Driving in the car with your Doodle...

[Joann Valerio]

Does any one have suggestions for restraint contraption/seatbelt for your Doodle, including how to
make your Doodle calm riding in the car. Thanks!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Joann, we have had many discussions on this topic. Here are just a few of them.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/car-restraints

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/doggie-car-harness

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/finally-car-safety-compliant

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/seat-belt

Are you aware of the search feature here on DK? Just type your search term into the box in the upper right hand corner of any page here on DK, and you will get lots and lots of results on just about any doodle or dog related topic. 

[Joann Valerio]

Thanks everyone!

[BG and Gavin]

Oh yes, I am passionate about this topic. Read the links that Karen suggested. One of the tricky things is getting the right fit so I would suggest going to your local pet stores and try some on. My tall, lanky deep chested guy proves to be nearly impossible to fit. I have improvised with a top quality well-fitting harness and a coupler. Some of these harnesses have been tested many have not, but something is better than nothing. http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/a-close-call-and-another-p...

[Joann Valerio]

What about more strategies for keeping your Doodle calm?

[BG and Gavin]

Start when they are young, practice, keep it routines and matter of fact. Some pups may have problems but many won't. Gavin had to go for a four hour car ride the day after we got him. It was never an issue for him.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Doggie Dan suggest that you place a blanket over them laying down in the back seat.  I would try getting a safety harness, clipping them in and then placing the blanket over them.  Maybe someone could ride in the back with them initially for comfort.  

[Stella]

I do a lot of travelling with my doodles to agility competitions, often in bad weather. After seeing many horrific pics of wire crates after accidents (they distort really easily) and hearing stories of lost dogs that ran away after being involved in an accident... I bit the $$$ bullet and purchased a Variocage. These are not cheap and are not the answer for everyone, but I wanted to know my doodles would be safe and remain contained in the even of an accident.

http://www.doodlekisses.com/photo/double-xxl-varuovage

[Stella]

Pic of the inside

http://www.doodlekisses.com/photo/double-xxl-variocage?context=latest

[Janet & Jaxson]

Jaxson initially rode in a crate in the car the first couple months. After he was big enough, we got the Sleepypod Click It Sport which is one of the few that has passed a safety test. Jaxson went to work with me the first couple months after we got him so he quickly got used to commuting with me 1 hour each way. He was a great sport and has never had a problem riding in the car!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I waited for a long time for them to come out with a Sleepypod Click It Sport large enough for my Lucy.  However, once I got it I did not like the way that it fit her and I returned it.  

[Janet & Jaxson]

That's too bad because I really like it.  It's really easy to put it on him and slip the seat belt through the loops on the back.  He can either sit up or lay down in it.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Although Dawn Ross is no longer selling she is advising those that want to keep their dogs safe with new products coming out and their ratings.  She is a member here even though she is not a doodle owner, she has  helped many of us, including me-especially me.

If  you need help you can reach her here on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/PetAutoTravelSafety/?fref=ts

Whatever  you do, JUST DO IT.  Love my dog safely in his seat in the car