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...

[BG and Gavin]

Honestly F. I know this was not your intention, but debating about this topic turns me into a nut case.  If the restraint causes injury to the dog, think about where the dog would have wound up with out it?  You may remember me talking about witnessing a spin out accident and not discovering until some minutes later that there was an additional person 50 or more yards from the vehicle, in the middle of a field.  All belongings and suitcases were strewn for half a mile in each direction.  A dog would have been so dead.  Maybe even with a restraint in this case, but it gives everyone the best chance.  P.S. If it was your intention to bait me - I will get you back by posting about ACV!! :)

[F, Calla & Luca]

Not at all my intention. I was really just wondering about this article. There are so many things to consider. We all want what's best for the dogs : )

[Willow and J]

Doggie seat belt has been one of the hottest debates in our household. Doggie hates it, and doggie daddy feels sorry for the doggie tangled up in the back seat, so it comes down to me to insist on the case. We both agree that it is a must, but it doesn't help that the execution is more complicated than we like. 

Willow has both Ruffrider and Bergen, which are probably better rated among the most on the market. We've given up on Ruffrider, because it's a pain to put it on and off, and because it doesn't have swivel hook, Willow gets tangled up very quickly in the back seat. Her coat was a mess after a week's trip in the Ruffrider and we had to almost shave her.

Bergen is better, but adjustable straps are not very well designed and Willow can stretch them out and harness becomes too loose. On top of these design flaws, unlike how both of them advertise that these can be used for regular walking harness, Willow pulls so much on these, and we have to switch her to a different collar or harness once she's out of the car. 

For short drives, we also just tether Willow using Bergan's seatbelt hook attachment on her regular collar or easy-walking harness. Problem here is that in case of accident, she will less likely be thrown out through the windshield, but she'd be hurt by her own collar.

We have the hammock seat cover, not necessarily for the safety. We made up "zip-line" with climbing equipments, which had potential but it was just too much hassle.

I will keep strapping her in the car, but what frustrates me is that none of these are really safe or convenient. I feel that this shouldn't be this complicated!! It's an area that desperately needs some good invention.

 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I do think anything that attaches to a collar is likely to do more harm than good.

[Lynda Kamrath]

My first labradoodle used to ride shotgun in the front seat of my sports car.  He loved it!  But when we got a second doodle, that was not going to work so I actually got another car that would be safe for the dogs and for human passengers who were also in the car.  In case of an accident, I wouldn't want a large dog (or even a small one) flipping around in the car.  We have a barrier around the back area for the dogs and it has a truck bed liner that is very easy to clean after trips to the beach.  We have a covered foam mattress for longer trips in the car.  We have the bikes on top, the dogs in the back, and plenty of room in the car for passengers and gear.  Works for us.

[DJ & Chance]

I am annoyed that they did not name the brands tested or at least discuss the appropriateness and reliability (or lack of the same) of the safety tests touted by some harness manufacturers.  I understand liability issues, but the information is not very helpful to dog owners.  I am sticking with my harness for now.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I just went in and looked at what Triple AAA recommends and it seems they like the Kurgo system. Upon further research, I think this is what I am looking for too, and I plan on ordering. It does say it is crash tested.

http://www.kurgostore.com/dog-travel/auto-zip-line-tru-fit-smart-ha...

Actually, I think I would prefer this harness with the steel Nesting buckles.

http://www.kurgostore.com/enhanced-strength-tru-fit-smart-harness/

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

we have the kurgo for lilly. after 6 days in the car. works well.

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

should add Lilly is 16 pounds.

[Lori (Wilson and Woody's Mum)]

Interesting article.......if we are going anywhere, my dogs are buckled in - one exception might be to the library or post office (just a few blocks away).  I did research on the type I bought, but I guess I don't know how how reliable they actually are.  I was very particular about the design, the strength and the attachment system so went based on that.  Woody loves to sit on the console next to me and just basically be a nuisance in the car.  Having him in a buckle helps tremendously.  It keeps me focused on driving and him out of the way.  But more importantly, I feel as though I am keeping them as safe as I can.  

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

i use kurgo as the ARE safety tested - one of only a few out there that are