they please get them any medical care that they might need and that we would be forever grateful if someone could take care of them until we can get someone to pick them up and NOT take them to the local pound.  Sorry to hear of the reason for your travels but wish you a safe trip.  

[Sherree]

April, My doodles are Pierre 8, 72 lbs and Piper 7, 70 lbs.  They have a zillion puppy miles under their paws.  They go every time we get in the car.  When Piper was a puppy and untrained she did escape once when the door was opend then we crated her or leashed her.  They both have been trained to "load" and "wait" (best command I have ever taught a dog).  They have traveled as long as 14hrs in one day.  Us humans have to remember that they need to "stop" like we do.  If crossing a U.S. border you will need to get a "puppy passport" from your vet.  

Currently and for years they have rode in the back seat.  I cover the seat and they make them selfs comfy.   I drive a quad cab pickup or trailblazer. I always carry  water and a bowl leashes and collars.

Good Luck

Sherree

[Alexandra Meir]

I know this reply is likely very late... and likely won't help you anymore, but it might help someone.

I have two dogs, 85ish lb at 15 months old and 60ish lb at 9 months. The smaller 9mo loves to sit on top of her brother if not separated. I use body harnesses, leashes that attach into the seat belt bucklers and a divider in the middle of the seat to train her to sit separately. I choose this method because I don't want either or both of them being launched from the car should we get into an accident.